NEWS! | Jochen Ulrich Foundation

In Memory - Jochen Ulrich - 13 years

10.11.12 - 10.11.25

Jochen Ulrich was much more than an exceptional mentor, an inspiring creator, and a talented choreographer for all those who had the privilege of working with him. Thirteen years ago, he sadly left us too soon to join the firmament. Nevertheless, he managed to pass on to us the strength to continue his legacy. His inspiration continues to nurture the creation of new works and to keep his philosophy alive in dance, performance, and the art of creation.

Jochen Ulrich war weit mehr als nur ein außergewöhnlicher Mentor, ein inspirierender Schöpfer und ein talentierter Choreograf für all jene, die das Privileg hatten, mit ihm zusammenzuarbeiten. Vor dreizehn Jahren hat er uns leider viel zu früh verlassen, um zum Firmament zu gehören. Dennoch hat er uns die Kraft mitgegeben, sein Erbe weiterzuführen. Seine Inspiration beflügelt weiterhin die Entstehung neuer Werke und lässt seine Philosophie im Tanz, im Schauspiel und in der Kunst des Schaffens lebendig bleiben.

Jochen Ulrich était bien plus qu’un mentor exceptionnel, un créateur inspirant et un chorégraphe talentueux pour tous ceux qui ont eu le privilège de travailler avec lui. Il y a treize ans, il nous a malheureusement quittés trop tôt pour rejoindre le firmament. Pourtant, il a su nous transmettre la force de perpétuer son héritage. Son inspiration continue de nourrir la création de nouvelles œuvres et de faire vivre sa philosophie dans la danse, le jeu et l’art de créer.

Anna Karenina Stage rehearsal - Landestheater Linz 2010 - Jochen Ulrich - Anna Sterbova.

Martha Graham 100 years!

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/oct/06/martha-graham-pushed-dance-in-dazzling-new-directions?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

A Turning Point for Dance in Germany and Europe

Martha Graham was a pioneering American modern dancer and choreographer, whose technique (the Graham technique) revolutionized modern dance. Her approach emphasized expressive movement, emotional depth, and a unique physical vocabulary that became foundational for modern dance worldwide.

Jochen Ulrich was a German choreographer and dancer who co-founded the Tanzforum (Dance Forum) at the Cologne Opera in 1971. Under his leadership, the Tanzforum became the only company in Europe whose training was based on Martha Graham’s technique. This means that Ulrich adopted and promoted Graham’s methods as the core of his company’s style, making her influence central to his artistic direction.
Both Graham and Ulrich were committed to expressive movement as a vehicle for psychological and emotional storytelling.
Ulrich’s works like LULU and Caravaggio explored complex characters and themes, echoing Graham’s approach to myth, identity, and human struggle.
Influence of Martha Graham on Ulrich’s Work
- Tanzforum Köln, founded in 1971 and led solely by Ulrich from 1979, became the only company in Europe whose training was based on Martha Graham’s modern dance technique.
- Ulrich’s choreography emphasized athleticism, emotional depth, and dramatic narrative—hallmarks of Graham’s style, though interpreted through his own European lens.
Artistic Legacy and Shared Philosophies
This decision marked a bold departure from classical ballet norms in Germany, positioning Cologne as a hub for contemporary dance innovation.
Influence: There is no evidence that Ulrich and Graham worked together directly. Instead, Ulrich’s connection to Graham is through his adoption and adaptation of her technique, which shaped the training and performances of his company. This influence helped establish Cologne as an international center for modern dance during his tenure.
Legacy: Through Ulrich’s work, Graham’s technique and philosophy were transmitted to a new generation of European dancers and choreographers, further extending her impact on the global dance community. [tanzfonds.de
Summary:
Jochen Ulrich was a major proponent of Martha Graham’s technique in Europe, making her approach the foundation of his company’s training and style. While they did not collaborate directly, Graham’s influence on Ulrich was profound and shaped the direction of modern dance in Germany and beyond.

How did Ulrich adapt Graham's methods?

Jochen Ulrich adapted Martha Graham’s methods in several distinctive ways, shaping both the training and choreography of his company, Tanzforum Cologne:
Institutionalizing Graham Technique in Europe
- Ulrich made Tanzforum Cologne the only company in Europe whose daily training was based on Martha Graham’s technique. This was unique at the time, as most European companies focused on ballet or other modern styles. [tanzfonds.de]
- Emphasis on Emotional Expression
- Like Graham, Ulrich prioritized the expressive and emotional aspects of movement. Dancers were trained not just in the technical elements of contraction, release, and spirals, but also in how to use these tools to convey deep emotion and narrative, making performances more dramatic and psychologically intense.
- Athletic and Technical Expansion
  - Ulrich’s choreography was known for its athletic-technical extensions. He built on Graham’s principles by incorporating more physically demanding movements, pushing dancers to explore the limits of their bodies while maintaining the expressive core of Graham’s style.
  - Integration with European Modern Dance
  - While Graham’s technique was the foundation, Ulrich blended it with European influences and contemporary trends. He worked with guest choreographers and exposed his dancers to a variety of styles, creating a hybrid approach that was both rooted in Graham and open to innovation.
  - Pedagogical Adaptation
  - Ulrich adapted Graham’s teaching methods for European dancers, focusing on breath, floor work, and the psychological aspects of movement. He trained dancers to begin with bounces and breathings, emphasizing the importance of starting from the floor and building movement from the pelvis and spine, just as Graham taught.
  - Legacy and Influence
  - Through his work, Ulrich helped spread Graham’s technique across Europe, influencing generations of dancers and choreographers. His adaptation ensured that Graham’s legacy continued to evolve, remaining relevant in contemporary dance settings. [tanzfonds.de]
    Summary:
    Jochen Ulrich’s adaptation of Graham’s methods was both faithful and innovative. He institutionalized her technique in Europe, expanded its athletic and expressive possibilities, and blended it with other influences to create a unique, emotionally powerful style of modern dance.