The Urge

World premier with Theater Basel, 5 Feb 2026.

​

The concept behind THE URGE is rooted in historical experiences of collective dance rituals, originally linked to spiritual phenomena. It was a way for people to process social tension, collective trauma, and emotional release through physical movement.

The term Tanzwut also resonates in contemporary explorations of collective identity. It can be seen as a method of confronting repressed emotions, particularly in communities or societies dealing with oppression, war, or intense societal pressure. In this context, dance becomes both a ritual of catharsis and a mode of resistance, reflecting the body’s power to overcome adversity and embrace transformation.

Despite these transformations, some elements of the past remain, such as the need for communal release and the liberation of the body from societal constraints. The idea of using physical movement to express an internal state of mind—be it joy, grief, anger, or ecstasy—has been carried through generations.

Tanzwut in today’s context can be reimagined in the form of rave culture, where people transcend personal boundaries and experience a communal euphoria. The experience remains intense but is framed within joy and celebration of community, rather than desperation or fear.

​

Choreography/concept - Lilit Hakobyan 

Stage set -  Marvin Ott

Costume Design - Thomas Herman Carl Lempertz

Sound Design - Samuel van der Veer 

Light Design - Vassilios Chassapakis 

Choreographic Assistance -  Keren Leiman, Ralitza Mahelounova  

Dramaturgy - Lucie Machan
Dancers of Ballett Basel - Sandra Bourdais, Eva Blunno, Louis Steinmetz, Giada Zanotti, Maurus Gauthier, Lisa van Cauwenbergh, Ana Paula Camargo, Nikita Zdravkovic, Rachelle Anaïs Scott, Jamal Uhlman, Parker Gamble

Videography - Rubén Bañol

Photography - Carlos Kerr Jr.