Daphnis Kokkinos
Dance Theater Workshop

Daphnis Kokkinos Dance Theater Workshop

The project will be hosted by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Istanbul, Turkish German Cultural Affairs Board Association, Istanbul University Department of Theater Criticism and Dramaturgy and Akbank Sanat.

Organized by: Bedirhan Dehmen, Hasibe Kalkan, Beril Şenöz

Daphnis Kokkinos' workshop first offers a modern dance training.

As the workshop progresses, Daphnis will introduce a series of movements, drawn from the illustrious repertory of Pina Bausch. These movements are not just to be emulated, but are designed to inspire dancers to discover and craft their own unique movements. Engagement is central to Daphnis' teaching method. Through thought-provoking questions and carefully curated situations, he encourages dancers to react authentically, fostering the creation of sequences that are distinctly their own. Participants will delve into the exploration of phrases, understanding how spoken words can be transformed into movement and vice versa. Additionally, the role of music will be explored in depth — examining its influence on dance and the emotions it evokes.

Whether working solo, in pairs, or in larger groups, Daphnis emphasizes the importance of a trusting environment. He strives to create a space where dancers feel empowered to express their deepest emotions, channeling them into both dance and theatre. In essence, this workshop is more than just a learning experience; it's a collective journey. Together, participants will unearth the intrinsic motivations that drive them to move and express.

Dance Theater Workshop

Date: 25/26 October 2023

Time: 10.00-15.00

Level: Advanced

Last Application Date: 20 October 2023

Application: The workshop, which will continue between 10:00-15:00 on 2 days, between October 25-26, is free of charge and participants are expected to ensure attendance. Since it is an advanced dance theater training, participation is only open to professional dancers and professional actors working in a body-oriented way and is limited to a quota of 15 people. We kindly ask those who wish to participate to pre-register using the "Register" button on the page and send their CVs (text format) via the message section during registration After the registrations are evaluated, invitations will be sent to the selected participants via e-mail.

About Daphnis Kokkinos

Daphnis Kokkinos was born in Heraklion, Crete. Since 1993 he has been a dancer at the Pina Bausch Dance Theater in Wuppertal. He was Pina Bausch's assistant from 2002 until her death in 2009, while he remains to this day a dancer and rehearsal director of the Pina Bausch Dance Theater. He studied theater at the Youth Theater of Crete and the Hellenic-American Association and dance at the National School of Dance in Greece, from where he received his diploma with honors. He danced for three years (1989-1992) at the Folkwang Tanz Studio, under the artistic direction of Pina Bausch. He has participated in the following film productions: Pedro Almodovar-Talk to her (as a dancer) Wim Wenders-Pina (as a dancer) Zenne Dancer (as a choreographer)

His first choreographic work Addio Addio Amore-a piece for Pina is dedicated to Pina Bausch. He has choreographed the piece Lamento for the Greek National Opera School, Stravinsky's Rite of Spring for the ballet of the Greek National Opera and Hug me, it's forbidden in the performance Remember me for the National School of Dance in Greece. His work Wandering Dunes for Šeiko Dance Company was presented in 2020 in Lithuania. He gives seminars around the world, including Greece, Korea, Italy, Sweden, Turkey, Chile, France, Brazil, Lithuania, Israel, about the art of Dance Theater.

Since July 2020, he is the Director of the National School of Dance in Greece.