Pas de Cheval is an ironic duet choreographed by Andrea Costanzo Martini, performed by Francesca Foscarini and Martini himself. Designed for two performers no longer very young and inspired by the figure of the horse, a symbol of grace, strength, and freedom, the work explores the parallels between the animal and the dancer: both majestic creatures, admired for their athleticism, shaped by an imagery that conceals the reality of fatigue, insecurity, extreme discipline, and very often questionable power dynamics. Lightly, Pas de Cheval exposes the contradictions of the live show. With metaphor embodied, Martini reveals what an artist is willing to do to win the love of the audience, what the survival of a performer, even financially, in the system really depends on. Through essential physical language, whispered voices, audience giggles, and imagery that alternates practice and representation, the duet explores the boundaries between training and freedom, obedience and desire, virtuosity and vulnerability.
Pas de Cheval
ANDREA COSTANZO MARTINI (IT)
12 June 2026 21:15 Theme - Political body
Lavanderia a Vapore Corso Pastrengo, 51 Collegno (TO)ZEBRA – contemporary dance company is a Dance Production organization recognized by the MIC, led by Chiara Frigo and Silvia Gribaudi, with 14 years of activity in the research and dissemination of Italian contemporary dance. The company values dance as a creative and social tool, promotes innovative projects in collaboration with local communities and international festivals. International projects include: Big Pulse Dance Alliance (2022/24), Boarding Pass Plus (2019), Migrant Bodies (2018/19), Performing Gender (2014/15), Act Your Age (2013), Triptych 2011 (Operaestate Festival Veneto/CSC Regione Veneto / Circuit Est Montreal / The Dance Center Vancouver).
Andrea Costanzo Martini, born and raised in Italy, trained in contemporary dance and ballet. He attended the Heinz-Bosl Stiftung Ballet Akademien in Munich and in 2004 began his professional career as a dancer at the’ Aalto Staats Theater in Essen.
In 2006 he joined the Batsheva Dance Company, works with Ohad Naharin and Sharon Eyal and begins his career as a Gaga teacher and choreographer through the company’s “dancer create” program.
In 2010 she joined the Cullberg Ballet in Stockholm and danced the repertoire of Benoit Lachambre, Alexander Ekman, Crystal Pite, Jefta Van Dinter and Tillman O’Donnel. Since 2013, he has created international creations that combine extreme physicality, irony, and theatrical narrative, exploring power dynamics and the relationship between performer and spectator. A certified teacher of Gaga since 2007, she conducts workshops around the world.
Idea, choreography Andrea Costanzo Martini
Cast Francesca Foscarini, Andrea Costanzo Martini
Lights Yoav Barel
Music by Angelo Badalamenti, Ennio Morricone
Lyrics by Francesca Foscarini, Andrea Costanzo Martini
Production carried out with the support of Associated Artists Gorizia, Tanzhaus Zürich, NOD – Nuova Officina della Danza Torino
In collaboration with the Center of Significant National Interest for Public Scenic Dance/CZD
REGIONAL PREMIERE
durataduration 25’

