Dancing neighbors
A dance project for all generations
Within the scope of Chemnitz 2025, the European Capital of Culture, the „Dancing Neighbors“ project unites people of different ages and cultures through the universal language of dance. Initiated by the Team Generation, The program is aimed in particular at older people, who can improve their physical presence and mobility in weekly dance classes.
At the Hartmannfabrik, 90 senior citizens are currently taking part, while another weekly dance class is being held at the Ballett der Theater Chemnitz is offered. Terrry Pedersen Pfeiffer, a former ballet dancer with extensive experience in dance education, emphasizes the importance of moving together: „We move together. That's what it's all about. And that means we mobilize our bodies first. We learn to breathe and stand stably.“ Her courses place particular emphasis on posture, breathing and social interaction in order to give participants a holistic sense of well-being.
A particular highlight of the project are the three intensive workshops, which was created in collaboration with the Japanese choreographers Yoko Ando, a former dancer with the world-famous Forsythe Company and Ryu Suzuki, dancer and choreographer at Dance Base Yokohama. The first of these workshops took place at the end of May 2024 in the Hartmann factory which was attended by 60 older people from Chemnitz, the second five-day intensive workshop followed at the beginning of September 2024.
These workshops represent an intercultural exchange that focuses on artistic collaboration between the Japanese guests and the Chemnitz participants. The Japanese expertise, particularly in dealing with an ageing population, is a valuable asset for the project. In Japan, where the demographic development towards an older population is progressing faster than in Germany, there are already extensive participatory offers for older people. This experience was a key factor in the design of the workshops, which aim to keep older people active and healthy through dance
The cooperation with Dance Base Yokohama is to be continued beyond the three planned intensive workshops and established in the long term. The aim is to establish close cooperation between Chemnitz 2025 and the Festival Dance | Modern | Dance under the direction of Ballet director Sabrina Sadowska to create. A first joint performance is already planned for the opening of Chemnitz 2025 on January 18, 2025, followed by several further performances over the course of the Capital of Culture year. Alexandra Takats and Michal Sandor from the Chemnitz 2025 program team report on the overwhelmingly positive response: „One important piece of feedback from the participants was that they perceived the encounter with the two professional dancers as an exchange at eye level and felt how quickly this joint activity can also create community.“
The workshops and dance courses enable participants to learn new forms of movement, make social contacts and actively participate in social life. The focus is always on the idea that dance connects people - regardless of age, experience or origin. A first joint performance by the various groups is already planned for the opening of Chemnitz 2025, which is set to be a highlight of the Capital of Culture year.
By promoting the EU-Japan Fest Committee the project is not only supported at a local level, but also internationally, which underlines the importance of international cooperation for cultural exchange. The „Dancing Neighbors“ project shows how dance can be used as a unifying element to bring together people from different cultures and generations and keep them moving together.
Terrry Pedersen Pfeiffer concludes: „We want to show participants how they can move despite their physical limitations. Our courses are designed so that everyone can take part, regardless of their individual abilities. The social aspect is just as important as the physical exercise.“ With this holistic approach, „Dancing Neighbors“ makes a significant contribution to promoting the well-being and social integration of older people in Chemnitz.
Further information can be found on the Chemnitz 2025 website.
Pictures: Peter Rossner, Tarah Pfeiffer, Michal Sandor, Terrry Pedersen Pfeiffer
TANZbüro and the association TANZ | MODERNE | TANZ e.V. is made possible with the kind support of funds from the Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony, funds from the municipal arts and culture funding of the City of Chemnitz and funds from the Capital of Culture budget.
[:en]Dancing neighbors
A Dance Project for All Generations
As part of Chemnitz 2025, the European Capital of Culture, the „Dancing Neighbors“ project brings together people of different age groups and cultures through the universal language of dance. Initiated by the Team Generation, the program specifically targets older individuals, offering weekly dance classes that promote physical presence and mobility.
Currently, 90 seniors participate in the classes held at the Hartmannfabrik, while another weekly dance class is offered by the ballet of the Theater Chemnitz. Terry Pedersen Pfeiffer, a former ballet dancer with extensive experience in dance education, emphasizes the importance of moving together: „We move together. That's what it's about. And that means we first mobilize our bodies. We learn to breathe and stand steadily.“ Her courses focus on posture, breathing, and social interaction to foster holistic well-being for participants.
A special highlight of the project are the three intensive workshops conducted in collaboration with Japanese choreographers Yoko Ando, a former dancer of the world-renowned Forsythe Company, and Ryu Suzuki, a dancer and choreographer at Dance Base Yokohama. The first of these workshops took place in late May 2024 at the Hartmann factory, attended by 60 older people from Chemnitz. The second five-day intensive workshop followed in early September 2024.
These workshops represent an intercultural exchange, focusing on artistic collaboration between the Japanese guests and the Chemnitz participants. The Japanese expertise, especially in dealing with an aging population, is a valuable contribution to the project. In Japan, where the demographic shift towards an older population is advancing faster than in Germany, there are already extensive participatory programs for older adults. These experiences played a significant role in shaping the workshops, which aim to keep older people active and healthy through dance.
The collaboration with Dance Base Yokohama is expected to continue beyond the three planned intensive workshops and to be established in the long term. The goal is to foster a close partnership between Chemnitz 2025 and the Dance | Modern | Dance Festival under the direction of Ballet Director Sabrina Sadowska. A joint performance is already planned for the opening of Chemnitz 2025 on January 18, 2025, followed by several more performances throughout the Capital of Culture year. Alexandra Takats and Michal Sandor from the Chemnitz 2025 program team report overwhelmingly positive feedback: „One important comment from the participants was that they felt the interaction with the two professional dancers was an exchange on equal footing, and they quickly realized how this shared activity could also foster a sense of community.“
The workshops and dance classes allow participants to learn new forms of movement, make social connections, and actively participate in community life. The guiding principle is that dance connects people - regardless of age, experience, or background. A joint performance of the various groups is already planned for the opening of Chemnitz 2025, which will be a highlight of the Capital of Culture year.
Supported by the EU-Japan Fest Committee, the project is not only locally but also internationally backed, highlighting the importance of international collaboration for cultural exchange. The „Dancing Neighbors“ project demonstrates how dance can be used as a unifying element to bring together people of different cultures and generations, keeping them moving together.
Terry Pedersen Pfeiffer concludes: „We want to show participants how they can adapt movements despite physical limitations. Our courses are designed so that everyone can participate, regardless of individual conditions. The social aspect is just as important as the physical movement.“ With this holistic approach, „Dancing Neighbors“ makes a significant contribution to promoting the well-being and social integration of older people in Chemnitz.
For more information, visit the Chemnitz 2025 website.
Images: Peter Rossner, Tarah Pfeiffer, Michal Sandor, Terry Pedersen Pfeiffer
TANZbüro and the association TANZ | MODERNE | TANZ e.V. is supported with funding from the Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony, funds from the municipal art and culture promotion of the City of Chemnitz, as well as funds from the Capital of Culture budget.
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