COMPANY

Welcome to Below the Skin, a vibrant performance art company founded in 2019 by Aly Khamees and Jelena Mair. Our passion lies in transcultural exploration, utilizing the universal language of dance to delve into the socio-political phenomena shaping our world. Through captivating performances,
we breathe life into the stories of individuals, celebrating our shared humanity
and addressing the diverse challenges faced in the 21st century.

Aly and Jelena's artistic vision extends beyond mere entertainment; they utilize Below the Skin to prompt dialogue and inquiry, inviting audiences to engage with the pressing social issues portrayed in our work. Our performances serve as a medium for reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of the environments we inhabit, and the collective challenges encountered as a human race.

By pushing artistic boundaries and nurturing a culture of inclusion and collaboration, we aspire to create performances that resonate beyond the stage, bridging gaps between art and society. Through diverse narratives and movement techniques, our goal is to transcend language barriers, challenge preconceptions, and inspire genuine connections within the community.

Central to our creative philosophy is the belief that art is a dynamic exchange between artists, audiences, and the spaces that host them. As of 2024 we have been chosen to be a Tanzhaus accomplice. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity*. It's an honor to be part of such a collaborative and supportive model in the world of contemporary choreography. Becoming a Tanzhaus accomplice allows us to refine our choreographic techniques through open-format workshops, opening doors to a broader public for contemporary dance. Our aim is to create a meeting ground for exploration, dialogue, and growth for everyone involved.

Inclusivity is a core facet of our artistic practice. We are committed to crafting performances that resonate with a diverse audience, involving individuals from different backgrounds, professional and non-professional alike. This approach fosters authenticity, ignites meaningful connections and dialogues, and ensures fair compensation for those contributing to the research of new creations.

Join us as we transcend conceptual boundaries, transforming abstract ideas into tangible dance pieces that resonate with the richness of our shared human experience. At Below the Skin, we invite you to be part of a community that values artistic expression, social engagement, and the power of dance to evoke change.

Check out our Opportunities page for our offerings. In April/May/July 2024 we are offering a series of open-format workshops. We also invite you to get in touch with us directly, if you are intrigued to work, research and cocreate with us. Contact us at belowtheskin(at)proton.me.

Tanzhaus Zürich's "accomplices model" fosters collaboration with choreographers by establishing enduring relationships and involving artists in shaping the institution's programs, including productions, residencies, research, workshops, and discussions. This model emphasizes reciprocity and close engagement between artists and the Tanzhaus Dramaturgy Pool to support both emerging talents and existing partnerships in contemporary choreography within the region.

the transformative power of movement

Empty City

Premiere: 2. Oktober 2024, Tanzhaus Zurich

Shows: 3. - 6.10.2024, Tanzhaus Zurich

«Empty City is a testimony to coping with life and the search for belonging. It's a story of different people coming together and weaving a tapestry of community and belonging that transcends differences in history and faith.» Aly Khamees

This production is inspired by the enigmatic City of the Dead. The World Heritage Site is located in the heart of Cairo and dates back to the 7th century. This huge Islamic necropolis has developed into a unique blend of history, culture and everyday life. Tombs and mausoleums that once served as final resting places have been transformed into homes that represent a whimsical coexistence between the living and the dead. We explore the theme of the resilience of people and communities, reflecting the universal human spirit that often overcomes even the most difficult circumstances. Unique to this production are our participatory formats, with professional and amateur dancers involved in the development of this piece.

The aim of this is to explore and promote creative collaboration with a heterogeneous group who incorporate their stories and experiences into the movement language of the piece. With our approach, we create performances that overcome language barriers, make them tangible for the audience, and we are convinced that this will appeal to a wide audience.

Our motivation is to bring stories to the stage that deal with the challenges of the 21st century and celebrate the commonalities of the human family. Beyond entertainment, we want to encourage dialogue and reflection, invite audiences to reflect on pressing social issues and promote/create a deeper understanding of our environment. Our artistic mission is to transcend cultural boundaries, inspire conversation and explore the complex human experience in order to experience our commonalities and celebrate our diversity.

©Maria Cheilopoulou

NASLAH - BEHIND BARS

Premiere: 21. April 2023, Tanzhaus Zurich

Shows: 22./23. April 2023 Tanzhaus Zurich

Show: 11. Mai 2023, Roxy Birsfelden

How do norms and stigmas become entrenched in our consciousness, and how can we break free from these inner prisons? Aly Khamees addresses these questions in his powerful and thought-provoking dance solo, Naslah*. Inspired by the rich tradition of Egyptian street dance with knives, which dates back to Pharaonic culture and is practiced on joyous occasions such as weddings as well as during rivalries in the form of competitions, the knives symbolize additional arms on the body with which the dancers cut or paint in the air to express their own soul voice. Fittingly, Naslah also takes inspiration from conversations with people of different backgrounds from Khamee's childhood neighborhood in Cairo and his adopted home in Zurich, which always revolved around the topic of discrimination based on origin or appearance. Khamees aims to tell the stories of people on the margins of society and open up new perspectives on global conditions through his choreography, stating that «In dance we can experience our common humanity»

*In Cairo slang, "naslah" refers to a sharpened spoon used in prison for personal protection.

Future Productions

INHABITED

«Imagine a mountain falling into a river - the immense noise of the trembling mountain and the impact of the rocks hitting the water create a vivid picture in your mind. You can see the pebbles from the impact washing up on distant shores miles away. Fear is a powerful force that can be both inhibiting and driving, pushing us to survive. When harnessed vehemently, it can catalyze significant transformation, awakening the power within us.»