Künstlerische Leitung Art in Motion
Simon Mayer (*1984 in Austria) is a choreographer, musician, performer, teacher and curator. He studied at the Vienna State Opera Ballet School and the P.A.R.T.S in Brussels and was a member of the Vienna State Opera Ballet.
Further training in self-induced cognitive trance, boundary and consent, mindfulness, and trauma work followed. Simon studied singing with Prof. Ingrid Doll and played as a multi-instrumentalist and singer in various bands. He has released several audio performances and albums of his musical compositions and stage productions.
As a dancer, choreographer, and musician, he has participated in productions by Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker/Rosas (The Song), Wim Vandekeybus, and Zita Swoon, among others. His choreographies and commissions include works for the European Forum Alpbach, choreographies for colleges and universities, and even Paris Fashion Week 2024, where Simon choreographed and performed for Vivianne Westwood and Andreas Kronthaler.
His choreographic repertoire includes solos, duets, group pieces, as well as socially engaged and immersive events: Sun Beng Sitting, Sons of Sissy, Oh Magic, Volxfest, Being Moved, Bones & Wires, Somatic Tratata. His pieces have been performed internationally (Europe, China, Chile, Canada): Festival Actoral (FR), Kunstenfestivaldesarts (BE), ImPulsTanz (AT), steirischerherbst (AT), BelluardBollwerk (CH), BIT Teatergarasjen (NO), Tweetakt Festival (NL), Homo Novus Festival (LV), The Place (UK), The Dance Center (CA), Power Station of ART (CN), among others.
As a curator and artistic director, he has directed and co-directed the festivals "Spiel" (AT), Tanzplan Ost (CH), and the Ecstatic Body Festival (Tanzquartier Wien), among others.In addition to his stage work, Simon works as a dramaturgical accompanist, coach, and workshop leader. Simon is a facilitator at the Trance Science Institute in Paris (Corine Sombrun), holds his own seminars, and teaches as a guest lecturer at international festivals and universities (HfMDK Frankfurt, Impulstanz Festival, MUK Vienna, RITCS Brussels, Beaux-Arts Academy Paris, Camping Asia in Taipei).
His artistic research includes:
– Artistic Experiencing (art/creativity and well-being, mindfulness & sustainability through artistic practice)
– The art and power of celebration (especially in times of crisis)
– Trance Art Research (trance traditions & self-induced cognitive trance)
– Home and Embodiment (the embodiment and physical expression of feelings of home)
– Performer-Facilitator Training (use of performance and stage skills in hosting & facilitating participatory and immersive projects and vice versa)
In 2017 he received the Outstanding Artist Award from the Austrian Federal Chancellery and in 2018 the Recognition Award from the State of Upper Austria.