Pina – Wednesday 26th February 2025

I was aware of the name, Pina Bausch, and Tanztheatre, but I had no idea what either was about, and to be honest, I had little interest in finding out. But the French dancer I was chatting to, recommended I watch this film; so I did.

It was so esoteric and arty farty, that I wanted to turn it off. I couldn’t get into it. The whole experience felt like a chore.

Fortunately, the second half of the film was a more pleasurable viewing experience. I don’t know if it’s because my mind adjusted to what I was watching, or if the dance sequences were more accessible to someone that isn’t trained in dance.

The film isn’t a biopic; more of a tribute, with dancers praising Pina Bausch, intercut with performances from some of her shows, recreated specifically for this film.

Interestingly, Wim Wenders only agreed to make this film once 3-D filmmaking technology was more advanced, because he felt there was no way Pina’s brilliance could be realised in a two-dimensional format.
He’s probably right. The film is made to be seen on the big screen, in 3-D, not at home on a flat screen, the way I viewed it.

Still. I love dance, but I guess I don’t love it in all its forms.

Not for me, I’m afraid.