Its unique collections  make Deutsches Tanzarchiv Köln one of the most important research centers for dance. A wide variety of materials provides researchers, students and aficionados with an insight into the world of dance and conveys a mosaic-like image of dance past and present.

The estate archives and collections of Deutsches Tanzarchiv Köln provide unique research opportunities into the work and private lives of dancers, choreographers, teachers, publicists and critics.

Expert yet easily comprehensible introductions to the lives and work of persons whose estate is held by Deutsches Tanzarchiv Köln provide a starting point to explore the manifold estates and collections.
 

Our diverse collections provide visitors with an opportunity to study real-life stage sets and the inventiveness of costume, set and prop designers. Just some of the many highlights in our inventories: a glittery Charleston dress from the salons of the 1920s, a dance dress worn by dance legend Isadora Duncan from 1910 or the dance costumes of Clotilde and Alexander Sacharoff, made in the studios of world-famous Parisian fashion designers Paul Poiret, Madame Grès or Givenchy.

The collection of program booklets and posters with details on cast, choreography, directors, music, stage and costume design provides an important source in terms of the staging practices of ballets and dance pieces in the past and present.

The impressive estates of dance photographers such as Siegfried Enkelmann, Dietmar Dünhöft and others provide an insight into the reality of dance and the individual visual artist’s view of dance. 

A wealth of information is available in the form of reviews, articles and interviews from newspapers and journals. They also illustrate how ballets and dance pieces have been received throughout history and reflect the individual critical perspective on this art form.

The library offers comprehensive information on all topics and varieties of dance and is an ideal starting point for further research. This special collection, which is unique in Europe, is supplemented by an extensive collection of scores.
 

Three viewing stations are available to our visitors, where they can view items from our vast collection of stage documentaries and film art: camera choreographies, experimental dance films, musicals, feature films, documentaries, stage recordings, new productions for film etc. Recorded interviews with dancers and choreographers from around the globe provide a fascinating insight into the wonderful world of dance art.

The art collection of Deutsches Tanzarchiv Köln features some of the finest examples of visual artists’ perspectives on dance. In addition to paintings, graphical works and drawings, it comprises sculptures from the 15th through to the 20th century as well as pieces from ancient Greece.