veline repertoire is a choreographic study on Italian tv showgirls, fantasised over as a lesbian romance. ‘veline’ is a showgirl duo whose task is to perform the Stacchetti: 30-second dance breaks of cheerful routines and ever-present smiles.

Restaging their repertoire—from the 90s to today—the performers break their bond with the camera and start dancing for each other. What begins as mirroring becomes seduction as frivolous gestures turn into erotic tension, smiles to camp enchantments, till the choreography romantically entwines them.

veline repertoire blends the gestures of Million Dollar Smile with the choreography of culo 2 aka le veline, deconstructing the glossy surface of Berlusconian femininity to reveal desire—and defiance—beneath.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Gaia Pellegrini is a choreographer and performer based in Cologne. Completing her studies in Physical Theatre at Folkwang University of Essen and specialising in choreography at the Conservatori Superior de Dansa in Barcelona, Gaia’s work explores intimacy, sexuality, and femininity as a spectrum. Moved by a quasi-documentary interest, she challenges narratives around misogyny and homosexual desire, transforming them into spaces of reappropriation and empowerment. Collaboration is central to Gaia’s practice, with key partners including Rebecca de Toro, Shauna Fischer, Alice Minervini, and Giulia Parenti. Her work has been presented at Tanzhaus NRW, Folkwang Museum, MOLT, and Fondazione Sozzani, among others.

CREDITS
Artistic direction: Gaia Pellegrini
Performance and choreography: Gaia Pellegrini in collaboration with performers Shauna Fischer and Rebecca de Toro
Show dance coach: Ley Akpinar
Set design and lighting: Miranda Simón Abelló
Styling: Giulia Parenti
Music: Tim Pauli, GFOTY, Gaia Pellegrini, KatKit
Assistant artistic director: Luca Frati
Artistic collaboration and text: Alice Minervini
Photo: Rafał Stefanski
Co-production: Tanzhaus NRW, Düsseldorf; ehrenfeldstudios, Cologne
With the support of: Antic Teatre; Dansa Metropolitana 2026; ehrenfeldstudios, Cologne and Tanzresidenz 2026 Quartier am Hafen
Special thanks to Saskia and Fine for coaching the owner.

veline repertoire is presented as part of the guest performance series LOOK – Choreographies from feminist perspectives.

Photo: Rafał Stefanski