Ritournelles. Or: All about Circles

A video feature about the collaboration between choreographers Johanna Ackva and Laura Gary with nursery school children in Potsdam, as part of the explore dance programme

“Imagine you enter a world where everything is round…”

How is an explore dance production for the very youngest created? How can choreographers involve nursery school children in the creation of their piece, gauge their interest and take feedback on board?

The video feature provides insight into the creation of the first explore dance production for a very young audience aged 3 and up. It combines theory and practice: from thoughts on repetition and circular structures to creative exchanges with children in everyday nursery life through movement, painting, designing, inventing stories and imaginary journeys.

Video feature by Oskar Smollny for explore dance | 13 January 2026

Concept, choreography & performance: Johanna Ackva, Laura Gary
Composition, performance: Yuko Matsuyama
Outside Eye, dramaturgical advice: Odile Seitz-Walser
Costumes, set design: Martin Sieweke
Production: fabrik Potsdam

In collaboration with the “Inselmäuse” daycare centre in Potsdam