16. SoloDuo Festival nrw + friends
International Dance Festival Cologne  10th-12th May 2024

The public voted for the following audience awards

● Friday, 10 May 2024
Duo: Alessio Damiani and Matthias Vaucher “Burdens of Being”
Solo: Minsu Kim “Mia Maria”

● Saturday, 11 May 2024
Duo: Alja Turk Hvala and Beti Polanec “Inevitable impact”
Solo: Victor Persson “Bat techno”

In addition, the KunstSalonStiftung, in collaboration with Quartier am Hafen Köln, awarded four residencies to young artists/ensembles participating in the festival for the first time on the recommendation of the jury. The selection for these residencies was made from the participants who were not selected for an award.

Laudation jury decision:

Outstanding Solo – Newcomer:
Kezia Jonah / Beloved – “oui ou non”

Beloved – “oui ou non” tells a very personal, intimate and courageous story. It is inspired by real problems in a world dominated by men. The choreography shows courageous decisions and leaves the audience with a feeling of discomfort and sadness.

Award-winning solo:
Layers of Ash / Choreography: KOMA&KO / Magdalena Weniger/ Youngwon Song,
Dance: Youngwon Song

“Layers of Ash” uses space and time in a surprising way. It is an idiosyncratic choreography that defies a predictable language of movement. The dancer Youngwon Song embodies the volcanic eruptions very convincingly. The choreography succeeds in translating a natural phenomenon into human behaviour.

Excellent Duo – Newcomer; In the Land of Fewer Things – Chapter 1 Choreography: Elena Cattardico / Dance: Francisco (Paco) Làdron De Guevara, Saskia Astrid Hamala

“In the Land of Fewer Things” shows an innovative and symbolic use of a shopping trolley through a classical aesthetic. It becomes a vessel of imagination and meaning, transforming an everyday object into a rich source of imagination that is explored in all its potential.

Award-winning duo: The Burdens of Being / Choreography and dance: Alessio Damiani + Matthias Vaucher

“Burdens of Being” brings together two extraordinary dancers who unite in a symbiotic relationship of dependence and trust. The distribution of weight and the shifting of roles – the key elements of contact improvisation – are created in a fresh and intelligent way.

Excellent dancer: Minsu Kim (Mia Maria)

Minsu Kim draws on a variety of dance styles in a very convincing way. His stamina and versatility are exceptional.

The jury’s prizes include an invitation to the Budapest SzólóDúo Fesztivál 2025 for all winners, the prize money covers travel and accommodation costs and is awarded by the Kunstsalonstiftung. The winning solo and duo will also receive an invitation to the Almada International Dance Festival 2024 in Portugal. The prize money in the form of travel expenses will also be covered by the Kunstsalonstiftung.

Press photos:
Press photos can be used free of charge under the following link if the photographer is named (in the file name)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4s2a2e8pwv1vjhwbgnvrd/AJUpjvawZqVI-Xz-dyGGOTQ?rlkey=s9jidttv7gdte4y8uib78uykw&dl=0
Team:
Artistic. Direction: Ilona Pászthy, Gerda König
Festival assistance: Lilith Wüller / Joanna Park
Selection jury: Diana Treder, Ilona Pászthy
Graphics: miegL
Jury: Roos van Berkel / NL, Stephanie Thiersch/ Bruno Duarte (PT)
Technology: Garlef Keßlerton
Technical assistance: Annabell Seidlitz
Press & Public Relations: Mechtild Tellmann
Workshop management: Judith Ayuso Pereira, Nina Hänel Photo/Videodoc. Alessandro de Matteis

Organiser:
Barnes Crossing | Freiraum für TanzPerformanceKunst im Kunstzentrum Wachsfabrik
Industriestrasse 170
50999 Cologne-Rodenkirchen
www.barnescrossing.de

Co-operation partners Orkesztika Foundation (HU), Almada Dance Company (PT)
Supported by: Cultural Office of the City of Cologne, KunstSalon Foundation

Contact for press enquiries:
Mechtild Tellmann kultur@mechtild-tellmann.de / +49 171 385 7031