The German-Swiss contemporary dance ensemble, CocoonDance Company, delivered a powerful and memorable performance of their acclaimed work Vis Motrix in the national capital. The event took place on 7 December 2025 at Arthshila Delhi, attracting an attentive and appreciative audience who were drawn to the production's unique artistic language and compelling stage dynamics.
The Driving Force: Deconstructing Movement
Vis Motrix, a Latin term translating to "driving force," forms the core philosophy of the performance. The piece deliberately moves away from established dance forms to place raw instinct, physical urgency, and deep-seated internal impulses at the heart of its movement vocabulary. This approach results in a continuous transformation of the dancers' bodies on stage, generating an intense and almost primal physicality that challenges conventional spectatorship.
A Feminist Creative Process
A significant aspect of the work is its roots in a distinctly feminist methodology. Conceived and performed entirely by women-identifying artists, Vis Motrix is born from a creative process that prioritizes agency, intuition, and the principle of collective authorship. This framework allows the performance to explore narratives and physicalities that emerge from shared experience and collaborative creation, offering a fresh perspective in the contemporary dance landscape.
Pan-India Tour with International Backing
The Delhi showcase was a key segment of CocoonDance's extensive India tour, running from 30 November to 11 December 2025. The tour itinerary included multiple cities, ensuring a wide reach across the country:
- A micro arts residency followed by performances in Kochi.
- The standout show in Delhi.
- Performances in Jaipur and Bengaluru.
This artistic journey across India received substantial international support. The tour was backed by the NATIONALES PERFORMANCE NETZ – International Guest Performance Fund for Dance, which is funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media of Germany. Additional support came from Le Canton du Valais and the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia. In India, the tour was executed in partnership with Meta Arts and various local presenting organizations.
The successful Delhi leg of the tour underscores the city's growing appetite for innovative international contemporary dance. CocoonDance's Vis Motrix not only provided a night of profound artistic expression but also fostered cultural dialogue through its unique feminist lens and visceral physicality, leaving a lasting impression on the capital's art enthusiasts.
