Newsletter July 2025

“Push and Pull”

The Taiwanese choreographer Lai Hung-Chung's piece Push and Pull was simply stunning, limbs moving faster than the eye could follow. Sometimes, one no longer saw a human limb moving, rather a fluid ethereal body taking on impossibly light or fluid qualities. Hung-Chung presents a duet of incredible skill in Hanover.

Paul White said:

This past June, I had the pleasure of representing the Tanja Liedtke Foundation, alongside Gerlinde Liedtke at the 39th International Choreographic Competition Hanover, Germany. We attended the two semi-final evenings, which showcased the top 18 selected dance works (from more than 350 applicants!). I think both Gerlinde and I found the quality of choreography and performances to be world-class, and we were thrilled to hand over the main prize of 25,000 euros to the Taiwanese choreographer Lai Hung-Chung. I am already looking forward to attending the 40th edition next year, and once again working with the foundation to continue to support young, talented choreographers develop their careers.

Valentina Ávila Hurtado:

Thanks to the Tanja Liedtke Foundation through the Deutschlandstipendium during this year, I have been able to focus on my studies without worrying. I’ve attend auditions and as well could focus more in my studies instead of being worried about my residence permit, I’m very grateful about the support they have gave me this year.

Vanessa Seeberg HfMDK:

We thank you for your support of the young artists at the HfMDK – and for your participation in this year's Germany Scholarship summer program.

We hope you had a pleasant evening and a fruitful discussion following the artistic program, which featured many original creations from the students.

Best wishes and thank you for your commitment.

Santiago Mariño:

When I received the news from your support for my Stipendium in DanceWEB, a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

I appreciate the endeavor of the foundation to support dancers like me, who find themselves in an in-between place of financial complexities, career expansions and migrant backgrounds.

I am looking forward to embarking on a month in Vienna that deeply connects me to my craft and my art. Being moved from the outside and the inside... to dare to dive into new body languages. I look forward to an ecosystem of people and moments that celebrate reclaiming our right to dance, to let our bodies be what they are, to surrender to joy in collectivity as a political act, in times when the world faces gloominess and profound grief. I look forward to meeting new people, inspiring artists and minds alike, who can open doors for me in the future and with whom I can also create possibilities of making our work together, dream of utopias and stand strong in the face of adversity.

I lack words to praise the immense value of your foundation's labor honouring your daughter's memory, and I feel humbled to be offered your support. 

I hope to own up to the honor.

The support from the Tanja Liedtke Foundation for the second stage of the Kontakthof workshop made it possible for nine (9) Restless dancers with disability to take part in the audition process. All nine dancers were successful and have been selected for the final cast.

Kontakthof, which translates to "courtyard of contact", explores themes of human interaction, intimacy, and social ritual. These workshops explore these themes, integrating the lived experiences of its diverse group; it speaks to broader issues of accessibility, inclusion, and community.