10 Years of Professional Dance Training & Shared Infrastructure in Munich (2016–2025)
Over the past decade, Bad Lemons Project, initiated and artistically led by Jasmine Ellis, has developed one of Munich’s most continuous and internationally connected training programmes for working professional dancers. Established in 2016 in response to the lack of sustained training opportunities for independent artists, the initiative quickly revealed a wider structural gap: the need not only for regular, high-quality professional training, but for long-term, accessible infrastructure that supports artistic practice beyond isolated projects.
Between 2016 and 2025, the initiative has hosted more than 150 professional guest teachers, choreographers, and facilitators, delivering well over 600 days of professional classes, workshops, research formats, somatic practices, and training exchanges. Artists have come from more than 30 countries across five continents, creating a programme that combines international artistic exchange with strong local and regional anchoring. This balance has intentionally fostered a porous, sustainable training ecosystem, rather than a short-term or exclusive series model.
Since 2019, this work has been carried forward under the umbrella of Bad Lemons Project, supported by the Kulturreferat der Landeshauptstadt München, the Bayerischer Landesverband für zeitgenössischen Tanz (BLZT), and at the federal level through Bureau Ritter / TANZPAKT RECONNECT, with funding from NEUSTART KULTUR / BKM. The programme has been realised in close collaboration with Fokus Tanz – Tanz und Schule e.V., TanzQuelle, Tanzbüro München, Rat & Tat Kulturbüro, and numerous independent partners.
A major structural milestone was reached with the co-founding of T29 dance space in 2022, providing a shared home for professional training, research, residencies, and knowledge exchange. This development continued with T29 @ FatCat (2023–2025), significantly expanding the programme’s capacity and visibility. Since 2023, Guest Artistic Director Susanne Schneider has further strengthened the curatorial profile and community alignment of the training.Today, this ten-year body of work stands at a critical juncture: in the context of interim spaces and ongoing cultural funding cuts, continued support is essential to secure and stabilise the shared professional infrastructure that has been collectively built for Munich’s independent dance community.
Condensed Timeline – 10 Years of Continuous Professional Training (2016–2025)
2016 | Foundation – Munich DancePAT
Munich DancePAT launches under the co-direction of Jasmine Ellis and Katrin Schafitel, initiating year-round professional contemporary dance training in Munich. The first year brings international guest teachers from Europe, North America, and the Middle East, laying the groundwork for a continuous training structure outside institutional contexts.
2017 | Expansion and Recognition
The programme expands to a full annual cycle with regular weekly blocks, significantly widening its international network. DancePAT establishes itself as a consistent professional meeting point for Munich’s freelance dancers, strengthening partnerships.
2018 | Consolidation of the Model
The third year confirms the viability of a sustained, international training programme. A dense schedule of guest teachers reinforces the “international + local” DNA that becomes central to future development, directly informing the transition toward a more stable organisational structure.
2019 | Transition to Bad Lemons Project
Munich DancePAT is reorganised and renamed Bad Lemons Project. With Jasmine Ellis as Artistic Director, the programme receives its first dedicated funding for year-round professional training and formally integrates research and training exchange formats alongside classes.
2020 | Crisis and Digital Shift
Despite COVID-19 disruptions, Bad Lemons Project maintains continuity, pivoting to online training and launching a key international collaboration with Springboard Danse Montreal. This year exposes the fragility of access to space while reinforcing the importance of international connectivity.
2021 | Hybrid Formats and Structural Planning
Hybrid programming combines online international blocks with in-person training as circumstances allow. In parallel, Bad Lemons Project, Fokus Tanz – Tanz und Schule e.V., and TanzQuelle begin shaping a collective vision for shared infrastructure, responding directly to long-standing space shortages.
2022 | Opening of T29 Dance Space
T29 dance space opens at Thorwaldsenstraße 29 as a temporary training and rehearsal space jointly run by Bad Lemons Project, Fokus Tanz, and TanzQuelle. The year includes intensive professional training, research formats, CoCreation Labs, and the launch of OASIS and the Munich Dance Artist Calendar (MDA Calendar).
2023 | Growth, Curatorial Expansion & Relocation to T29 @ FatCat
T29 continues as a central hub for professional training and exchange. Susanne Schneider joins as Guest Artistic Director, strengthening curatorial perspective and community alignment. In October, the programme relocates to Rosenheimer Str. 5 and becomes T29 @ FatCat, embedding dance practice within a larger interdisciplinary cultural environment.
2024 | Community Hub, Open Studios & Guest Artistic Direction
With Susanne Schneider continuing as Guest Artistic Director, T29 @ FatCat functions as a daily site of professional practice, hosting training, research, Local Training Exchange formats, and Open Studios (March 18–23) that give visibility to works-in-progress by Munich-based and international artists, reinforcing dialogue and peer exchange.
2025 | Split Locations, Guest Artistic Direction & Renewed Precarity
Susanne Schneider continues as Guest Artistic Director as training operates across T29 @ FatCat and BBA Bavaria Ballet Academy, reflecting both resilience and ongoing instability. With interim contracts ending and cultural funding under pressure, the programme enters a critical phase in securing long-term infrastructure.
Our Story – Professional Training & Guest Teachers (2016–2025)
Professional Training & Guest Teachers (2016–2025)
2016 – First year offering professional training (Munich DancePAT)
Launch of continuous professional training for independent dancers in Munich.
Caroline Finn (USA) (Oct 17–21, 2016)
Stella Zannou (Greece) (Oct 3–7, 2016)
Ido Batash (Israel) (Oct 24–28, 2016)
Peter Cseri (Hungary) (Jul 18–22, 2016)
Nadine Gerspacher (Spain) (Jun 27–Jul 1, 2016)
Edan Gorlicki (Israel) (Feb 16–20, 2016)
Elik Niv (Israel) (Feb 22–26, 2016)
Moritz Ostruschnjak (Germany) (Apr 11–15, 2016)
Sita Ostheimer (Germany) (Aug 29–Sept 2, 2016)
Milla Koistinen (Finland) (Nov 21–25, 2016 – DancePAT)
Chiang-Mei Wang (Taiwan) (Nov 19, 2016 – Workshop @ Schwere Reiter)
Ryan Mason (USA) & Cristina D’Alberto (Italy) (Nov 20, 2016 – Workshop @ Schwere Reiter)
2017 – Second year expanding professional training
Expansion of international guests and strengthening of the weekly training structure.
Peter Cseri (Hungary / Netherlands) (Jan 16–20, 2017)
Morgan Reid (Canada) (Feb 6–10, 2017)
Yael Cibulski (Israel / Netherlands) (Feb 13–17; Dec 11–15, 2017)
Samuel Minguillón (Spain / Germany) (Mar 27–31, 2017)
Elik Niv (Israel) (Apr 10–14, 2017)
Tom Weinberger (Israel) (May 8–12, 2017)
Masha Kolegova (Russia) (May 15–19, 2017)
Ebony Williams (USA) (May 16, 2017 – 1-day workshop)
Tamara Gvozdenovic (Switzerland) (Jun 26–30, 2017)
Milla Koistinen (Finland) (Jul 24–28, 2017)
Michael Löhr (Germany) (Aug 28–Sept 1, 2017)
Sonia Rodríguez (Spain) (Sept 25–29, 2017)
Ami Shulman (Canada / Sweden) (Oct 23–27, 2017)
Marion Sparber (Italy) (Nov 20–24, 2017)
2018 – Third year, consolidating the model
Consolidation of a recognisable international training profile for Munich.
Matteo Carvone (Italy / Germany) (Jan 29–Feb 2, 2018)
Katja Wachter (Germany) (Feb 19–23, 2018)
Annamaria Keskinen (Finland) (Feb 19–23, 2018)
Tamara Gvozdenovic (Switzerland) (Feb 19–23; Sept 24–28, 2018)
Alessandro Marzotto (Italy / UK) (Feb 26–Mar 2, 2018)
Cristina D’Alberto (Italy) (Mar 26–30, 2018)
Stella Zannou (Greece) (Apr 23–27, 2018)
Jenia Kasatkina (Russia / Sweden) (May 28–Jun 1, 2018)
Samuel Minguillón (Spain / Germany) (Jun 25–29, 2018)
Maya Matilda Carroll (UK / Israel / Germany) (Jul 23–27, 2018)
Evandro Pedroni (Brazil / Austria) (Aug 20–24, 2018)
Tom Weinberger (Israel) (Oct 28–Nov 2, 2018)
Laja Field & Martin Durov (USA / Slovakia – LAJAMARTIN) (Nov 19–23, 2018)
Ami Shulman (Canada / Sweden) (Dec 10–14, 2018)
2019 – Reorganisation as Bad Lemons Project
Structural shift into Bad Lemons Project with a clearer organisational framework.
Daniela Bendini (Italy / Germany) (Jan 21–25, 2019)
Manuel Molino (France) (Jan 28–Feb 1, 2019)
Yael Cibulski (Israel / Netherlands) (Feb 25–Mar 1, 2019)
David Russo (Italy / Germany) (Mar 25–29, 2019)
Tamara Gvozdenovic (Switzerland) (Apr 22–26, 2019)
Emese Nagy (Hungary / Germany – MA•ZE) (Apr 29–May 3, 2019)
Daina Ashbee (Canada – DANCE Festival) (May 6 & 10, 2019)
Daphna Horenczyk (Israel / Germany) (May 9, 2019)
Artists – DANCE Festival (Various) (May 20–23, 2019)
Ami Shulman (Canada / Sweden) (Sept 9–13, 2019)
Breeanne Saxton (USA) (Oct 28–Nov 3, 2019)
Shaked Dagan (Israel) (Nov 25–29, 2019)
2020 – COVID year & online international collaboration
Rapid pivot to digital formats while maintaining international artistic exchange.
Zoe Gyssler (Switzerland) (Jan 20–24, 2020)
Cristina D’Alberto (Italy) (Feb 3–7, 2020 – OFFENE STUDIOS)
Shannon Leypoldt (USA) (Feb 10–14, 2020 – OFFENE STUDIOS)
Chiang-Mei Wang (Taiwan) (Jun 29–Jul 3; Aug 10–14, 2020)
Nil Teisner (Germany) (Jul 13–17, 2020)
Yael Cibulski (Israel / Netherlands) (Sept 9–13, 2020)
Breeanne Saxton (USA) (Sept 19–23, 2020)
Alexandra Wells (Canada / USA – Springboard) (Dec 11 & 18, 2020 – online)
Sidra Bell (USA – Springboard) (Dec 14–18, 2020 – online)
Ami Shulman (Canada / Sweden / Israel – Feldenkrais) (Dec 20–23, 2020 – online)
2021 – Hybrid formats
Blending online and in-studio training to sustain continuity post-lockdown.
Alexandra Wells (Canada / USA) (Jan 9, 15 & 23, 2021 – online)
Sidra Bell (USA) (Jan 18–22, 2021 – online)
Ami Shulman (Canada / Sweden / Israel) (Jan 25–29, 2021 – online)
Zoe Gyssler (Switzerland) (Mar 22–26, 2021 – online)
Kwame Asafo-Adjei (UK / Ghana) (Apr 12–16, 2021 – online)
Diego Tortelli (Italy / Germany) (Jun 21–26, 2021)
Paula Niehoff (Germany) (Jul 12, 2021)
Nil Teisner (Germany) (Jul 13–16, 2021)
Amos Ben-Tal (Israel / Netherlands) (Oct 18–22, 2021)
Tamara Gvozdenovic (Switzerland) (Nov 1–5, 2021)
Merryn Kritzinger (Canada) (Nov 8–12, 2021)
Jon Ole Olstad (Norway) (Nov 29–Dec 3; Dec 6–10, 2021)
Jack Waldas (USA / Germany) (Dec 13–17, 2021)
2022 – Opening of T29 dance space
Co-founding of T29 as a dedicated space for professional training, research, and co-creation.
Ami Shulman (Canada / Sweden / Israel) (Jan 31–Feb 4, 2022)
Chris-Pascal Englund-Braun (Germany) (Jan 24–28, 2022)
Emese Nagy (Hungary / Germany) (Feb 21–25, 2022)
Matteo Carvone (Italy / Germany) (Mar 14–18, 2022)
Sita Ostheimer (Germany) (Mar 25–27, 2022)
Breeanne Camille Saxton (USA) (Apr 4–8, 2022)
Natalie Bury (UK / Germany) (Apr 11–15, 2022)
Búi Rouch (France / Germany) (Apr 18–22, 2022)
Heidi Vierthaler (USA / Netherlands) (May 2–6, 2022)
Daniela Graça (Portugal) (May 9–13, 2022)
Victor Rottier (Netherlands) (Jun 6–10, 2022)
Lukas Malkowski (Canada) (Jun 27–30, 2022)
Winston Reynolds (UK) (Jul 25–29, 2022)
Michael Löhr (Germany) (Sept 12–16, 2022)
Cristina D’Alberto (Italy) (Oct 10–14, 2022)
Sebastian Zuber (Switzerland) (Oct 31–Nov 4, 2022)
Tamara Gvozdenovic (Switzerland) (Nov 28–Dec 2, 2022)
Jasmine Ellis & Münchner Theatertexterinnen – Research Lab “floating words” (Germany) (May 7–8 & Jul 21–24, 2022)
2023 – Relocation to T29 @ FatCat
Move into T29 @ FatCat, securing a larger shared home for training and research.
Paula Niehoff (Germany) (Jan 9–13, 2023)
Antoni Androulakis (Greece) (Jan 23–27, 2023)
Laura Saumweber (Germany) (Feb 6–10, 2023)
Emese Nagy (Hungary / Germany) (Mar 13–17, 2023)
Lukas Malkowski (Canada) (Apr 3–7, 2023)
Marta Rak (Poland / Germany) (Apr 10–14, 2023)
Laura Manz (Germany) (Apr 24–28, 2023)
Tamara Gvozdenovic (Switzerland) (May 8–12, 2023)
Heidi Vierthaler (USA / Netherlands) (May 22–26, 2023)
Chris-Pascal Englund-Braun (Germany) (Jun 5–9, 2023)
Aron Nowak (Germany) (Jun 26–30, 2023)
Josh Haines (UK / Germany) (Jul 3–7, 2023)
Ami Shulman (Canada / Sweden) (Jul 17–21, 2023)
João Santiago (Portugal / Germany) (Jul 24–28, 2023)
David Hernandez (USA / Belgium) (Sept 4–8, 2023)
Verena Pircher (Austria / Germany) (Sep 18–22, 2023)
Tina Halford (UK / Germany) (Oct 16–20, 2023)
Johanna Richter (Germany) (Oct 30–Nov 3, 2023)
Alessandra Corti (Italy) (Nov 6–10, 2023)
Cyril Baldy (France) (Nov 20–24, 2023)
Samantha van Wissen (Netherlands) (Nov 25, 2023 – Masterclass)
Renan Martins (Brazil / Belgium) (Dec 4–8, 2023)
Jos Baker (UK / Belgium) (Dec 11–15, 2023)
2024 – Expanded community hub at T29 @ FatCat
Deepening of research, community-facing formats, and an expanded international network.
Min Li (China / Germany) (Jan 8–12, 2024)
Jihun Choi – Nada (South Korea) (Jan 22–26, 2024)
Gaetano Badalamenti (Italy) (Jan 29–Feb 2, 2024)
Chris-Pascal Englund-Braun (Germany) (Feb 19–23, 2024)
Heidi Vierthaler (USA / Netherlands) (Feb 26–Mar 1, 2024)
Laura Manz (Germany) (Mar 11–15, 2024)
Michael Löhr (Germany) (Mar 25–29, 2024)
Laura Vilar (Spain) (Apr 8–12, 2024)
Sophie Charlotte Becker (Germany) (Apr 22–26, 2024)
Jin Lee (South Korea / Germany) (May 6–10, 2024)
Dor Mamalia (Israel) (May 20–24, 2024)
Laura Saumweber (Germany) (Jun 3–7, 2024)
Marta Rak (Poland / Germany) (Jun 17–21, 2024)
Victor Rottier (Netherlands) (Jun 24–28, 2024)
João Santiago (Portugal / Germany) (Jul 8–12, 2024)
Edoardo Cino (Italy) (Jul 22–26, 2024)
Madeline Harms (Australia) (Sep 16–20, 2024)
Alex Clair (USA) (Oct 7–11, 2024)
Serhat Saïd (Germany) (Oct 14–18, 2024)
Narendra Patil (India / Belgium) (Nov 11–15, 2024)
Sarah Butler (USA / Germany) (Nov 18–22, 2024)
Búi Rouch (France / Germany) (Nov 25–29, 2024)
Sebastian Zuber (Switzerland) (Dec 9–13, 2024)
Open Studios & community-facing formats (Mar 18–23, 2024)
Low-threshold platform for work-in-progress, peer exchange, and visibility of artistic processes.
Ana Marija Kovačević (Croatia)
Wiebke Dobers (Germany)
Taylor Unwin (UK)
Kathrin Knöpfle (Germany)
Geosmin Yang (South Korea)
Mónica Arroyo Escribano (Spain)
Jasmine Ellis (Canada / Germany) – Artistic facilitation, Open Studio, Mar 18–23, 2024
2025 – Split locations & ongoing precarity
Maintaining continuity of professional training across multiple locations under unstable conditions.
Sofia Casprini (Italy) (Jan 6–10, 2025)
Gaetano Badalamenti (Italy) (Jan 27–31, 2025)
Laura Manz (Germany) (Feb 10–14, 2025)
Dhelé Agbetou (France / Benin) (Feb 24–28, 2025)
Lukas Malkowski (Canada) (Mar 17–21, 2025)
Heidi Vierthaler (USA) (Apr 7–11, 2025)
Samuel Gilovitz (Israel / Germany) (Apr 21–25, 2025)
Sophie Charlotte Becker (Germany) (May 5–9, 2025)
Samuel Minguillón (Spain / Germany) (May 19–23, 2025)
Marta Rak (Poland / Germany) (Jun 2–6, 2025)
Michael Löhr (Germany) (Jun 16–20, 2025)
Edoardo Cino (Italy) (Jun 30–Jul 4, 2025)
Ami Shulman (Canada / Sweden) (Jul 14–18, 2025)
Breeanne Saxton (USA) (Sep 15–19, 2025)
Sascha Paar (Germany) (Oct 6–10, 2025)
Eva Schaller (Austria) (Oct 20–24, 2025)
Aron Nowak (Germany) (Nov 17–21, 2025)