Petra Sittig – Details, episodes & analysis

n this interview, I talk with Elena del Mar, an innovative underwater dancer and free diver, about her unique art form. Elena shares her deep love for the ocean, which began in her youth and inspired her journey into free diving, eventually leading to her exploration of underwater dance. She reveals how she discovered a new side of herself beneath the water's surface, where she feels a profound sense of freedom and connection, even if only for a brief time. As a pioneer in underwater dancing, Elena’s movements are not choreographed, but instead emerge naturally from a meditative state she enters while submerged. She highlights the importance of the dedicated team that ensures her safety, helping her descend into the depths and return to the surface. The specialized attire and fins she wears also impact her movement, giving her dance an almost slow-motion quality that enhances the beauty of her art. Elena views herself as a bridge between humanity and the ocean, hoping her films inspire others to appreciate the ocean’s beauty and its fragile ecosystems. She also recounts how sea lions have interacted with her underwater, almost mimicking her dance in a fascinating display of connection. Her passion is rooted in raising awareness about ocean conservation, urging us all to protect these vital environments.

In this interview, I speak with Kgali Mhlaba, a talented student of Architecture and an emerging artist from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Kgali shares her journey into the world of art, beginning with a spark of creativity and a strong sense of encouragement from her family, especially her father. With their support, she was motivated to explore painting more deeply and pursue it as a meaningful way to communicate her thoughts and emotions. As a young artist, Kgali is passionate about using her work to create impact and convey messages that resonate with others. She’s also deeply committed to helping other young artists in her community by offering guidance and support. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Kgali is studying Architecture, a field she’s still exploring and understanding. She acknowledges the vast opportunities within the industry and sees architecture as more than just a profession—it’s a powerful form of storytelling. For her, architecture is a way to express culture, share untold histories, and honor the rich heritage of South Africa. Join us as Kgali opens up about her creative journey, her aspirations, and the role that art and architecture can play in shaping the future of South Africa.

In this interview with renowned saxophonist Tobias Meinhart, we dive deep into his fascinating journey from Germany to the heart of the jazz world in New York City. Tobias shares how his grandfather played a pivotal role in nurturing his love for jazz, which ultimately inspired him to pick up the saxophone. Growing up in Germany, far from jazz’s origins, Tobias’s early exposure to the genre through his grandfather sparked a lifelong passion for music. He talks about how this early connection to jazz laid the foundation for his musical journey, leading him to New York to immerse himself in the city's vibrant and diverse jazz scene. Tobias also sheds light on the challenges he faced when trying to break into the competitive New York jazz scene. He shares his experience of navigating the city's complex music community, building connections, and establishing himself as a respected artist. Through hard work and persistence, Tobias not only found his place but also contributed significantly to the evolving landscape of jazz. Throughout our conversation, we explore the theme of roots—how an artist's heritage, upbringing, and personal history can influence their artistic development and path to self-discovery. Tobias emphasizes how understanding and embracing one’s roots can help shape a more authentic and powerful artistic voice. Finally, I ask Tobias about what he misses most from Germany, and his answer brings a personal and nostalgic touch to the interview. He fondly recalls the comforting flavors of his mother’s home-cooked meals, particularly her traditional German Knödel—a dish that holds a special place in his heart. This conversation with Tobias Meinhart offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of culture, identity, and artistry, and how an artist can find their true voice, even in the most diverse and challenging environments.

Melanie Day, Founder & Creative Director, developed a profound love for Jazz Dance early on, influenced by renowned artists like Lynn Simonson and Katiti King in NYC, and Dollie Henry, Jacki Mitchell, and Jason Pennycooke in London. Her extensive international training included mentors from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, shaping her style and technique. She honed her skills as a Dancer/Dance Captain on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, gaining diverse market insights and mastering various dance styles while traveling the globe. Between contracts, she embarked on projects across the UK and Europe, showcasing her choreographic talents in musicals like BEATLES-THE MUSICAL and FLASHDANCE. As a vital member of London's 'BOP – Body of People,' Melanie choreographed for regional theater shows, charity events, and community projects throughout Europe. Her expertise led her to judge prestigious dance competitions like the Dubai International Dance Competition and Dance World Cup Spain. She's performed in productions like SPAMALOT and currently participates in Musical Productions with Landesbühne Oberfranken since 2017. Melanie has also graced TV and film screens, most notably in SKY TV's BABYLON BERLIN. Returning to Germany in 2014, Melanie now resides in Bamberg with her husband, fulfilling roles as a Dancer, Choreographer, and Educator for Jazz Dance and Musical Theatre. She shares her passion by conducting regular classes and workshops across Germany and Europe, staying true to her lifelong love affair with the stage since she first stepped onto it at the age of 5. https://www.mdancecreative.com/about

Frank Norbet, the passionate director of the Arusha Dance Company, dedicates his life to enriching the community through the transformative power of dance. With a heart brimming with compassion and a vision fueled by empathy, Frank orchestrates special dance programs tailored for diverse demographics, ranging from children to adults, across various segments of society. His unwavering commitment extends to schools, where he ignites the spark of creativity in young minds, to the streets, where he embraces marginalized street children, and even to the disabled community, where he fosters inclusivity through movement. For Frank, dance is more than just a series of steps—it's a lifeline, a vehicle for self-expression, and a beacon of hope for those trapped in the grip of poverty. He firmly believes that by teaching dance to children, he not only offers them a means of artistic expression but also empowers them to transcend their circumstances. Through carefully curated workshops and classes, Frank provides a safe haven where youth can unleash their creativity, build self-confidence, and cultivate a sense of belonging. But Frank's benevolence knows no bounds. Recognizing the profound impact of dance on the human spirit, he extends his outreach to the local orphanages, offering the children there the opportunity to experience the joy of movement. In collaboration with the surrounding disabled centers, Frank organizes specialized dance workshops, ensuring that individuals of all abilities have access to the transformative power of dance. Despite facing his own struggles, including moments when putting food on the table becomes a challenge, Frank's unwavering dedication to serving others remains unshakeable. His selflessness exemplifies the profound impact that one individual can have on a community, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, acts of kindness and generosity have the power to change lives. In Frank's tireless efforts to harness the potential of dance as a force for good, he not only underscores the importance of art in society but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for others to follow. Through his actions, he embodies the belief that true fulfillment lies not in personal gain, but in the profound connections forged through acts of compassion and service. Frank Norbet stands as a testament to the transformative power of empathy and the indomitable spirit of the human heart.

Berenice Patrick is dedicated to integrating dance into PE lessons in schools through her personalized schemes of work, which incorporate chosen topics/themes while aligning with the National Curriculum. With over 15 years of experience in dance teaching across various settings, including primary and secondary schools, community dance schools, and adult dance fitness classes in local leisure centers, Berenice brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Her creativity shines through, and her unwavering passion for dance is palpable. Some notable highlights from her dancing career include performing at Sadler's Wells, establishing a dance team across 11 different schools within a Trust where she choreographed and taught a routine that made it to the regional finals of a national dance competition. Now, she's embarked on a new journey by launching her own business, where she implements dance education in schools through meticulously crafted schemes of work tailored to each institution's current topics.

Joan Ellison is a highly acclaimed vocalist known for her remarkable vocal talent and profound understanding of classic songs, particularly those associated with Judy Garland. Michael Feinstein has lauded her vocal prowess and authentic interpretation of Garland's repertoire. Ellison has made a name for herself by specializing in reviving Garland's iconic songs, spanning from the golden era of Hollywood to Garland's legendary performances at Carnegie Hall and on television. Notably, she has been praised for restoring Garland's original orchestrations, preserving the essence of Garland's music. Her solo cabaret show at Feinstein’s/54 Below in New York City garnered significant praise, with Cabaret Scenes Magazine noting her striking resemblance to Garland and her ability to capture the essence of Garland's voice. Joan's recent concert engagements have been diverse and impressive, including symphonic pops concerts celebrating Judy Garland with various orchestras across the United States. She has also performed holiday concerts with notable symphony orchestras such as the Erie Philharmonic, Augusta Symphony, and Cleveland Pops. Additionally, Ellison has presented her one-woman theatre piece, "All Happiness, Judy Garland," to sold-out audiences in Florida. Joan's work has gained national recognition, with features on #PBSForTheArts and Detroit Public Television, further solidifying her reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of Judy Garland's music. http://www.joanellison.com/

Viktor Krüger's diverse background certainly adds depth to his acting career. Transitioning from professional athletics and wrestling to acting and bodyguarding suggests a wealth of experiences that could inform his performances. His involvement with WCW indicates a familiarity with physicality and performance, which could translate well onto the screen. Viktor has a passion for the craft of acting and storytelling. This passion likely drives his performances, as he seeks to bring authenticity and depth to the characters he portrays. His Austrian and German productions likely benefit from his unique blend of experiences and talents, adding a dynamic element to the storytelling. Overall, Viktor Krüger's journey from athlete and wrestler to actor reflects a diverse career path shaped by a love for performance and storytelling. http://viktorkruger.eu/

"In the young boutique winery on Lake Zurich, Jonas Ettlin and Brian Serr focus on the love for each vine and nurture and care for it. The BioSuisse certification in 2023 is just the beginning of their commitment to the sustainability of their business! After hand-picking the grapes, they are brought to the nearby wine cellar for processing, as naturally as possible, into wine. As a result, the wines also exhibit a unique naturalness and impress with their distinctive taste character. This approach requires a lot of expertise, which the two trained oenologists, Jonas and Brian, bring to the table. https://jetwine.ch/about

Wayne Wells has an impressive and extensive background in the world of stunts and martial arts. He has a combination of experience as a stunt performer, coordinator, and fight choreographer, along with his martial arts expertise and competitive achievements. His proficiency in various martial arts styles, including boxing, kickboxing, judo, karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and more, gave him a track record of success in both competitive fighting and stunt work speaks to his dedication, skill, and ability to deliver authentic and captivating performances. Wayne's commitment to staying true to the director's vision while bringing realism to fight scenes is crucial in creating impactful and memorable moments on screen. His professionalism and ability to collaborate effectively with directors, fellow performers, and crew members are invaluable traits that contribute to the success of every production he works on. With his wealth of experience and expertise, it's clear that Wayne plays a significant role in elevating the quality of action sequences and overall production value in the entertainment industry. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0920466/