Tanzfabrik
Berlin
School
School

24.08.2026—28.08.2026

Cypher & Utopia - Tanz als gelebte Utopie

Workshop
with Raphael Hillebrand
Venue:
Kreuzberg 1
Möckernstr. 68
10965 Berlin
Dates:
Info:
Level: open
in Englisch and German
Price: 250€/220€*

Description

This workshop combines two artistic explorations: hip-hop cypher as the original form of collective movement practice, and dance as a lived utopia in the here and now. Cypher is a form of collective dancing in a circle. Based on improvisation, and independent of dance styles, the focus is on the creation of community. Ubuntu (I am through you) illustrates that community forms the basis of individual development, and that exchange is more important than virtuosity. What happens in the circle? What emerges when bodies start moving, encounter one another, listen and respond? Starting with somatic exercises, we explore body awareness and presence, with a focus on the spine as the engine of our movements. From there, we develop a groove and work out specific dance steps from urban and contemporary movement languages, for example Kick Ball Change and Fresno. Together we ask: What does it mean not just to perform dance, but to understand it as an act of resistance and of shaping the future? We will translate these questions into group improvisations - through which dance becomes a lived utopia for self-empowerment in the here and now. Beginners, professionals and all age groups are warmly invited.
Biographies

Raphael Hillebrand

Raphael Hillebrand was born in Hong Kong, raised in Berlin, educated through Hip-Hop and uses this multicultural background to create his own vision of self-expression.
1997 he began as a b-boy at jams and competitions in Berlin. As a former member of 5-Amox and B-Town Allstars he won several championships such as the national Battle of the Year 2006 and the 2vs2 at the IBE in Rotterdam. Niels ‘Storm’ Robitzky introduced him to the world of theatre, at first as a dancer than as a choreographer. With the video performance Gemeinsam Einsam he toured worldwide. As a member of the legendary Battle Squad and Animatronik he still is a passionate member of the Hip-Hop community of today. In June 2014 he recieved his Master Diplom in Choreography at the HZT Berlin. www.raphael-hillebrand.com