RIPE BODY: CARVING

RIPE BODY is a cross-genre solo dance performance in two parts, RIPE BODY: CARVING and RIPE BODY: RIP IT, that explores how the feminine body and identity is shaped, percieved and expressed – between gaze, lust, power and liberation. In a transparent box with a mirror-clad floor and ceiling, the scenography lifts the dancer up and creates a 360 º piedestal that sets the stage for a sensous, energetic and visually stunning experience which combines intimate physical performance with vibrating electronic music.
RIPE BODY is nominated for the prestigious Reumert Award in the category 'Special Performance of the Year 2025'.

In RIPE BODY: CARVING, Ruth Rebekka presents a performance installation where the human body becomes a living, shifting sculpture—twisting in an endless kaleidoscopic reflection like an animated Rorschach test.

A young woman, dressed in red sweatpants, her hair loose, and wearing stiletto heels, moves within a glass box elevated to the audience’s eye level. Mirrors placed on the floor and ceiling reflect her body infinitely, as well as the audience invited to stand close.

The viewers, cast in the role of voyeurs, are encouraged to confront their own curiosity, morality, vulnerability, and desire. The body becomes a sculptural presence of flesh—estranged from both itself and the gaze of the beholder.

Within this intimate and unsettling exchange, a central question emerges: How exposed is the performer, really? A subtle, simmering play of power unfolds between observer and observed.

Choreographer and performer: Ruth Rebekka Hansen 

Composer and live-musician: Lauge Heebøll

Set design and build: Anders Toft Pedersen

Costume design: Benedikte Beate Hansen

Dramaturg: Luna Stage

Touring light design and technician: Brian Cord’homme

Original light-concept: Elke Laleman

Administrator, KOMMA Performance Productions: Astrid Gravsholt

RIPE BODY is co-produced by Roskilde Festival, Aaben Dans, Bora Bora, Teater Momentum and Dansehallerne, and is administrated by KOMMA Performance Productions.

Thank you to Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansens Fond, William Demant Fonden and Dansk Skuespillerforbund for supporting the development and production of RIPE BODY.

The concept for RIPE BODY was developed initially at a residency at Härnösand Folkhögskola with ilYoung/ilDance during the fall of 2022. It was shown shortly after at Aabent Laboratorium, Aaben Dans Roskilde.

The original 20 minute stage version was shown at GRASP Festival in 2023.

RIPE BODY was developed further in october 2023 during Ruth’s time in Aabent Rum. More about Aabent Rum: https://aabendans.dk/2907-2/