Stephan Brinkmann

Stephan Brinkmann is a Professor for Contemporary Dance at the Folkwang University of the Arts, where he has taught since April 2012. His academic roles focus on Contemporary Dance, Improvisation, Dance Pedagogy, and Choreography. He earned his doctorate at the University of Hamburg with a dissertation on memory forms in dance ('Bewegung erinnern. Gedächtnisformen im Tanz', transcript Verlag, 2013) and studied Theater, Film, and Television Studies, Sociology, and German Studies at the University of Cologne, complemented by a dance pedagogy program at Folkwang.

• Academic Affiliation: Folkwang University of the Arts (Institute of Contemporary Dance)
• Prior Artistic Roles: Ensemble member of Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch (1995–2010), involved in key works like 'Nur Du' and 'Wiesenland'
• Teaching Experience: Includes institutions such as the University of Hamburg, Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, Musikhochschule Köln, and international engagements in Costa Rica, Australia, and China

Brinkmann’s research bridges contemporary dance practice with artistic memory systems, emphasizing embodied knowledge and pedagogical innovation. His choreographic works have garnered recognition, including the Folkwangpreis for 'Park'. He has contributed to film collaborations, notably Pedro Almodóvar’s 'Sprich mit ihr' and Wim Wenders’ 'Pina', further expanding his influence in interdisciplinary performance studies.

Scientific Awards:

• Folkwangpreis (choreography 'Park')
• Hannover Competition for Young Choreographers award ('In Wege legen', 'Zwischen Räumen, zwischen Fällen')

Brinkmann’s career spans over two decades of artistic and academic contributions, integrating contemporary dance, theater pedagogy, and interdisciplinary research.