In this episode, we sit down with legendary Italian dancer and teacher Pompea Santoro for a deeply personal conversation about artistry, identity, and transmission. From her early training between southern Italy and Turin to her extraordinary 25-year collaboration with Mats Ek at the Cullberg Ballet, Pompea reflects on the choices, risks, and inner transformations that shaped her path.

She shares what it meant to embody iconic roles such as Giselle and Carmen, including the role of M. created specifically on her by Ek — a performance that later received an Emmy Award. We explore presence, vulnerability, and what it truly means to “serve the work” without losing yourself inside it.

The conversation also traces her transition from performer to mentor, her ongoing work restaging Ek’s repertoire worldwide, and the vision behind the EkoDance International Project, created to nurture the next generation of artists.

Honest, profound, and full of lived wisdom, this episode is an intimate reflection on artistic growth, legacy, and what it means to remain human — both on and off the stage.

In this episode we interview Aurora Dickie Brazilian soloist dancer based in Berlin, trained in classical and contemporary technique and holding an MA in Dance Science.

Her work sits at the intersection of performance, research, and mentorship. After moving from Brazil to Germany, she rebuilt her career while deepening her understanding of biomechanics, performance psychology, and sustainable training practices.

In this episode, Aurora reflects on: navigating a cross-continental transition, integrating dance science into daily practice, overcoming mental barriers in high-performance environments, mentoring young dancers with both artistic and scientific awareness

For her, success is not just about adaptability—it’s about knowledge, cultural identity, and responsibility toward the next generation.

Listen to the full conversation to discover how her Brazilian roots, academic training, and Berlin experience shape her artistic voice.

Our next guest is Katharina Christl , Rector of the Palucca University of Dance in Dresden Germany.

Shaped by her early years as a dancer in East Germany, she now leads the Palucca University of Dance with vision and dedication. In this episode, she shares her journey; how she grew, created, and now guides the next generation of dancers.

She reflects on the power of community, the importance of mental well-being, and the responsibility of shaping an art form in a rapidly changing world.

A story of mentoring and creativity, showing how Katharina Christl bridges tradition and innovation to guide dance into the future.

In this episode, Joe Longomo discusses his journey in the dance world, particularly in hip-hop, and the importance of groove in dance culture. He shares insights on teaching, the competitive nature of dance, and the emotional challenges dancers face, including burnout and bullying. The conversation also touches on the balance between confidence and arrogance, the impact of social media on the dance scene, and the need for authenticity in performance.

Owen Belton shares his journey from studying computer science to becoming a composer for dance and theater. He discusses his diverse educational background in fine and performing arts, which included dance, film, theater, and visual arts, and how it shaped his career. Owen talks about his early career challenges, working in a print shop while pursuing music, and his eventual breakthrough composing for choreographer Crystal Pite. He reflects on the differences between composing for dance versus film and theater, emphasizing the upfront nature of music in dance. Owen also shares insights into his creative process, the role of technology in his work, and his collaborations with choreographers like Goyo Montero. He concludes with advice for aspiring composers and discusses his upcoming projects, including a collaboration in Buenos Aires with Goyo Montero and a future show with Crystal Pite’s company Kidd Pivot.

In this episode of Kunst n’ all Nnamdi shares his journey from a young dancer to a successful choreographer, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced as a BIPOC artist in the contemporary dance world. He emphasizes the importance of community, music, and personal identity in his work, while also addressing the need for empathy and connection in the dance industry. Nnamdi offers valuable advice for young dancers and reflects on his aspirations to reconnect with his Nigerian roots through his art.

In this episode, Goyo Montero , the artistic director of Staatsballett Hannover , shares his journey from dancer to choreographer and now artistic director. He discusses the importance of collaboration, the role of an artistic director, and the challenges of leadership in the dance world. He emphasizes the need for open communication and connection among dancers, the significance of audience engagement, and his vision for the future of the Staatsballett Hannover. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring choreographers and artistic directors, highlighting the importance of perseverance and creativity.

KUNST n’all returns from the holidays with two major announcements:

We’re now the official podcast of Staatsballett Hannover, under the artistic direction of Goyo Montero, and—starting this season—we’re welcoming a new member to our team!

At the same time, KUNST n’all will continue its original format: bringing you conversations with diverse voices from across the international dance world.

Season 2 will be a space where both strands meet — a place for deep artistic exchange, across disciplines and borders.

You can listen to our episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and now also on YouTube.

Episodes in collaboration with Staatsballett Hannover will also be available on the official Staatsoper Hannover website.

Welcome to Season 2!