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Valeria

Die zeitgenoessische Taenzerin

Eine argentinische Taenzerin zwischen heisser Bühne und stiller Wohnung

The story

Valeria lies on the parquet floor. Her sweater has ridden up beneath her ribs. Her leggings end just below her knees. The light from the neon tube hits her side, accentuating the defined lines of her abdomen. Outside, twilight is slowly settling in. A bit of evening light filters through the curtain, brightening the floor. She breathes calmly. Her long black hair is spread out around her. There is no sound, only the faint hum of the tube.

The setting

Narrow old building apartment, parquet flooring, large window with a light curtain, vertical neon tube on the wall, twilight.

Who she is

Die zeitgenoessische Taenzerin

Valeria is 31. She dances in a small company in a big city. Her evenings often end late. When she is alone, she sheds the street and stays barefoot. Today I asked her if she would let me use her apartment, the light, and the floor for a few shots. She said yes.

Her world

In Berlin today, several Argentine dancers work in contemporary companies, such as Maria Marta Colusi with Sasha Waltz & Guests, or the choreographer Camilla at the Tanznacht Berlin festival[1][3][6].
Berlin is considered a center for contemporary dance, yet local press describes the life of dancers as existing on the edge of precariousness, marked by uncertain contracts and many side jobs[13].
Argentine dancers like Alma Edelstein build their existence in Europe through a mix of performances and teaching at institutions like state theaters, professional training in Berlin, and international workshops[7].

A short glossary

Contemporary Dance: An open field of dance that combines classical technique with improvised, interdisciplinary forms of movement, forming its own scene in Berlin with festivals and companies[9][13].
Dance Company: A permanent or project-based group of dancers and choreographers who develop, rehearse, and perform pieces together, often with international members from countries such as Argentina[1][7].
Professional Training: Regular, often morning training sessions for professional dancers to maintain technique, strength, and movement vocabulary, such as in Berlin studios and theaters[7][12].
Dance Festival: A multi-week event format featuring various productions, workshops, and performances, such as Tanz im August, which brings international companies and soloists to Berlin venues[9][10].

Sources

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