Skatepark

Legend has it that one day, low waves forced the surfers of Los Angeles out of the water and onto the tarmac. Since then, skaters have conquered public space with their unique choreographies. They glide through the streets and fly through the air, overcoming obstacles with daring moves and defying gravity.

In her latest spectacular work, Danish choreographer Mette Ingvartsen transforms the stage into a skate park and reimagines skating as a form of dance. A large group of dancers and skaters, including members of Düsseldorf’s skate scene, share the thrill of speed and the special energy of movement on wheels. Ingvartsen’s cleverly staged performance is about more than just the virtuosity of these “daredevils on wheels”: “Skatepark is also an exploration of a community defined by passion, perseverance and hard work. The skaters relentlessly test, fail and push the boundaries of what is physically possible, both individually and as a group. But they also just hang out, listen to music, talk, laugh and dance.

“Skatepark has virtually no lyrics and is an experience for all generations. The special subculture of skating is condensed on stage into an impressive, lively choreography. Rarely has the positive attitude of a young generation been brought to the stage in such a dazzling way and with such energy.

Danish choreographer and dancer Mette Ingvartsen often combines dance and movement with other disciplines such as visual arts, technology, language and theory. Since founding her company in 2003, her work has been shown in Europe, the USA, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia. Ingvartsen has been artist in residence at the Kaaitheater in Brussels and the Volksbühne in Berlin. She holds a doctorate in choreography from UNIARTS / Lund University in Sweden.

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What the press says:

“‘Skatepark’ sparkles with joie de vivre and vitality” (WDR Westart)

“All this has power, energy, can get loud, touches in its performative quality” (Kurier)

“Brilliant performance” (tanz.at)

“Between hypnotic ballet and space for resistance, this skate park lets the voices of youth resound. (sceneweb.fr)

“Skatepark is a wonderful piece about dance. (tanz)

“Skatepark is not only a moving plea for greater freedom and equality, but the performance tells us so much more.” (Theaterkrant)

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