WINN Dance Debuts at Venice Biennale with Company for Dancers Over 40

WINN Dance, a Stuttgart-based company catering to dancers aged 40 and above, is set to unveil its inaugural program at the Venice Dance Biennale on August 1 and July 31, followed by an international tour. Co-founded by Marijn Rademaker, a former principal with Stuttgart Ballet and Dutch National Ballet, alongside cultural strategist Slava Tutukin, the name 'WINN' signifies 'when, if not now.' The ensemble features notable dancers, including former Mariinsky principal Diana Vishneva, guest principal Polina Semionova from Staatsballett Berlin, Dutch National Ballet's Igone de Jongh, and 69-year-old Nora Kimball, who has a rich history with American Ballet Theatre and others. The debut showcases two pieces: 'Death in Venice,' inspired by Thomas Mann's 1912 novel, and 'Bridge of Sighs' by 87-year-old John Neumeier. German fashion brand BOSS designed the costumes. Rademaker's vision was influenced by NDT III, a company for older dancers that ceased in 2006. The founders aim to demonstrate that dance transcends youth, developing educational programs to engage adults and promote intergenerational dialogue while encouraging established ballet companies to create works for older performers.