Alexey Fomkin – the creator of the innovative dance space «TanzHaus-W» at the «Moskvich» Cultural Center (Moscow, 2014-2015).
Opening of «TanzHaus» at «Moskvich» Cultural Center in 2014
In 2014, «TanzHaus» was opened at the «Moskvich» Cultural Center, the largest cultural center in southeast Moscow, known for being at the forefront of the city’s cultural life.
«TanzHaus» is a fundamentally new venue and leisure genre with no analogues in Moscow’s dance scene. It is a long-term project of «Moskvich», created with the direct involvement of the creator and ideologist of global Tanzhauses, the famous German psychologist Bertram Müller. Thirty-five years ago, Müller united people from different countries under the idea that dance should be accessible to everyone. Age, weight, physical form, or body abilities do not matter — what matters is the desire and opportunity to dance. Moreover, psychologists and physiologists have long proven that dance has a powerful therapeutic effect and helps people overcome emotional problems. The goal of Tanzhauses is to provide this opportunity by offering a wide range of programs.
German psychologist Bertram Müller
The founder and artistic director of Moscow’s «TanzHaus» is Alexey Fomkin, a renowned specialist in choreographic education in Russia. He holds a Ph.D. in Pedagogy, is a graduate of the famous Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, a former ballet dancer of the Mariinsky Theatre, a past jury member of the «Golden Mask» theatre award, and a former vice-rector of the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet. The opening of this innovative venue was made possible through the collaborative efforts of like-minded individuals: Alexey Fomkin, Sergey Shcherbakov (director of the «Moskvich» cultural center), Margarita Moyzhes (producer of contemporary dance and educator), Denis Venidiktov (head of the additional education center at «Moskvich»), and Irina Skvortsova (manager).
Sergei Shcherbakov, Margarita Moizhes during a visit to TanzHaus — Dusseldorf. 2014
Goals of «TanzHaus»:
— Scientific research in choreographic pedagogy and psychology, as well as the study of dance heritage (theory and practice).
— Broad involvement in dance from infants to the elderly. Development of the psycho-emotional sphere, improvisation skills, and harmonization of the inner world through choreography.
— Introduction of programs aimed at popularizing all existing choreographic directions, from classical to contemporary dance.
Objectives of «TanzHaus»:
1. Develop a systematic approach to teaching children contemporary dance, utilizing its developmental potential, and establish this methodology in instructional materials.
2. Inspire practitioners (teachers) in the leisure activity system to seek new creative methods and techniques for creating artistic forms, fostering a new creative and life perception, and a new aesthetic worldview.
3. Combine the experience of the Russian choreographic school with new Western dance technologies to develop innovative approaches for modernizing teacher training programs in higher education institutions in Russia.
4. Integrate the experience of the Russian theatrical school with new Western dance and theatrical technologies to develop innovative approaches for modernizing choreographer training programs in higher education institutions in Russia, nurturing young choreographers.
5. Create conditions for forming a permanent audience around contemporary dance and increasing interest in new forms of dance art.
6. Promote innovative and experimental activities in the field of choreographic art through festivals, competitions, educational, scientific, exhibition, and publishing projects.
7. Foster regional networking in choreography and strengthen ties with various European network organizations.
«TanzHaus» Program Areas:
1. **Innovative Programs for Children** – Establishment of new creative dance studios for children of all ages.
2. **Programs for Dance Enthusiasts** – Establishment of new creative dance studios for adults of all ages.
3. **Programs for Professionals** – Programs catering to the interests of the choreographic community (dancers, teachers, choreographers).
4. **Intellectual Paradigm** – Scientific-practical and lecture sessions, seminars, video seminars, discussions, and round tables on choreography issues.
5. **Master Classes** – Enhancing performance skills, mastering new dance techniques, and meeting outstanding figures in choreography.
6. **Dance Camps** – Summer development camps for children and adults.
7. **Dance in the City** – Various interactive street events.
Key Events in 2014-2015:
In October 2014, the children’s studio «DanceClass» began operating at «TanzHaus». Almost any child can attend (regardless of physical attributes). The training system is based on a synthesis of various dance styles and modern choreography, theatrical and psychological schools, harmonizing psychological practices, theoretical classes, and yoga. Children learn to understand their bodies and maximize their potential not only in dance but also in daily life. The intellectual and psychological development of the children is as important to the teachers as their physical development. Besides Russian teachers, international specialists also work with the children. In October, German teacher Ivana Kisic conducted free open lessons at the «DanceClass» studio. The classes aim to be free from strict discipline and competition among students, focusing on making children feel comfortable and enjoy the sessions. The results of this system can be seen at a major concert held by teachers and students at the end of the academic year.
In the 2014-2015 season, «TanzHaus» held a scientific-practical seminar on choreographic pedagogy: «Modern Methods of Working with Children through Choreography». This seminar, organized with Russian universities, took place from October 3-15, 2014, at the «Moskvich» Cultural Center. It was aimed at teachers of dance groups working with children aged 8-12. The seminar discussed how choreography can teach children to express their desires and emotions. This approach undoubtedly gave teachers new creative impetus, making their classes more vibrant, interesting, and profound.
In early December, «TanzHaus» held an online scientific-practical conference on the development of choreographic art. After the New Year holidays, Joan van der Mast (Netherlands) and Sven Niemeyer (Germany) conducted master classes as part of the seminar program.
In early April, Moscow «TanzHaus» hosted colleagues from Düsseldorf’s Tanzhaus NRW. The «DanceConnection» festival of master classes for children, professionals, and enthusiasts, organized jointly with Düsseldorf’s Tanzhaus NRW, operated in a non-stop mode with five simultaneous classes (jazz, modern, hip-hop, classical, improvisation).