Program
Here you will find insights into the individual participants and contributors. Each of them brings their own energy, experience, and expressive power into the festival. Let yourself be inspired by the diversity of personalities, styles, and stories.
Instructors and course leaders
Dao Dance Festival
Bodywork
Dao Dance Festival is primarily a training retreat aimed at combining enjoyment and relaxation with the teaching of effective techniques for developing body and mind. Some of the leading specialists in these fields share their knowledge and shape the program.
Hong Thay Lee
Wai Tan Kung
Grandmaster Hong Thay Lee came to Germany from Indonesia in the 1970s to teach Kung Fu in the style of Ching Wu Men as well as Taijiquan, and Qi Gong. He thus represents the beginning of the spread of this martial art in Europe. It is a great pleasure and honor for us to welcome Master Hong Thay Lee to Dao Dance. He will conduct a workshop on Wai Tan Kung (Exercise of Immortality). It is a Daoist Qi Gong style that is easy to practice and therefore suitable for all ages. www.kung-fu-berlin.de
Wenyan He
Wu Shu, Tai Chi
Wenyan He is a national champion and former professional athlete in China's top Wushu league. This makes her one of the world's best athletes in modern Chinese martial arts. For 16 years, she has been teaching with the utmost precision and technical excellence. Her teaching is characterized by detailed movement analysis, precise technique training, and a deep understanding of the traditional principles of Chinese martial arts. Her specialty is Nan Quan (Southern Style), but she also teaches Chang Quan (Northern Style) and Taiji Quan (Tai Chi). www.wusoul.de
Giorgio Ugolini
Kung Fu, Baji Quan
Giorgio Ugolini grew up as a martial artist in Italy within the school of Chang Wei Xin (son of Chang Dsu Yao). Through his training in Mei Hua Quan, Bajiquan, and Yang-style Taiji, he founded his own school in 2010, first in Bologna and later in Berlin. The focus of his teaching lies in coordination, fluidity of movement, and the development of power. www.kungfuchang36.com
Shadow Twins
Taiji combat applications
Twin brothers Yuri and Viacheslav Medelian (Shadow Twins) are long-time students of Ismet Himmet and directors of the WDP headquarter (Lodging Academy for Professional Martial Artists) in Ukraine. They are leading specialists in internal martial arts, particularly in the combat applications and self-defense techniques of Wudang Kung Fu and Taijiquan. www.instagram.com/wdp_portugal/ www.youtube.com/@shadowtwins_wudang
Ralf Biastoch
Qi Gong, movement therapy
A sociologist and sports scientist Ralf Biastoch is a specialist in Tai Chi and Qi Gong, as well as nutrition and health-oriented mobility training, with more than 20 years of teaching experience. www.ralfbiastoch.com
Katharina Koch
Kung Fu, Kickboxing
Katharina is a co-trainer at the Berlin-based Kung Fu and Tai Chi school Chi Kung Fu. Her focus lies in both traditional and modern Kung Fu forms, as well as Kickboxing.
Nicolas Knipping
Tui Shou / Push Hands
Nicolas Knipping is a practitioner and teacher of internal martial arts. His training follows the WDP (Wudang Principles) system of Ismet Himmet and the teachings of XUAN Gong Fu Academy under the guidance of Stefan Müller. Alongside his internal practice, he has a background in Olympic wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These experiences inform his approach, bringing together internal principles with direct, applied partner work. He further works in the fields of performing arts where he researches at the intersection of contemporary dance and martial practices.
Natalia Palshina
Conscious Movement, Contact Improvisation, Yoga
Natalia is an outstanding dancer with extensive experience in modern and classical dance. She has performed at renowned venues such as the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz in Munich, the Vienna State Opera, the Berlin State Ballet, and the West Australian Ballet. As an experienced and certified yoga teacher, dancer, dance therapist, and psychotherapist, she developed the "Art of Conscious Movement" training system. It focuses on movement and dance as a means of healing and self-discovery. It promotes both body awareness and nonverbal communication skills, creating space for personal creative and emotional expression. https://www.palshina.com/
Petr Osadchev
Kung Fu, dynamic Qi Gong
Petr Osadchev is a direct student of Masters Hong Thay Lee, Ismet Himmet, and Wenyan He. He holds the 3rd Dan in Ching Wu Men Kung Fu in the lineage of Master Hong Thay Lee and is the director of the Berlin located Kung Fu and Tai Chi school Chi Kung Fu. www.chi-kung-fu.de www.youtube.com/@petr_osadchev
Diethild Meier
Contact Impro, Stretching
After more than 20 years of movement experience as a professional contemporary dance artist, Diethild discovered new inspiration and challenges in martial arts. This journey brought her to Petr Osadchev and the Berlin-based school Chi Kung Fu, where she explores Kung Fu and Tai Chi. As part of the Dao Dance Festival, she invites participants to a daily morning warm-up designed to gently awaken body and mind in preparation for the day’s training. Drawing from Yoga, dance, Qi Gong, Contact Improvisation, and massage techniques, this session offers a meditative yet playful start to the day – an invitation to consciously greet the morning and step into the day together.
Angelo
Kickboxing
No illustration due to professional reasons. With over 35 years of training experience alongside renowned athletes, Angelo is one of the most experienced kickboxing trainers in Germany. He places particular emphasis on precision and the biomechanical correctness of the techniques he teaches.
Bérengère Serdiuk
Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qi Gong
Bérengère has been practicing Chinese martial arts for over 10 years and works as a trainer at the Berlin-based Kung Fu and Tai Chi school "Chi Kung Fu." She has extensive combat experience through her training in Savate, a French boxing martial art. www.chi-kung-fu.de
Steffen Burggraf
Qi Gong
Steffen Burggraf is a certified Tai Chi and Qi Gong instructor and a member of the Bundesvereinigung für Taijiquan und Qigong e.V. As a direct student of Grandmaster Hong Thay Lee, his teaching is rooted in authentic lineage and practice. His training includes forms such as Ba Duan Jin, Heart Qi Gong, Wai Tan Kung, and the 18 Movements of Harmony, as well as energy and breathing exercises such as the Microcosmic Orbit, the Great Energy Exercise, and Standing Like a Tree.
Steve Hansche
KFM Self Defence
Steve Hansche is the founder of the Core Martial Arts Academy and a long-time master student of Hong Thay Lee. His specialty lies in clear and practical self-defense. His workshops focus on the techniques of KFC. These include realistic drills without fixed sequences, exercises designed to prepare for unpredictable situations, and strategies for dealing with multiple attackers. https://core.university
Musicians
Vargo
DJ / Chill-Out Retro Set
Vargo is truly a pioneer of electronic chillout music. His tracks have appeared on more than 200 compilations, including renowned series such as Buddha Bar and Café del Mar, where he has over 15 releases, including The Very Best of Café del Mar Music. Many of his works have become global chillout hits and reached the top of the electronic music charts. https://www.vargoworld.com/
ANEAR & Marc Miethe
Live Sound Journey
ANEAR is the project of Berlin-based artist Anir Leben, situated at the intersection of song, sound design, and immersive sonic practice. At its core is the voice as an instrument - combined with reduced song structures and open soundscapes between world, ambient, and contemporary indie-pop, with subtle references to ritual and ceremony. Live, atmospheric and rhythmic sets unfold for listening, chillout, and movement. In changing constellations - here with Marc Miethe (didgeridoo), who has developed a distinctive and internationally sought-after style since 1992 - sonic spaces emerge between concert and collective experience, leaving room for shared resonance.
Mamani
Live Looping
Mamani is an exceptionally talented and deeply expressive multi-instrumentalist. Blending traditional ethnic sounds with modern rhythms, he crafts vibrant sonic landscapes using loop stations, percussion, and finely tuned instruments. His music feels like a journey through distant lands – at times driving and rhythmic, at others soft and dreamlike. Each layer weaves into a harmonious whole that touches the heart and senses – somewhere between ritual, longing, and dance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LMZVAk_lx0
Pascal de Lacaze
Ecstatic Dance Live & Dj
DJ and multi-instrumentalist Pascal de Lacaze is a true key figure in the international Ecstatic Dance community. He performs and organizes festivals and dance events around the world, creating immersive dance journeys that blend world music with bass-driven sounds, tropical influences, and electronic music. Known for his dynamic presence, he enriches his sets with live drumming and expressive saxophone, bringing a vibrant and energetic atmosphere to the dance floor. https://soundcloud.com/pascaldelacaze
Roman Kushniarou
Live
Roman Kushniarou, originally trained as a classical clarinetist, brings together different worlds in his music to create a vivid and expressive sound. At the center are flow, musical shaping, and direct communication. His playing opens spaces for authentic sound and shared experience - carried by presence, expressiveness, and a refined sense of connection.
PureHarry
DJ
DJ PureHarry blends chill-out, ambient, and danceable beats with a refined sense for mood and dynamics. His sets flow organically – at times soft and meditative, at others pulsating and driving. The result is sonic landscapes that soothe, move, and gently inspire motion – always in harmony with the moment and the space.
Magic Flow
Djane
Her name says it all: When Kerstin, aka Magic Flow, takes to the stage, the dancefloor transforms into a pulsating space full of energy. With her unique sound, she ignites a hypnotic power that sends the dancefloor into pure ecstasy. Flowing beats, driving grooves, and her palpable passion for music create an atmosphere in which movement becomes ecstatic meditation. https://soundcloud.com/djane-magicflow
Semaro
Ecstatic Dance Dj
Semaro is a Berlin-based DJ, producer, singer-songwriter, and music therapist. His ecstatic dance sets blend driving rhythms with subtle melodic elements and a tangible sense of depth. Drawing from diverse musical influences, a fluid space emerges for movement, expression, and connection.
Pi
DJ
For over 20 years, DJ Pi has been crafting unique sonic worlds where deep basslines, rolling beats, and soft melodies merge into a harmonious whole. His sound spans from floating, melodic ambient textures to progressive trance and high-energy night psytrance. https://soundcloud.com/dj-pi-3 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069426297105
David Steiman
Live Guitar
With his band "Xuan Baize," David combines ethnic sounds, playful melodies, and profound lyrics. A harmonious fusion of traditional sounds and modern elements that invites you to dream, dance, and immerse yourself in distant soundscapes. Sometimes gentle and mystical, sometimes rhythmic and powerful – always with a profound message that touches the heart and soul. https://soundcloud.com/xuanbaize https://www.instagram.com/xuanbaize
Sasha Pushkin
Improcomposer, Live Act
Sascha Pushkin is known as an extremely flexible and open-minded musician. As a crossover composer, pianist, improviser, singer, and concept developer, he works in the fields of improvised, contemporary, and new music, as well as in the genres of world, ambient, jazz, electronic, and rock, incorporating elements from avant-garde, classical, and more. His interdisciplinary and intercultural approach also includes collaborations in the fields of modern dance, multimedia, and literature. He works as both a bandleader and a composer, including film-music. He is also the creator of his own imprivisation style, which he calls "exprovisation." http://www.sashapushkin.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6se1S_I9zYM
Obbe & Indy
Sound Makers
KlangWerker Obbe and Indy create dense, multilayered soundscapes using gongs, singing bowls, handpans, and a wide range of finely tuned instruments. Their playing is intuitive, yet supported by experience, attentiveness, and a refined sense for atmosphere and the present moment. A unique sonic experience that never repeats itself, but unfolds anew each time.
more tba soon
Specials
Maya Ragana
Herbal Walk
Eloquent, humorous, and deeply informative, Maya Ragana brings the fascinating world of herbs and mushrooms to life across all platforms -whether through her blog, mushroom walks, or herbal tours. With passion and profound knowledge, she makes nature tangible and inspires a more conscious connection to its rich diversity https://www.facebook.com/MayaRaganaWalks
Lion Dance
Performance
The Lion Dance is a traditional Chinese ritual often performed during festive occasions such as the New Year or major celebrations. In an impressive dance performance, two dancers bring the majestic lion to life through powerful and graceful movements rich in symbolism. The dance represents good fortune, prosperity, and protection, captivating audiences with its elegant choreography, elaborate costumes, and dynamic drum rhythms.
Fire Show
Performance
The fire show brings a magical glow to the festival grounds as night falls. Captivating choreographies, spinning flames, and glowing effects create an atmospheric performance where dance and the elements merge.
Children's space
Daily 9:00-19:00
In the children's space, trained educators with heart and soul offer the little ones a variety of fun and educational activities: trampoline jumping, juggling workshops, painting, crafts, and much more. Children's training takes place daily in two age groups, focusing on coordination and flexibility training.
Tonez
Cocktails
Whether it's virgin cocktails or more – a vibrant spectrum of flavor awaits you. Cocktail artist Tonez is a true master of his craft, blending fine aromas with precision and flair. With a keen sense for balance and creativity, he creates drinks that embody a refined culture of indulgence – from fruity and refreshing to exotically seductive. Through inventive ingredients and elegant compositions, each drink becomes a culinary masterpiece – shaken, and deeply stirring.
Massage Area
Wellness
In the Massage Area, you'll find calm, regeneration, and mindful touch. Skilled hands help release tension and guide you back to yourself. It's a space of deep relaxation – gently woven into the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.
Electric Lotus
Catering
The professional and warm-hearted catering team of Electric Lotus treats us to three daily meals—balanced, nourishing, and purely delicious! All dishes are vegetarian, freshly prepared, and full of vitality. Juices, drinking water, tea, and coffee are included in the catering fee and available throughout the day. A culinary experience that nurtures both body and soul!
Tea ceremony
in the Tepee
In the sheltered space of the tipi, the quiet art of the tea ceremony unfolds—inspired by ancient traditions and mindful rituals. Carefully selected, high-quality teas offer a deep sensory experience and invite a moment of stillness, presence, and conscious enjoyment.
Chill & Chai
Space
The Chill & Chai Space is a lovingly curated oasis for rest, enjoyment, and recharge. Unwind with a cup of Yogi tea, ceremonial cacao, or high-quality coffee – accompanied by homemade cake or refreshing smoothies. Gentle sounds and a warm ambient atmosphere invite you to arrive, breathe, and simply be.
Ingrid
Hanging & Aligning
Using a special pulley system and soft cuffs around your ankles, Ingrid gently guides you upward and downward in a slow-motion flow - an experience of mindful release and suspension. In the process, blockages may dissolve, joints realign, and your natural healing power can be awakened. A unique singing bowl accompanies the journey with its deep, harmonious vibrations, grounding you softly in the here and now.
Laser
Show
The team from Hypnotikal Laser Production will deliver a stunning laser performance on Friday and Saturday night, creating visual highlights that elevate the experience. Perfectly synchronized with sound and atmosphere, their light installations transform the dancefloor into a pulsating spectacle – intense, hypnotic, and unforgettable.
Ecstatic Dance
Daytime
Ecstatic Dance is free, conscious movement – without words, without shoes, without rules, and without substances. In the safe space of music, you can fully surrender to your body, express emotions, let go, and rediscover yourself. Each dance is unique – ecstatic, meditative, playful, or still. DJ Sonic Sculptor, formerly known as DJ Shawnodese, will guide the Ecstatic Dance sessions at the festival.
