Dear friends of the Tanzfestival Bielefeld!

The best quality and high standards – these have been the mainstay of our Tanzfestival for the past 22 years. At the same time, our goal has always been to not only to maintain these principles but to outdo them every following year. Once again, we have been successful: we are glad to be able to offer you in 2012 the largest choice of workshops and outstanding internationally renowned instructors since the start of the Tanzfestival! Among the innovations is a workshop for participants 50 years or older, where the young at heart can try out new moves, be creative, and learn Modern Dance in an open atmosphere and in a befitting manner. For the first time, you can choose between three different dance styles in the Hip Hop category: Locking, House Dance, and New Style; instructed by masters of their craft. In addition to African Dance, Flamenco, and Salsa, we have added Afro Cuban to our lineup. This variety of courses and the high international standards could not be maintained without raising instructor salaries. For this reason, for the first time in over five years, we must increase the price for workshops by 10,- €. This will insure the festival’s ambitious standards and allow us to continue to attract award-winning and internationally renowned instructors for our workshops. New this year are: Maya Lipsker, Benjamin Levy, and Erika Winkler, among others. If you have questions regarding workshops or instructors, our staff at the festival office and the artistic directors Ulla and Tchekpo Dan Agbetou are happy to help with advice. 

 I would like to give our special thanks to the sponsors of »kulturextra« - Carolinen, BGW, Sparkasse Bielefeld, Stadtwerke Bielefeld, Alcina, Böllhoff, and Radeberger - without whom a festival of this scope and quality could not be realized in Bielefeld. 

 Our sincere thanks as well goes to our partners Neue Westfälische, Radio Bielefeld, and the Arcadia Hotel Bielefeld. 

 The regional arts aid package "Tanz OWL 2011" of the state of NRW contributes to a great degree in expanding the quality of our festival. 

 Let the 22nd festival program in Bielefeld surprise and inspire you. 

 Have a great time at the workshops!

Brigitte Brand
Kulturamt (arts office)