21-23 February 2027
Shinjuku Bunka Center (Tokyo)

In the ballet circle where youth has long been valued as an asset, 40 has nearly been synonymous with the "end". Based in Stuttgart, WINNDance Company boldly challenges such a long-held narrative and explores the meaning of experience and maturity of artists.

WINNDance Company, an ensemble of world-class dancers aged 40 and over, was founded by Marijn Rademaker, former Principal dancer of the Stuttgart Ballet, and Slava Tutukin, Ballet Manager of the Dortmund Ballett, aimed "to transform the perspective on aging, promote sustainability, and inspire the creation of near artistic work". WINN stands for When, If Not Now. The Company made its sensational world premiere debut at the La Biennale di Venezia in August 2026. WINNDance Company's Japanese debut is not to be missed.

Statement by Marijin Rademaker and Slava Tutukin

The company was founded on the belief that the experience and maturity of artists bring a unique depth and richness to performance.

This pioneering ensemble brings together world-class dancers such as Diana Vishneva, Edward Watson, Gil Roman, Silvia Azzoni, and Alexandre Ryabko, alongside renowned choreographers including John Neumeier, Sir Wayne McGregor, and Pam Tanowitz. Together, they create a bold new repertoire that celebrates each artist's individuality, shaped and deepened by their maturity.

Through our work, we aim to show that aging is not a decline. It is a powerful and beautiful evolution of life, of expression, and of art itself.

https://www.winn-dance.com/

Dancers

Silvia Azzoni, Kayoko Everhart, Mara Galeazzi, Silas Henriksen, Igone De Jongh, Alexander Jones, Sarah Lamb, Gil Roman, Marijn Rademeker, Oleksandr Ryabko, Diana Vishneva, Edward Watson

Program A

Friday 19 February 2027, 19:00 @ Shinjuku Bunka Center (Tokyo)
With a pre-show talk. Details TBA.
Saturday 20 February 2027, 14:00 @ Shinjuku Bunka Center (Tokyo)

Program B

Sunday 21 February 2027, 14:00 @ Shinjuku Bunka Center (Tokyo)
With a post-show talk. Details TBA.
Tuesday 23 February 2027, 13:00 @ Shinjuku Bunka Center (Tokyo)

Program A

Part 1

Shadow in the Whale in the Sky
Choreography Joost Vrouenraets
Music Leonard Cohen, Lou Reed, Anthony and the Jonsons
Dancers Gil Roman, Oleksandr Riabko

Solo from Ssss...
Choreography Edward Clug
Music Frédéric Chopin
Dancer Marijn Rademaker

Coming soon.
Dancers Sarah Lamb, Edward Watson

Coming soon.
Dancers Silvia Azzoni, Oleksandr Riabko

And more.

Part 2

Bridge of Sighs - Japan premiere
Music Dmitri Shostakovich, Friedrich Holaender, Kurt Weill
Choreography, Set and Lighting Concept John Neumeier
Costume design and production Boss
Dancers Silvia Azzoni, Mara Galeazzi, Alexander Jones, Igone De Jongh, Marijn Rademaker, Oleksandr Riabko, Diana Vishneva

Program B

Part 1

Opus 100 - for Maurice
Music Simon & Garfunkel
Text Eugene Ionesco - excerpt from Les Chaises
Choreography John Neumeier
Dancers Marijn Rademaker, Oleksandr Riabko

Coming soon.
Dancers Sarah Lamb, Edward Watson

Coming soon.
Choreography Edvin Revazov
Dancers Silvia Azzoni, Oleksandr Riabko

And more.

Part 2

Death in Venice - Japan premiere
Overall Concept Slava Tutukin, Marijn Rademaker, Ira Goldbecher
Choreography Imre & Marne van Opstal, Omar Román De Jesús, Rainer Behr
Costume Design and Production BOSS
Light Design Konstantin Binkin
Films: Director and Choreographer Javier De Frutos
Music Ricardo Villalobos and Max Loderbauer, Mohammad Reza Mortazavi, Boxhead Ensemble, Jesse Scheinin (commissioned for this production), Floex and Tom Hodge, Hildur Guðnadóttir

Running Time Approximately 2 hours including an intermission.

*Programs and casting as of 2 October 2026 are subject to change. Changes in the programs or the cast do not entitle holders to return or exchange tickets.

Shinjuku Bunka Center (Tokyo)
https://www.regasu-shinjuku.or.jp/bunka-center/
Address: Shinjuku 6-14-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022