Sasha Waltz & Guests

In the Wilhelmstadt neighborhood of Spandau, the child poverty rate is significantly higher than the Berlin average, while there is a lack of culturally relevant programs tailored to residents’ needs. There is virtually no free, ongoing access to dance programs for children and teenagers; private dance schools are unaffordable for many families.
The Education Team at Sasha Waltz & Guests recognized the need for action here and, as part of the Jugendkulturinitiative , developed Jugendkulturinitiative long-term, free dance program that combines artistic education with social participation.

Under the title “Move Your Kiez – Spandau,” an open dance group for children and teenagers was formed that rehearses regularly in the neighborhood. The goal was to create a trusting, non-discriminatory, and safe space where young people could experience creativity, movement, and community beyond their everyday lives.
A special focus was placed on participation and self-efficacy: The group developed its own performances, which were presented in and for the local community. In this way, dance became a medium that strengthens expression, cohesion, and visibility.

The team at Sasha Waltz & Guests succeeded in building a stable community of young dancers and establishing itself as a reliable partner within the local community. Through their continuous presence and close collaboration with local stakeholders, a high degree of trust and mutual learning was fostered.
At the same time, inreach processes were initiated within the company: A workshop bringing together the children’s and youth dance company of Sasha Waltz & Guests and the new Spandau group facilitated exchange across neighborhood boundaries. This provided an important impetus for understanding cultural education as a unifying field of experience between professional dance practice and social-spatial work.