[Artist Interview] Korea-Austria Co-created Dance Production, <Dancing Miners> – NikiMartin, Choreographer > Notice

Korea-Austria Co-created Dance Production, <Dancing Miners>

- Nikola Majtanova (Lead Choreography, Dancer of NikiMartin), Marcin Deniewicz (Dancer of NikiMartin)

Q1. Could you briefly introduce yourselves and your team?

Hello, we are Niki and Martin. We are a duo who have been dancing together for five years. We first got close while studying in the same class at the same university in Austria. After graduating, we really enjoyed working together, so we continued collaborating and began working as the team “NikiMartin.”

We focus on contemporary dance, especially partner work. We create choreography using each other’s weight, heavy objects, and the balance between two bodies. Movements that seem to defy gravity, especially lifts, are our specialty.

In addition to choreographing our own work, we also freelance for other choreographers and teach in different countries. We also enjoy working with more people, not just the two of us.

Q2. Could you tell us about the project  you are presenting this time?

This piece tells the story of people working in the mines. Mining is a meaningful topic for both Korea and Austria. Korea has a long history of coal mining, and Austria has a very famous salt mine. The resources taken from the ground were different, but people in both countries endured hard labor to build their lives. That is the story we wanted to convey through movement. That’s why we wore costumes and masks similar to those used by Korean miners. Through such details, we wanted to more vividly show the lives of miners.

Q3. How was your experience working with another dance company from abroad?

 Did you discover any new creative methods or forms of expression? It was great because both sides had the chance to explore new artistic approaches. We were very impressed by how the Bermuda dancers skillfully performed urban dance styles like popping and hip-hop. The way they brought these diverse styles onto the stage as storytelling was also memorable. We had usually only seen hip-hop or urban dance performed as short, highlight-driven shows of around 10 minutes. But through this collaboration, we realized such styles can also tell longer stories that last 15 minutes to an hour.

We brought partnering techniques to this project—creating movements together with the Bermuda dancers, finding rhythms together, and building choreography in collaboration. Through that process, we inspired and learned from each other.

We also remember how warmly we were welcomed from the very first day in Korea. Both the Bermuda dancers and we ourselves had a strong desire to learn from one another. They were curious about our background and our work, so the atmosphere was really positive from the start. Thanks to that, we felt at home and exchanged our styles with joy.

Q4. How would you introduce this piece to audiences? What should they pay attention to?

I think it would be best for audiences to fully immerse themselves in our movements. This work doesn’t just tell the history of mining, but also shows the lives of those who worked in the mines—their labor, their happiness, and their sadness. In the piece, the characters go to work in the mines, take breaks, and even dream. We hope audiences can simply enjoy these diverse scenes as they are.

On stage, we wear special costumes and masks. Just like actual miners, our bodies feel heavier, and it’s harder to breathe. Because of that, we ourselves become emotionally immersed while performing. We hope the audience can feel that too. Just as the title says, we want to fully embody the “Dancing Miners” and share that sensation.

We also hope children can enjoy this performance. Even though it tells the story of hard-working miners, it also shows moments of eating, partying, and freely doing what they want in dreams. That’s why children can watch with joy and laugh along as well. We recommend bringing your kids!

Q5. Lastly, do you have any message for the audience and Korea·A·Round Culture?

Working in Korea has been a very special experience for us. After the performances, we received many kind words from the audience, and we were able to sincerely communicate with the Bermuda dancers, sharing knowledge and inspiration. We are truly grateful for the care shown to us. Now, as we prepare for our final performance in Korea, we feel full of gratitude and pride. Afterwards, we will also present this work in Austria.

We believe cultural exchange and collaboration always bring something special. You meet new cultures and people, and you gain inspirations you had never thought of before. For us, encountering traditional Korean dance has already given us new ideas for future collaborations. That is why this exchange feels like such a gift. We sincerely thank you for inviting us, and we also thank Bermuda Dance Company. We look forward to all that is to come. Thank you!