The British Berliner
A lifestyle expat travel blog about culture, history, Brexit, the Royal Family, travels around the world, Europe, and being British in Berlin!
So you think you know Mozart? Breakin’ Mozart in Berlin!
It’s summer! It’s summer!!
It’s so good to be in Berlin right now. The sun has begun to shine and the summer festivities start in June.
What a city!
In April, I told you that for the months of May and June, I will be concentrating exclusively on Berlin, and Berlin alone. Come July and August, I’ll have a whole lot more stuff to share with you…!
In May, I watched a Shakespeare production of blood and yore. After that, I went all glamorous and watched a cabaret production called SHOW ME which you can still catch until July 19th, 2014. Then my cultural side came out so I went to the museum. All. Night. Long! It’s no wonder that I desperately needed fresh air, so I chose life and went on an alternative walking tour in Berlin.
Last week was a pretty busy week. I went to watch a British stand-up comedian and actor called Bill Bailey Live at the Quatsch Comedy Club and I also got on the V.I.P. press list for the Berlin Music Video Awards. More about this in the coming weeks. So stay tuned!
About a week ago, I went to watch a performance with a difference at a music, variety and show venue called the Wintergarten Varieté Berlin.
Photo credit: Jonathan. F. Kromer
That’s right.
I went to watch Mozart but not Mozart as we all know it, but Mozart breakdancing, doing the backflip and generally; just chillin’.
Yep! I went to watch a show called Breakin’ Mozart. Not breaking but breakin’!
Photo credit: DPS-Photography.
WHAT’S THE WINTERGARTEN VARIETÉS BERLIN or SIMPLY WINTERGARTEN BERLIN?
Well, the Wintergarten Varieté Berlin is a venue that was considered one of the stage entertainment places to be, between 1887 and 1943. It was originally built as a 5 – star hotel and was the first movie theater / cinema in the world in 1895! However due to WWII, in 1944 it was bombed and destroyed, and later re-opened successfully with the magnificent act of Siegfried & Roy (Las Vegas fame), in 1992.
Today, the Wintergarten Varieté Berlin is now a large variety theatre and located in a different part of Berlin known as Schöneberg. Schöneberg is a stylish, leafy suburb with boulevards and open-air markets. Schöneberg also happens to be Berlin’s popular centre of gay life and community, where Christopher Isherwood (the inspiration of both the musical and the film “Cabaret”), once used to live, and where Marlene Dietrich used to frequent the legendary “El Dorado” bar.
It’s all about Berlin!
WHAT IS BREAKIN’ MOZART?
Breakin’ Mozart is a combination of first class acrobatics, break-dancing, and artistic performances under the musical direction and influence of Mozart!
The breakdancing performers known as The DDC Company are one of the best breakdance groups in Germany and were finalist of “Got to dance 2013,” semi-finalist of “Das Supertalent 2010,” and Breakdance World Champion in 2007 and 2012.
Photo credit: Robert Pater.
The six dancers have caused sensations for several years with their very own breakdance style and their large novel stage shows. In Breakin’ Mozart they perform not only as experienced and outstanding dancers and acrobats, but also as enthralling comedians and entertainers.
They are joined by international artistes known as Phil Os with his whirling Diablo art. Chris and Felice who combine partner acrobatics with passionate body theatre. Tjorm and Ihor who present a youthful dynamic version of hand-on-hand acrobatics, and Vanina and Foucauld of the Duo Vertigo who perform a Chinese version of pole-dancing!
Photo credit: Yannick Schuette Photography.
WHAT DOES BREAKIN’ MOZART MEAN?
These performers combine their artistic skills and twisting bodies, to the tune and rhythm of the Vienna child prodigy – Mozart. Not only that, but there are various twists to the Mozart saga because these artists dance to a hip-hop version of Mozart along with techno music, dance music, drum and bass, and jungle music.
Photo credit: Robert Pater.
In fact, at one point, they were dancing to “I Am The Firestarter” from the British group of the 90’s – Prodigy! That’s how funky this show was.
There was also a beatbox performer who constantly added D.J. hip-hop mixes with his voice to create rhythm and beats on the microphone. His name is Robeat and In 2007 he was Vice Champion of the German Beatboxer Championship and performed on various German TV shows.
DO I NEED TO UNDERSTAND GERMAN TO WATCH IT?
Not at all. There were a few sentences at the beginning of the show in German and Robeat does ask for audience participation every now and then, but you’d quickly get the gist LOL! The show is very suitable for an international audience and young boys in particular, will certainly like the cool factor!
ANYTHING ELSE?
The show ends on June 8th, 2014 so if you want to watch it, you’d better hurry up!
MY VERDICT?
Very Impressive!
Breakin’ Mozart is a unique production of streetdance, break-dancing and ballet. I particularly liked the free-swinging pole-dancing act as it was quite nice to see an older man being “saved” by a much younger woman!
If you like unique orchestra versions and modern hip hop adaptations combined with first class acrobatics then you will love Breakin’ Mozart at the Wintergarten Berlin. Going to Breakin’ Mozart is a performance worth going to very, very soon, while you are here!
Photo credit: Jonathan F. Kromer.
Because you can:
- Be extremely close to the dancing Mozart (depending on your ticket), as pretty much seating comes with tables, so that you can eat and drink to your hearts’ delight.
- See Mozart break-dancing.
- See dancers in street urban clothing “doing” ballet.
- Bob, tap, and nod along to House Music in the confines of a comfy seat, in a lavish setting.
- Go back in musical time.
- Come early, hang out with the uniformed doormen, and have your photo taken by the theatre’s professional photographer for only €5.00.
Fit topless guys wearing corduroy trousers. Supple young women with long wavy hair. An opera-singing prima-donna to the rhythm of hip-hop. Tight sexy trousers and a pair of breeches. What not to like?
A great show.
Photo credit: Hendrick Kappe.
WHAT IF BREAKIN’ MOZART ISN’T MY CUP OF TEA?
Berlin is a capital city. There is always more to see, and something else to do. Keep reading my blog. More coming soon!
Breakin’ Mozart only runs until the 8th of June, 2014 so get your tickets soon!
Tickets for Breakin’ Mozart in Berlin are from €24.50 for adults and reduced for children and students. ShowCafe €27.00 or for families €95.00 for 4 people including tea, coffee and cake! Tickets can be bought online here.
Approximate running time: About 2 hours .
For more information about the show please contact: Breakin’ Mozart.
For more information about the venue please contact: Wintergarten Berlin.
Last show. June 8th.
This article is not sponsored and even though I received a complimentary ticket, all opinions and the glittering glasses of champagne that I slowly drank, are my very own! Every week for the months of May and June, I’ll be writing about summer time in Berlin, and what to do when you get here.
Next week, I will be writing about Bill Bailey and the Quatsch Comedy english-speaking scene, and the week after, about the amazing Berlin Music Video Awards.
On 05.06.14, I will be watching the British National Theatre LIVE production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon.
Next weekend will be the Carnival of Cultures or Karneval der Kulturen in Berlin. A brilliant event running from 06.06.14 – 09.06.14.
The 22nd Lesbian and Gay City Festival is taking place between 14.06.14 – 15.06.14.
Fête de la Musique a free you-don’t-have-to-pay-a-dime open air street music performance day, will take place all around Berlin, on 21.06.14.
Berlin’s Mardi Gras the 36th CSD – Christopher Street Day Gay Pride festivity, will be on 21.06.14.
On a last note, the EXPAT MARKT as part of the EXPAT EXPO is looking for members of the Berlin’s international English-speaking expat community, to present their creative businesses. if you’re in town and interested, please contact: Expat Expo.
Are you coming?
Watch this space!
Have you been to a break-dancing hip-hop show? Do you like Mozart?
See you in Berlin.
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28 Comments on “So you think you know Mozart? Breakin’ Mozart in Berlin!”
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Anything that has Firestarter incorporated into it is okay in my book!!! Still one of my favorite albums of all time!!! This sounds like a good time. Thanks for sharing fun stuff in Berlin. I think our week will be full of things to do..can’t wait for Friday to be here! Yeah!!!!! Great post! :o))
Thanks kemkem. I’m totally with you there. Ah, the old days!! ‘Glad that you like the stuff that I’m writing. You’ll have an excellent time in Berlin, I’m absolutely sure of that LOL. Give me a shout if you want to meet up for a drink or soemthing. 🙂
Cool! I will do. I have sent you an email.
Got it! And you’re welcome!
Reblogged this on Wintergarten Varieté Berlin.
Madness, total madness. See, this is my problem w Berlin. I dont like modern, I dont like avant-garde. Which is probably why Munich was totally my cup of tea. It has that classical quaint romantic germanic town down pat.
LOL! LOL!! We have to find something for you Anna. And yes, Berlin is edgy, but with hints of extremely enthusiastic charm! That’s why we love it. And you know what they say, you’ve got to be crazy to live in this town. 🙂
We are!
Wow sounds so unique and amazing.
Thank you so much Mani. It really was a brilliant show and such a Berlin concept. Thanks for making comment. 🙂
That sounds super awesome! I am a musician – I love the idea of breakdancing to Mozart!
Thank so much Jenna. What a super cute comment!
Love Mozart! Sounds quite interesting..:-)
Many thanks africanagiiiiiiirl! 🙂
The show sounds very interesting indeed! The combination of break-dancing and Mozart is very intriguing! I would definitely like to check it out! And from what you have written, Berlin sounds almost as good as London in terms of interesting shows you can go to!
Thanks so much @Hitch-Hikers Handbook! Yep! We’re trying to catch up in Berlin. We’re never going to be the West End of course ‘cos of the language factor but Berlin is certainly trying LOL! And what I’m trying to do is to show visitors and tourists that there are good shows and performances going on in the city which everyone can enjoy without being an expert in the German language LOL!
‘Hope you come visit us soon. Thanks for making comment guys 🙂
Oh I love Mozart, and Break dancing! I will have to check this out… maybe it will be in my neck of the woods (wherever I am) someday. 🙂
Thanks so much @andthreetogo. I couldn’t believe that Mozart could be that interesting either! ‘Hopefully, they’ll be doing a world tour sometime soon. 🙂
This looks like so much fun and something I would love to see if I was in Berlin!
Thanks so much krystle. Its such a delightful show. You’d love it!
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