Pina
Bausch

Pina Bausch was a German dancer and choreographer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern dance. Born on July 27, 1940 in Solingen, Germany, she began her dance training at a young age and later studied at the Folkwang School in Essen, where she was exposed to the innovative dance techniques of Kurt Jooss. Bausch went on to dance with the Jooss Ballet in Essen before joining the New York-based Metropolitan Opera Ballet in 1960. She returned to Germany in 1962 to work as a choreographer at the Wuppertal Opera, where she would later become the director of the dance department.

Bausch's choreography was known for its emotional intensity, physicality, and avant-garde approach to movement. She was a pioneer in the development of Tanztheater, a style of dance drama that combined elements of traditional ballet and modern dance with theatrical elements such as acting, spoken word, and elaborate sets. Bausch's work often focused on themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and she was known for her ability to evoke deep, raw emotion from her dancers and audiences alike. Throughout her career, she created over 40 full-length dance pieces, including iconic works such as "Café Müller" and "The Rite of Spring". Bausch's groundbreaking choreography earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy in 2007. She passed away on June 30, 2009, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most innovative and influential choreographers of the 20th century.