ImPulsTanz festival showcases Eun‑Me Ahn’s ‘Post‑Orientalist Express’ in Vienna

The ImPulsTanz festival in Vienna presented two striking dance works at the historic Burgtheater. Korean‑born choreographer Eun‑Me Ahn debuted her piece “Post‑Orientalist Express,” a vibrant, fast‑paced performance that moves from Korean origins through other Asian cultures. The work opens with video and AI‑enhanced projections of 19th‑century European Orientalist paintings, then shifts to a colourful revue that incorporates Asian myths, Kabuki theatre, Shaolin martial arts and even a giant plush panda, concluding with a solo in a dragon costume.

The festival also featured the Tao Dance Theater’s “18,” the latest entry in its “Numerical Series.” Choreographed by Tao Ye with music by Xiao He, the piece translates Chinese calligraphy into movement, exploring themes of form, shadow and spirit through fluid, mathematically inspired group patterns. Both performances highlighted the festival’s focus on cross‑cultural dialogue and contemporary reinterpretations of traditional art forms.