The short video about EinTanzHaus is available to watch at the top of the page.
Located in Mannheim, Germany, EinTanzHaus is a beacon of contemporary dance and performance art that pulsates within a repurposed church, exemplifying Brutalist architecture. Designed by Helmut Striffler in the 1950s, the structure stands as a testament to cultural preservation and artistic innovation. Founded in 2017, EinTanzHaus is not only an artistic initiative but also a dynamic epicenter equipped with a professional infrastructure dedicated to fostering independent creative endeavors in the realms of contemporary dance and performance art. To get an in-depth view of this intriguing space, we invite you to watch the accompanying video at the top of this page, where director Daria Holme shares the concept behind the establishment of this unique theater.
Serving as a springboard for the independent Rhein-Neckar art scene, EinTanzHaus catapults local talent into national and international contexts. It furnishes a platform for choreographers and dancers to construct their narratives, playing host to guest creators, experimental ventures, and a medley of cultural events, including performance, music, and discursive programs. More than a creative outlet, EinTanzHaus is an interactive community hub, offering open formats that invite the public to partake in classes and stage events, rubbing shoulders with professional dance productions.
The inception of EinTanzHaus is a tale of innovative collaboration amongst the art community, church, and city. Its philosophy underscores transformation, redefinition, interdisciplinary cooperation, and spatially oriented projects. The architectural bones of the theater establish a palpable interaction between the art and the audience, while its origins as a church impart a distinctive ambiance for artistic creation. Elements harking back to its ecclesiastical past, such as the wooden pews, are ingeniously integrated, breathing life into its storied history.
Previously known as Trinitatis Church, one of the most notable regional churches of Baden-Württemberg, the building was reconstructed between 1956-59 following its ruin, serving as a prototype for the Gedächtniskirche in Berlin. Designated as a cultural monument of significant import since 1994, the structure holds considerable value from both architectural and historical standpoints.
Initiated by Daria Holme and Eric Trottier in response to an open call by the municipality of Mannheim and the church, EinTanzHaus has thrived under Holme’s solo artistic stewardship since 2019. The theater is a crucible for experimental art, presenting an array of contemporary dance performances, lectures, and art events. For contemporary dance aficionados, choreographers, performers, or anyone with an artistic inclination, EinTanzHaus is an experience to savor. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the captivating world of contemporary dance set against an unforgettable backdrop.
