Pina Bausch
Early Life and Education
Pina Bausch was born on July 27, 1940, in Solingen, Germany. Her full name was Philippine Bausch, but she was affectionately called Pina by her family and friends. Her parents owned a restaurant, and she often observed the patrons' emotions and interactions, which later influenced her choreographic style.
At the age of 14, Bausch decided to pursue a career in dance and enrolled in the Folkwang School of Drama in Essen, under the tutelage of the renowned choreographer Kurt Jooss. Here, she studied a variety of dance styles, including ballet, modern, and folk dance, as well as mime and singing. Bausch graduated in 1959 and received a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service to study at the Juilliard School in New York City.
Career
In New York, Bausch was exposed to a variety of new dance influences, including the work of modern dance pioneers like Martha Graham and Paul Taylor. She performed with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company and the New American Ballet, but returned to Germany in 1962 to accept a position with the newly formed Folkwang Ballet Company, which was led by her former teacher, Kurt Jooss.
In 1973, Bausch was appointed as the director of the Wuppertal Opera Ballet, which she renamed Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch. Here, she developed a unique style of dance theatre, known as Tanztheater, which combined elements of dance, drama, and visual art. Her works often explored themes of human relationships, love, and death, and were noted for their emotional intensity and physicality.
Bausch's choreographic style was groundbreaking and often controversial. She rejected the traditional narrative structure of ballet and instead created abstract, emotionally charged pieces that challenged the audience's perceptions of dance. Her works often included unconventional elements, such as dirt, water, and everyday objects, and she frequently collaborated with designers, musicians, and artists to create a holistic theatrical experience.
Throughout her career, Bausch created over 40 pieces for Tanztheater Wuppertal and received numerous awards and accolades, including the Bessie Award, the Laurence Olivier Award, and the Kyoto Prize. Despite her death in 2009, her company continues to perform her works around the world.
Legacy
Pina Bausch's influence on the world of dance is immeasurable. Her innovative approach to choreography and performance has inspired countless dancers and choreographers, and her works continue to be performed and celebrated worldwide. Bausch's Tanztheater style has also had a significant impact on the field of contemporary dance, influencing the development of new genres and techniques.
In addition to her contributions to dance, Bausch's work has also influenced the fields of theatre, film, and visual art. Her collaborations with filmmakers, such as Pedro Almodovar and Wim Wenders, have resulted in critically acclaimed films that further expanded the reach of her artistic vision.
Despite her death, Bausch's legacy continues to thrive through the work of Tanztheater Wuppertal and the Pina Bausch Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving her artistic heritage and promoting the development of dance theatre.