IN THE SPOTLIGHT

I have the great opportunity to speak with each of this years TANZFAKTOR participants at the Theater ROXY Birsfelden/Basel (16th & 17th of March, 8pm). TANZFAKTOR makes it possible for dance producers and young professionals to present their current work in different places, beyond their usual scope and to a wider public. The gala character of TANZFAKTOR offers the opportunity to get an overall view of Swiss contemporary dance culture by means of concise and concentrated presentations. The inter-regional cast of the expert judges is meant to question local assessment patterns, confront different viewpoints and break mechanisms that are too insider- or scene-associated. New contacts to the dance scene outside of their own region will emerge for the organizers. They can profit from the inter-regional exchange that opens up space for new inspirations, projects and commitments.

Diane GEMSCH…What does it mean to you to be participating at TANZFAKTOR?

It is exciting to be part of a production featuring new contemporary choreography by artists across Switzerland.

Tell me a bit about yourself and your training.

I was born in Zurich but studied from 2006 to 2010 at the Fontys Hoogschool for the Arts in Tilburg, Holland, and at the Royal Conservatory of Dance in Antwerp, Belgium, where I completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance. I love various styles of training, and now would like to learn circus aerial skills for example.

Do you have a mentor? Someone who advises you on your work?

I have no singular mentor but seek the advice of a few select people in my life.

A source of inspiration for you? For your work?

Inspiration comes at unexpected times. For this solo I remember that a lot happened after I visited the Jewish Museum Berlin.

Struggles or hard moments during this creation?

An artist often struggles when making new work, from deciding on a concept to finding the right language and taking it through to completion. Sometimes the concept can change if you find it’s not working, which can be difficult if you are confronted with a deadline. I thoroughly enjoyed making « NaNa » and look forward to presenting it at Tanzfaktor.

Organizational challenges?

I have a very good team so I can carry on with my work and not worry about administrative and production issues.

What do you see as the benefits of participating in TANZFAKTOR?

The benefits are certainly to collaborate with other artists, but also to connect as much with like-minded people as with new ones, and new audiences.

Something you are looking forward to learning or discovering in the TANZFAKTOR process?

I am keen to go on this tour, which will also give me the opportunity to discover works by other artists who I might not know yet; settling into a routine and then letting go of it again.

Do you have a specific dream or goal to achieve?

Yes, I have big dreams and goals but this is a very personal journey that evolves organically as I mature and develop my career as a choreographer.

If you could change one thing for young choreographers growing up in Switzerland, what would it be?

I would wish to encourage young choreographers to believe that they can be free to create whatever comes to them, and to feel supported in their process. They should try not to be influenced by criticism from others. It is okay to fail as it is part of the process of learning and developing!

Photography by Andreas Zihler

TANZFAKTOR 2016 — (Basel edition) — Theater ROXY — Wed 16 March, 20h — Thur 17 March, 20h.

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Organization in Basel: ROXY Birsfelden & Tanzbüro Basel (IG Tanz)
www.theater-roxy.ch
www.tanzbuero-basel.ch

Organization on national level: RESO Swiss Dance Network
www.tanzfaktor.ch
www.reso.ch

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Programme at the ROXY
Video trailer by Zelda Productions
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou-6fK9jZQY

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FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/tanzfaktor

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Supports in Basel: kulturelles.bl Kanton Basel-Landschaft / Präsidialdepartement Basel-Stadt – Abteilung Kultur / Fonds Edith Maryon / Fonds Warteck pp
Supports on national level: Pro Helvetia Swiss Arts Council, Foundation Ernst Göhner, Migros Culture Percentage

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TANZFAKTOR 2016 on tour in Switzerland:
Lucerne: Südpol, 10th March. / Neuchâtel: ADN – Hiver de Danses, 12th & 13th March / Birsfelden/Basel: Theater ROXY 16th & 17th March / Losone/Locarno: Performa Festival Fabbrica di Losone, 2nd April / Steckborn: Phönix Theater, 21st & 22nd April / Lausanne: Théâtre Sévelin 36, 13th & 14th May / Bern: Dampfzentrale, 12th & 13th June / Zurich: Fabriktheater Rote Fabrik 23rd & 24th September / Geneva: Théâtre de l’Usine, 30th September 2016.
www.tanzfaktor.ch