Xenia Wiest

Ballet for Dancers

02.01. + 03.01.2025, 10:00–11:30
04.01. + 05.01.2025, 11:00–12:30

Training for Dancers

Bio

Xenia Wiest is a German choreographer born in Moscow. She received her education at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart and was a member of Staatsballett Berlin and Hannover Staatsballet for over 17 years. As a dancer, she has performed works by renowned choreographers such as Marco Goecke, Hofesh Schechter, Willem Forsythe, Mauro Bigonzetti, Sharon Eyal, Maurice Béjart, Angelin Preljocaj, and George Balanchine, among others.

She served as the artistic director of Ballett X Schwerin, where she pioneered her vision to integrate a prevention and strength & conditioning program for dancers to minimize the risk of injuries and develop their physical potential.

As a choreographer, her style is defined as “contemporary ballet,” which is rooted in classical technique yet influenced by contemporary dance. The primary inspiration for her work is music, combined with strong expressions in the upper body and the use of arms, hands, and fingers. The choreography aligns rhythmic dynamics with the musical structure, consistently connecting with the narrative or concept.

Her repertoire includes a diverse range of creations, from short abstract works to narrative-driven pieces, full evening performances, and storytelling works. In the studio, Xenia focuses on balancing clear, instructive guidance with artistic freedom and spontaneity, using improvisation as a tool for exploration. Her goal is to connect with the audience, creating meaningful ballets that resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression, inspiring viewers to return.

For many years, she has also led workshops and served as a jury member in international competitions.

Class Description

Her classes are rooted in classical technique and emphasize the quality of movement. Particularly at the barre, the focus is on placement and the gradual opening of the hips.Simple combinations allow for an exploration of quality and precision, while maintaining awareness of the entire body. The aim of the training is to return to the “basics” while challenging participants in musicality and dynamics. This approach is especially beneficial for professional dancers who face the challenge of adapting to different styles and maintaining their physical shape, as well as for anyone who enjoys the process of working and improving.