Berlin, prepare for a transformative experience as DANCÆ invites you to explore the depths of your psyche through the mesmerising performance series “Chasing Nothing.” Running from July 5th to 10th, this multidisciplinary event promises to blur the lines between reality and subconscious, urging attendees to confront the innate longing for connection amidst modern alienation.
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All photos by Lilika Strezoska. @lilika_strezoska
With an innovative blend of choreography and visual art, “Chasing Nothing” is set to be an unmissable highlight in Berlin’s cultural calendar. Audiences will embark on a dream-like journey, forged by the visionary talents of performers, artists, and immersive soundscapes. The performance features a groundbreaking installation by Dominik Kießling in collaboration with d&b audiotechnik, providing both a spatial and symbolic representation of the ego that looms over the action below.
The accompanying exhibition will showcase compelling works by rising stars Cathrin Hoffmann and Aline Schwörer, further enhancing the audience’s exploration of identity and the complexities of the human psyche.
The Choreographic Work
Divided into three thought-provoking acts, “Chasing Nothing” delves deep into the archetypes that shape our inner selves, reflecting the universal quest for connectedness.
- Act One: Shaked Heller begins his solitary voyage through a transitional netherworld, embodying the struggle for transcendence. With a body marked by tattoos and scars, he represents the weight of experience as he strives to escape his earthly confines.
- Act Two: The atmosphere shifts as John Carlsson’s live composition intertwines contemplative piano melodies with cutting-edge electronica. This auditory landscape serves as a portal into the depths of the unconscious, unearthing hidden desires and fragmented thoughts that shape our identity.
- Act Three: The finale features seven dancers, each personifying significant archetypes of Heller’s psyche, such as the Hero, the Shadow, and the Trickster. As choreography dissolves into intricate, insect-like motions and erratic gestures, the dancers create a haunting reflection of the human condition, inviting the audience to ponder their search for meaning in an increasingly fragmented world.
The Dancers
Chasing Nothing’ is the brainchild of choreographers Soraya Schulthes and Renato De Leon, who together developed the concept and movement language for the work. The piece opens with Shaked Heller, a celebrated dancer with accolades from Zurich Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, and Staatsballett Berlin. His performances have captured the attention of critics from The New York Times, solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary dance. Joining him is Ballet Sur_real, the official ballet ensemble of DANCÆ, dedicated to seamlessly merging classical ballet with electronic influences and immersive technology.
Why You Can’t Miss This
“Chasing Nothing” is more than just a performance—it’s an invitation to journey into the recesses of your inner landscape. As Berliners grapple with their collective identity in a world driven by disconnection, this event serves as a vital exploration of what we are all ultimately chasing. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary artistic endeavour. Secure your tickets now and engage with the performance that everyone will be talking about!
Ensemble Members: Jade Albrieux, Renato De Leon, Andrea Marino, Eoin Robinson, Anna Okuneva and Soraya Schulthess, Vera Segova
Chasing Nothing:
• Date: 05, 07, 08, 09 & 10 July 2025
• Time: 19:45 – 22:30
• Performances: 20:30
• Location: Haus der Visionäre, Eichenstraße 4A, 12435 Berlin
Credits:
• Ballet Sur_real Choreography: Renato De Leon and Soraya Schulthess
• Creative Direction and Production: Renato De Leon and Soraya Schulthess
• Lighting Design: Joe Bellin
• Poster & Graphic Design: Tiana Lenz
