Felix Ruckert

Felix Ruckert is considered to be one of the most unusual and innovative choreographers on the German scene. It has taken years for his radical concepts and experimental stage forms to be accepted. He is now internationally recognised as one of the major choreographers of the present day. Before creating works such as HAUTNAH, RING, DELUXE JOY PILOT and SECRET SERVICE, he danced with Wanda Golonka, Mathilde Monnier, and Pina Bausch, among others. Ruckert often gives the spectator an active role in the performance, confronting him/her with intensive emotions. Another central point in his work is the development of structures for improvisation and composition (TOOLS-System). With about 70 shows a year touring all around the world, his company is among the most active groups in Berlin. Recently the demand for his work as a guest-choreographer for ballet companies has increased.

He has been actively interested in BDSM for several years and is currently integrating this experience into his choreographic work..

For more information see: www.felixruckert.de

His Workshops:

Feet
This is a play structure, focussing on the feet. In socks, shoes, boots or bare, they deserve the attention. The structure allows to make experiences with with different partners, both from a submissive as well as from a dominant perspective. While playing with the feet, you can underline as well as blur or even reverse the contrast between the poles of top and bottom or active and passive. The setting reveals a lot about us and others. An exercise in creativity, sensibility and devotion, far from the clichés...!

Compression and Expansion
Compression means security, protection, calm and concentration but also restriction, repression and fear. Expansion means opening, challenging limits, adventure and excitement but also dissolution, confusion and again: fear

I think that most S/M play uses this dynamic concept of the connection of Inner and Outer World. The workshop deals with physical techniques of compressing and expanding the body and parts of it, and with the changes in perception and emotional state that comes along with these manipulations. The body is seen as an organic structure at the border of the Inner and the Outer World, the consciousness is often underestimating its spatial potential for presence.

Clothspins
Clothspins are often underestimated. Maybe because they are so simple, cheap and easy to use ?? With their ability to cause pressure as well as suspense they can drastically change the perception of the skin and therefore the perception of the bodies borders. The pain they induce is not very strong and can be measured easily,but it is persisting and therefore requires concentration and active response. This produces an exquisite endorphine high. You can apply them nearly anywhere, but they do not make sense anywhere. Felix Ruckert demonstrates how to put them, how to play them put, and how to play/put them off. He links the use of clothspins to breath, movement and other forms of body manipulation.