For over thirty years, the Hungarian-born choreographer Krisztina de Châtel led her own company, Dansgroep Krisztina de Châtel. From 2009 to 2013, she co-directed Dansgroep Amsterdam, the city company for modern dance, together with Itzik Galili. Since 2013, she has been creating unique performances both on location and in theaters through her foundation, De Châtel sur Place.

Contrasts and Confrontations

Originally from Hungary, choreographer Krisztina de Châtel has created over seventy choreographies and three dance films. Her performances revolve around contrasts and confrontations: fragile human bodies juxtaposed with natural elements such as wind, earth, and water, or against the imposing space of a church or industrial building. Within the body itself, a struggle unfolds—between passion and control, between individual freedom and the anonymity and security of the collective.

Site-Specific Performances

De Châtel often works outside traditional theater spaces, with the chosen location, including artworks or materials, serving as both an inspiration and an integral part of the choreography. One of her motivations is to help people experience extraordinary spaces in new ways. She also frequently collaborates with groups of people outside the dance world. Her choreographies increasingly reflect her vision of society.

Mentoring and Guidance

De Châtel has consistently aimed to give opportunities to emerging creators. Performances by Dansgroep Krisztina de Châtel often included guest choreographers, and she gave workshops and lessons at various academies, serving as an artistic advisor. Through her foundation, Imperium, she continues to support young dance makers both financially and artistically.

Awards

De Châtel’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Sonja Gaskell Prize and the Choreography Prize from the Association of Theatre and Concert Hall Directors. In October 2000, she was honored with the Dutch Dance Festival Award for her entire body of work, and in 2001 she was appointed Knight of the Order of the Dutch Lion for her contributions to Dutch dance. In 2002, the Circle of Dutch Theatre Critics awarded her the Critics’ Prize. Upon her farewell from her dance company in December 2008, she received the Frans Banninck Cocq Medal from the city of Amsterdam for her services to the city. In August 2010, she was again honored by the city, receiving the Amsterdam Art Prize 2010. That same year, during the Dutch Dance Festival, she was awarded the Golden Swan for her significant contribution to the development of modern dance in the Netherlands. In 2021, she received the Merit Award from the Dancers Fund ’79 for her “bold, unconventional, consistently brilliant, and intriguing choreographies.”

The Academy of Arts

In March 2019, Krisztina de Châtel became a member of the Academy of Arts (KNAW). Established in 2013, the Academy now has 50 members and serves as a forum for debate on the value of art in society and the relationship between art and science. Its members are distinguished artists from various disciplines.