THE LIVING PERFORMANCE – First Gathering

Pina Bausch Centre under construction, Bundesallee 260, Wuppertal

Not a show. Not a class.
An invitation to step inside the creative act itself.
No dance experience needed. Just your body, your presence, your story.
Move, imagine, or simply be... everything you bring is part of the creation.
Join choreographer Francesco Vecchione and Tanztheater Wuppertal dancer Taylor Drury for a day of movement, dialogue, and discovery.
Watch an open rehearsal, explore your own creative voice, and become part of a living performance.
Curious minds, all physical abilities, and all ages are welcome.
Together, let's create something unforgettable.

Whether through movement, stillness, words, or gestures, every expression becomes part of the shared creative space we build together.
In this first gathering of The Living Performance, you are not just a witness. You are part of something that unfolds with you. Dance and theatre are not presented as finished works to observe, but as living experiences to share, shape, and carry forward into the world.

© Bettina Stoß

A Journey of Creative Discovery
The day begins with a gentle, guided movement session to awaken presence, imagination, and connection. It will be open and accessible to everyone, designed to welcome all bodies and comfort levels.
You will then have the unique opportunity to observe an open rehearsal of a work-in-progress by choreographer Francesco Vecchione and Tanztheater dancer Taylor Drury, before slowly and safely stepping into your own creative process.
For one day, you will step into the role of creator and performer, through conversation, movement explorations, and playful improvisation tasks, under the caring and professional guidance of Francesco and Taylor.
Feeling hesitant about moving? That is completely natural, and welcome. Your presence alone is valuable, and there will be many ways to participate that honour your comfort level.

Who is it for?

• Curious minds. No dance experience needed. Your unique perspective is what enriches this experience.
• All physical abilities are welcome. Tasks will be adapted to each participant, with options to engage through movement, observation, or verbal reflection.
• Teens to elders. Intergenerational dialogue is not just welcome, it is one of the most beautiful parts of the day.

What can you expect?

• A shared creative journey through movement, improvisation, and dialogue in a supportive environment.
• The chance to witness and take part in an open rehearsal with professional artists.
• An invitation to explore themes like belonging, memory, place, and migration (emotional, generational, geographic) not as theory, but as living material for creation.
• A safe space where your boundaries are respected and your participation, in whatever form it takes, is valued.

Above all: You will be part of a process that values presence, exchange, and the joy of creating something together.