laborgras

Founded in Hamburg in 1994, the laborgras collective set up a branch in Berlin in 2000.

The focus is on the present, where dance styles are tested in collaboration with artists of different genres. There is a lot of experimenting with movement and performance.

The collective tries to create its own language out of dances and rhythms. laborgras is always open to new developments, trends, and aesthetics contributed by others, making it an institution for bold approaches to dance. Professional dancers encourage dialogue amongst themselves and with the public.

The Founders

Renate Graziadei and Arthur Stäldi founded laborgras for dancers and choreographers.

Stäldi started his dance training in Lucerne and Rotterdam. After founding the dance group COAX, with which he danced until 1994, he became the co-founder of the laborgras collective.

Engaged and involved in numerous dance projects with other artists, Stäldi has been teaching dance techniques throughout Germany and abroad since 1996. Since 2008, he has focused on his work as a choreographer, playwright, teacher, and technical director at laborgras.

Renate Graziadei was born in Austria, but had her first dance training in Switzerland, too. She later moved to New York, where she studied and worked. After her return to Europe, she worked with the S.O.A.P. Dance Theater in Frankfurt, then moved to Hamburg with Stäldi and joined COAX. In 1994, Graziadei founded laborgras with her Swiss colleague. In 1997, the Austrian was named an up-and-coming dance in the magazine ballet international / tanz aktuell. She has also taught contemporary dance techniques in Germany and abroad. Since 2004, Graziadei has collaborated with Sasha Waltz & Guests, including the projects Jagden & Formen and Metamorphoses. Since 1999, the successful dancer has been involved in a variety of productions and projects.

Constant reinvention

New ideas are constantly being sought in the laborgras studio. Contemporary choreography is created for innovative productions and performances. So it should not be surprising that guest artists from around the come to the studios in Kreuzberg to train and further develop their skills and present them to audiences. Workshops and courses offer numerous opportunities for new encounters and change. Pieces are frequently presented to the public and many rehearsals are also open. For the founders of laborgras, public performance is important for the dancers so that they can improve and see positive development of their skills.

International flair with successful projects

laborgras has garnered numerous national and international awards for its commitment and work. With productions like temporary stories, for example, the team was named Innovative Dance Production in 2000. In 2004, it received the Kurt Jooss Prize in Essen for the solo dance performance Story – No Story. The piece I, myself and me again has been repeatedly performed at numerous dance festivals.

laborgras is supported by the Capital Cultural Fund, the Foundation for Performing Arts, and the State Office for Cultural Affairs. Over its entire history, laborgras has received both high praise and much support from its international partners.