Pina Bausch

#### A Pioneer of Contemporary Dance

Pina Bausch was a renowned German dancer, choreographer, and theatre director who left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary dance.

Full Name and Common Aliases

Pina Bausch's full name was Hiltrud Pina Greta Bausch. She is commonly known simply as Pina Bausch or Dame Pina Bausch, reflecting her international stature and influence in the field of dance.

Birth and Death Dates

Born on July 27, 1940, in Wuppertal, Germany, Pina Bausch passed away on June 30, 2009, at the age of 68. Her untimely death was a devastating loss for the world of dance.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Pina Bausch was a German citizen and a pioneer in contemporary dance, theatre director, and choreographer. Throughout her illustrious career, she worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of movement and expression.

Early Life and Background

Growing up in Wuppertal, Pina Bausch's early life was marked by a passion for dance. Her mother, Friedel Scholz, was an actress who encouraged Pina's interest in performance from a young age. At 11 years old, Pina began her formal training at the Folkwang School in Essen, where she studied ballet and modern dance under renowned instructors.

Pina's formative years were influenced by the avant-garde movement of 1960s Germany, which emphasized experimentation and innovation in art and performance. Her early exposure to this radical atmosphere would later shape her approach to choreography and theatre direction.

Major Accomplishments

During her long and distinguished career, Pina Bausch achieved numerous accolades and milestones:

In 1973, she founded the Tanztheater Wuppertal, which became a hub for innovative dance performances.
Her company's production of "Rite of Spring" in 1995 marked a groundbreaking fusion of ballet and modern dance.
Pina was awarded numerous honours, including the 2006 Praemium Imperiale from the Japan Art Association.

Notable Works or Actions

Pina Bausch's choreographic output was prolific and diverse. Some of her most notable works include:

"1975: Frühlingsopfer" (Spring Sacrifice): A critically acclaimed piece that explored themes of love, sacrifice, and the human condition.
"Café Müller": A poignant dance drama set in a fictional café, which examined the relationship between people and their surroundings.
Pina's collaboration with composer Eugenio Barba on the production "Nelken" (Carnations).

Impact and Legacy

Pina Bausch's influence on contemporary dance is immeasurable. Her innovative approach to movement, her emphasis on storytelling through performance, and her commitment to pushing artistic boundaries have inspired generations of dancers, choreographers, and theatre directors.

The Tanztheater Wuppertal continues to thrive under the artistic direction of Andreas Eidenschaedt, ensuring that Pina's legacy lives on. Her company remains a driving force in contemporary dance, fostering experimentation and creativity.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Pina Bausch is widely quoted and remembered for her profound insights into human experience and the role of art in society. Her quotes and statements often convey a deep sense of empathy and compassion:

> "The most important thing is not to be afraid of what people might think, but rather to dare to express your own way of experiencing life."