TANZMEHR: DANCE AS DIALOGUE AND RADICAL INCLUSION IN LUCERNE
In January 2026, Lucerne hosted the third edition of Tanzmehr. This biennial event is a key national platform within the Swiss dance scene for artistic community dance—a form of dance that places creations by professionals and non-professionals at its centre and dissolves the boundaries between stage and audience.
The festival offered a rich and diverse programme. A participatory weekend on 17 and 18 January featured free Danceability workshops for people with disabilities, as well as movement sessions open to everyone, regardless of age or physical condition.
At the heart of the event were the performances, showcasing sixteen productions from across Switzerland and neighboring France.
On stage, more than 170 performers—a mix of professional dancers and non-professional participants—came together. Stories of resilience, memory, and transformation captivated audiences. The selection of works was curated by a group of experts bringing diverse perspectives on accessibility and anti-racism. Physical norms were questioned, and the honesty of gesture was celebrated.
Tanzmehr’s commitment to accessibility is consistent and far-reaching. Through panel discussions and public debates, the festival fosters critical dialogue on the role of artistic participation within contemporary cultural policy.