NUMBER 52 — KATHARINA LUDWIG

A solo about dance, expectation and the art of remaining true to oneself.

A unique mix between dance and stand-up comedy.

A humorous insight into the daily lives of dancers.

With wit, self-irony and precise movement, NUMBER 52 looks at the often absurd aspects of the dance world: auditions, project work, idealised demands - and the constant balancing act between adaptation and authenticity.

The performer takes the audience on a personal, humorous journey through her experiences as a contemporary dancer.

Inspired by stand-up comedy, the stage space becomes a narrative space - full of movement, reflection and surprising twists and turns.

But despite all the humour, NUMBER 52 is also a piece about resilience: about the strength to keep reinventing yourself, to keep going and not to lose the joy of movement. A tribute to the versatility and resilience of dancers - and to dance itself.

CREDITS

Concept / Choreography / Performance: Katharina Ludwig
Dramaturgy: Angela Demattè
Music: Gabriella Plumettaz
Outside Eye: Emma Murray
Mentoring Stand-Up Comedy: Jane Mumford
Mentoring Clowning: Emese Nagy
Mentoring INKUBATOR: Marisa Godoy & Stephan Stock
Stage and Costume: Ernestyna Orlowska
Production: Verein Long Legs
Production Management: Paula Alonso Gómez

Research:
Inkubator Fabriktheater Zürich January 2025
ATLAS, Impulstanzfestival Wien

Residencies:
Dansomètre Vevey
Dampfzentrale Bern
Quartier am Hafen Köln

Coproduction:
TANZhAUS Bern

Supported by:
Kultur Stadt Bern
SWISSLOS Kanton Bern
Burgergemeinde Bern
Stanley Thomas Johnson Stiftung

Price Awarded Dancer 2025

at SoloDuo Competition, Barnes Crossing Cologne, May 2025

Laudatio of the Jury Katharina shows great versatility as a dancer and performer. She combines different dance styles ranging from ballet to breaking, displays great qualities as a stand-up comedian and handles text well. The jury applauds her ability to deliver a strong critique towards the dance field as an industry while keeping the performance light-hearted and witty.