Press release
The world meets Linz with summer highlights: Dance art in the Sonnenstein Loft
Linz, July 22, 2024 – Sonnenstein Loft, the center for international dance art in Linz, is opening its doors this summer for an unprecedented program. With events such as the Korean-Austrian A!KO Dance Festival and the inspiring Summer Dance Days, Sonnenstein Loft is setting new standards for local audiences with the participation of renowned artists, especially from South Korea.
A!KO Tanzfest Summer Edition – A spectacle of the highest class
The whole world now knows that modern pop culture is being written in South Korea. What the world doesn't yet know, however, is that in Seoul, Linz is known as the dance capital of Europe . Thanks to long-standing cooperation with the Arts Council Korea, Jung In Lee and RedSapata cultural initiative, dance artists from various cities in South Korea now regularly come to Linz, and art projects from Linz are in turn invited to festivals in South Korea.
From August 19 to 31, the Sonnenstein Loft will be transformed into a stage for the A!KO Dance Festival. The summer version of the A!KO Festival, established in 2021, promises breathtaking performances and innovative choreographies that skilfully question the paradigm of contemporary stage art.
The audience can look forward to several performances full of artistic highlights. The world-famous Sascha Waltz Dance Company from Berlin has developed the “IN C” method, which is now being brought to Linz with Hwang Hwan Hee (South Korea) to be presented in performances and to teach the method in workshops.
Performances:
Friday, August 30, 2024 - 7:30 p.m. Young Choreographers Night
Presentation of four dance pieces by young choreographers from South Korea
Saturday, August 31, 2024 - 15:00 "In C" Workshop Part 1 - Open Showing, presentation of the results from the “IN C” method workshops, dance performance
Sunday, September 1, 2024 - 19:30 A!KO Selected Performance: Mind of Move - "Keep Distancing" & Presentation “IN C”, presentation of a dance performance from South Korea and introduction of the “IN C” method as a professional dance piece
Tickets are available on site. Cost: freely chosen contribution.
Overview of events: https://www.sonnensteinloft.at/veranstaltungen
Open Level - Dance workshops for everyone
A special highlight of the A!KO dance festival are the open level dance workshops, which are led by international dance artists at a very high level. These workshops are accessible to people with little or no dance experience , but who would like to delve deeply into various contemporary dance methods. Half of the workshop is already fully booked with international guests, there are currently around 10 places available for local interested parties. Contemporary dance, Sufi dance, contact improvisation & more are on the program. The cost of participation is € 400 for two intensive dance weeks from August 19th to 31st (workshops 9:30 a.m. - approx. 3:00 p.m. continuously with breaks). Participation in the development of a final performance is possible. Registration for interested participants is possible here .
For the timetable: https://www.akotanzfest.com/summerschedule
Quote from Jung In Lee , founder of the A!KO Festival: “The A!KO Dance Festival is more than just a festival – it is a meeting place for creative minds and passionate dancers from all over the world. We look forward to sharing our artistic visions in Linz and exploring new paths in the art of dance together.”
Photo: Private
Intensive Research - Dance laboratory for professionals
For graduates of dance training and universities as well as professional dancers, the Intensive Dance Research Lab offers an opportunity to get to know the “IN C” method of the famous Sascha Waltz Company under the direction of Hwang Hwan Hee. Professionals can apply for scholarships, which means that the entire participation is free of charge. To apply: https://www.akotanzfest.com/news
Ilona Roth , co-founder of Sonnenstein Loft: “It is unbelievable which professionals are at home in Linz and which connections to the world are possible as a result. We are happy that Sonnenstein Loft has fulfilled its goal of offering international artists a suitable place for their art. This has many significant effects - such as the creation of the A!KO Festival and the resulting many international collaborations. We have the best world stars here, you have to imagine and be aware of that.” Photo: Martin Eder
Austria's “Under the Radar City” Linz - based on the magazine “The Times” - has another highlight to offer in the summer with the Sonnenstein Loft before school starts:
Summer Dance Days 2024 – Dance workshops for everyone
From September 6th to 8th, the Summer Dance Days offer a unique opportunity to learn from the best of the best. International dance stars and renowned choreographers give exclusive workshops and master classes in various dance styles, from classical ballet to contemporary dance to urban dance forms. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, everyone will find the right challenge and inspiration here. Thanks to the connection to South Korea, there is also a focus on dance professionals in the areas of K-POP and K-Contemporary.
Program & registration: www.sommertanztage.at
Summer program for children and young people:
The community around Point of Ukraine, more precisely the Ukrainian children's dance group Viserunky , which is open to all Linz residents, is also offering something completely new this summer, supported by RedSapata: a summer dance camp for children and young people aged 8 and over from Monday to Friday, starting August 19, 2024. Dance workshops using Tetiana Perepetsia's method will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here, you will learn about rhythm, gymnastics, classical and modern dance, stretching, contemporary, jazz and other dance styles in depth. A final performance on the last day invites parents and friends to be part of the program. The group's work is very impressive: the group was founded two years ago to offer refugee children a perspective and meaningful leisure activities. Over 80 participants are now involved in performances all over Austria. The summer camp offers an opportunity to get to know this work for yourself through intensive and exciting dance training.
Registration & info: viserunky2023@gmail.com
Web link:
Sonnenstein Loft – A center for “Glocals” and dance enthusiasts
The “Glocals” (“global locals”), i.e. the international dance artists who have settled locally in Linz thanks in part to the Sonnenstein Loft, play a significant role in bringing the Sonnenstein Loft to life.
With its diverse and high-caliber summer program, the Sonnenstein Loft is consolidating its position as a leading center for international and professional dance art with low-threshold access for local audiences.
"We are delighted to be able to offer such an extensive and high-quality program again this summer ," says Bernadette Stiebitzhofer, managing director of the Sonnenstein Loft. " Our goal is to establish Linz as an important location for dance and culture and to inspire the audience with extraordinary experiences ."
Bernadette Stiebitzhofer, Managing Director RedSapata Cultural Initiative
Photo: Verena Mayrhofer
Contact and further information
For further information and to register for workshops and events, visit our website www.sonnensteinloft.at or contact us directly at office@redsapata.com
Press contact:
Sonnenstein Loft by RedSapata Cultural Initiative
Sonnensteinstr. 11-13, 4040 Linz
+43 681 20431220
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Foto: Sascha Waltz & Guests
Foto: Sascha Waltz & Guests