Masse – Dancing Nightmares at Berghain

photos: Bettina Stöß

For more than three years Staatsballet Berlin, one of the best classical dance companies in Europe, and Berghain, for many Berliners the best club in the whole universe, worked on their second artistic collaboration. Based on new electronic music tracks by Henrik Schwarz, Marcel Dettmann with Frank Wiedemann and DIN (Efdemin & Marcel Fengler) three different Staatsballett choreographers presented a contemporary dance piece. The topic and also the title of this three-part evening is: Masse (mass) as a social and physical phenomenon. Read more about my experience of seeing this unique production after the jump.

I could write now how crazy it is that (evil) Berghain and a (lovely) ballet company worked on a piece together (like classical newspapers did). But actually I find nothing crazy about that. Both institution have been passionate about dance for a long time and made an effort to share their passion in Berlin. So it comes natural that they joined forces in what they do best. Berghain provides the danceable space and the danceable music and Stattballett provides the dancers and choreographers. A third force joined with contemporary artist Norbert Bisky who created the stage installation for the three pieces.

I had my doubts from the start about the quality of the contemporary choreography, because that was sometimes the weak point of Staatsballett. But all three choreographers did a good job. Especially the first and third part had a diverse and powerful energy. I also loved to see the Staatsballett working as real ensemble and less as solo-dancers and extras. The space which is located next to Berghain is very impressive and has a total new appeal.

I am actually quite glad that they did not use the main dance floor of the club itself. Norbert Bisky created a good space, even if his background as an artist is obvious. I had enough stage designer friends over for dinner to know the difference between a beautiful space and a stage that works as a forth dimension for the piece’ storytelling. Most disappointing at some points was the music which lacked in significance for the choreography and for the atmosphere of the whole night. The only piece I think the audience really enjoyed was the Henrik Schwarz track. Overall I had a wonderful night. An easy pleasure for the eyes and an extremely diverse dance experience I would not have wanted to miss. What I think they should have definetly changed is the quantity of the performances because the piece was sold out instantaneously. Hopefully they do it again next year.

MASSE

www.staatsballett-berlin.de

berghain.de

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<a href="https://www.iheartberlin.de/author/cr/" target="_self">Claudio</a>

Claudio

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