Rosas danst Rosas

In 1983, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker made her international breakthrough with Rosas danst Rosas, a performance that has since become a landmark in postmodern dance history. Building on the minimalist foundation of Fase (1982), Rosas danst Rosas uses abstract movement as the basis for a layered choreographic structure in which repetition plays the leading role.

The intensity of the physical movement is counterbalanced by small, everyday gestures. Upon its premiere, Rosas danst Rosas was widely interpreted as an overtly feminine and feminist statement: four women dancing themselves – again and again. The physical exhaustion and unwavering persistence lend the piece a charged emotional depth, set in stark contrast to the rigorous structure of the choreography. The repetitive, "maximalist" music by Thierry De Mey and Peter Vermeersch was developed in tandem with the choreography.

The 1997 film adaptation, directed by De Mey, quickly became as iconic as the live performance. Through the online participatory platform Re:Rosas!, anyone can learn the second section – a simplified version of the well-known chair choreography. Dance lovers from across the globe have shared hundreds of personal interpretations online.

Since its premiere in 1983, Rosas danst Rosas has been performed nearly 500 times by 28 dancers over 5 generations. For this revival, a completely new cast will bring the legendary work to life once again.