FORM-AT

This residency program is inspired by the studies of Selim Sırrı Tarcan, a Turkish folk dance choreographer and pioneer of intercultural exchange between East and West in the first half of the 20th century.

Tarcan, who was both a movement coach and a politician and represented Turkey at the Olympic Games, presented the traditional Turkish folk dance Zeybek at a networking event in Paris. His performance was impressive, but when he was asked to repeat the dance, this proved difficult because Zeybek was not standardized like Western dance forms. This underlined the fundamental difference between Turkish folk dance, which is based on improvisation and rhythmic patterns, and Western dance, which is codified but allows for choreographic innovation.

To bridge this gap, Tarcan created a new tradition: a couple dance based on the solo form of Zeybek.

Inspired by this tension between tradition and innovation, Cihan Cöl aims to bring Turkish folk dance – in particular the Zeybek tradition – into dialogue with Western dance traditions.

In collaboration with one of the largest conservatories in Turkey, three residency weeks will be organised in October and November 2024. During these weeks, students of folk dance and contemporary dancers will meet to exchange techniques and exercises. This trajectory will culminate in a public performance that combines traditional forms with contemporary choreographic strategies.