Shall we dance? The waltz has a wild history. Its rotations once sent dancers into a trance-like state, leading to its ban in certain places. Today, it seems tamed—associated with ballroom glamour, weddings, Sissi dreams, and social status.
How can the original potential of the waltz be rediscovered? Johanna Heusser introduces the basic steps of the waltz—solo and in pairs—and explores how spinning in ¾ can work beyond heteronormative narratives or couple-based logic.
As part of Steps, Basel-based choreographer Johanna Heusser transforms her existing piece valse, valse, valse into a 15- to 20-minute duet that takes place away from the traditional stage. Followed by a participatory workshop of around 40 minutes, this short version offers a playful approach to the art of waltzing.
A mini dance lesson for everyone - people with or without waltz experience are all warmly invited!
Participation is free of charge but only possible with registration.
Info
Duration: 60 min.
Spoken language: none
Age reccomendation: 6+
Content warning: none
Further information: johannaheusser.ch
Credits
Artistic direction & choreography: Johanna Heusser
Performers: Momo Tanner, Emeric Rabot
Musician: Marie Jeger
Costumes: Diana Ammann
Production: give me hope productions
Co-Production: ROXY Birsfelden, DSCHUNGEL Wien, Johann Strauss 2025, Theater im Pumpenhaus, Bühne Aarau
Supported by: Fachausschuss darstellende Künste BS/BL, Pro Helvetia, SSA, Schweizerische Interpretenstiftung SIS, Landis & Gyr Stiftung
Johanna Heusser
Johanna Heusser is a choreographer and dancer with a degree in contemporary and urban dance and a master’s in Expanded Theater. Her works have been presented in Switzerland and internationally, including at Zürcher Theaterspektakel, Schauspielhaus Vienna, and Istanbul Fringe Festival. She has received numerous awards, including the Atelier Mondial and Double Dance from Migros Culture Percentage, and her creations have been featured at the Swiss Theater Meeting. Her company is currently supported by the Canton of Basel.
