One theory on the origins of dance is that it was initially a means of communication. Whether developed from movements at work or as a reaction to natural phenomena, dance has always described human interactions.

Even in the earliest cultures, dance was an important part of rituals, ceremonies, festivals and entertainment. It may also have played a central role in the transmission of stories before they were written down. First documented in prehistoric rock paintings, dance was particularly important in the ancient cultures of India, China, Egypt and Greece. In Africa, dance is deeply rooted in society and accompanies important events such as births and funerals. In Latin America, too, it is part of the collective identity of the various ethnic groups.

The exhibition presents dance as a global form of representation and expression. It does not tell the history of dance, but shows multi-perspective interwoven stories. It does not follow a chronological line, but illuminates dance as an essential part of our existence under thematic aspects. This means a concept that spans time and space and the inclusion of many dance forms.

Many dance forms can be traced back to historical, folk, ceremonial or ethnic dances. Contemporary dance repeatedly incorporates elements of traditional dance forms and engages with different dance cultures and their traditions, but also appropriates them.

Starting with a central chapter on dance and the community, dance is presented in its various functions worldwide. Six thematically structured chapters shed light on the ritual, spiritual, political, identity-forming and entertaining functions of dance, blurring the boundaries between everyday and high culture. The chapter on dance as a storyteller, for example, tells of European narrative ballet as well as the griotic dances in Africa and the dance dramas of Asia. Dance rituals are illuminated with trance dances of the indigenous population of North America and Asia, but also with the various interpretations of the famous ballet Le Sacre du printemps. Tango and flamenco are just two examples of dances that have an identity-forming role.

As dance rarely stands alone, the exhibition also looks at its diverse connections to other art forms. The exhibits range from dance representations in early cultures to modern visual art and examples of contemporary dance. In addition, the exhibition becomes a dance platform: videos and projections, but above all the live interventions and performances convey dance. Professional dancers rehearse and dance in the specially designed dance hall in the Ostgalerie. The audience is offered insights into choreographic processes as well as dance workshops and tutorials, but also tango or Lindy Hop evenings to join in. LET'S DANCE!