D.A.S. Kollektiv has been a prototype project of dance collective founded by Diana Mora, Valerie Lauer, Luana Pignato and Carlos Dìaz with the purpose of building a community of dancers beyond the hierarchisation of the industry, to foster debate and research about dance and more specifically about ballet. Started from the necessity to find a healthier and more sustainable approach to ballet technique, choreography and teaching, D.A.S. Kollektiv has been active between 2020 and 2022 in the form of a network of help and support on independent choreographic projects, historical research and implementation of healthier training methods.
The acronym D.A.S., which stands for Dance, Art and Savoir-faire, enclosed the multidisciplinary nature of the collective and the different fields of expertise of its founder, which came together to work towards the common goal of restoring and promoting ancient principles of classical ballet to the new generations of dancers through artistic, cultural, pedagogical activities and performances made in a sustainable way.
Photos: Jurijs Saule
Ballet Aperitivo
Ballet Aperitivo has been a meetup organized by D.A.S. Kollektiv in Berlin with the aim of restoring value to the good old generation of dancers. Premier Danseur Noble and ballet master John Vye has been invited to share his artistic and pedagogical experience as well as some anecdotes from his personal career with icons of ballet like Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn, Frederick Ashton, William Forsythe and many others.
The event has been a conversation to learn more about the past, to understand how the world of ballet has transformed but also to open discussions and create connections inside the present ballet world, a world so much divided and fragmented from hierarchy culture, lack of dialogue and excessive competition.
Ballet Aperitivo is an idea that comes from our wish to share important knowledge and experiences about the past of ballet, and to create a bridge between younger and older generations of dancers.
Three Ladies, Three Styles, One Dance
This piece explores the commonality of all dance styles: the basic principle of movement. Starting from a Baroque composition on the Pasacaille d’Armide, the dancers developed their own interpretation of the steps translating them into ballet and modern dance.
Concept and choreography: Valerie Lauer
Dancers: Luana Pignato, Diana Mora, Valerie Lauer