A creation to see and be seen

On March 21, 2025, to mark World Down Syndrome Day, Luxembourg audiences were invited to experience the new piece by DreamteamT21, the inclusive dance ensemble of Trisomie 21 Lëtzebuerg asbl. Titled “Wir stellen uns vor …!”, this shared artistic creation unfolds as a series of dances, gestures, and presences – inspired by self-portraits, imagined dreams, and deeply personal inner worlds.

This project continues the association’s prior work (Puzzled, 2022 and Image, 2023), which blended painting and photography around self-representation. In 2025, the body enters the spotlight, becoming both medium and message. Through dance, each participant tells their own story, in their own way. The solos are personal; the group scenes are collaboratively built. Together, they invite us to encounter others in all their individuality.

Three years of preparation, one year of creation

From idea to stage, the process took three years. One full year was dedicated to the creative phase, with 25 dancers supported by a caring artistic team and structured coordination. The entire journey followed an inclusive, participatory approach at every stage.

The teaching adapted to the needs of the dancers: manageable rehearsal lengths, safe rehearsal spaces, personalized pacing, simplified instructions, and no performance pressure. Even the venue – Kulturfabrik – was modified to enable floor-based dancing, making it more accessible. Each person was given space to make the stage their own, in their own time, and in their own way.

Audience emotion, artist pride

The premiere on March 21, 2025 was a deeply moving moment. The audience responded with joy, emotion, smiles, even tears. Many were touched by the authenticity of what they witnessed. More than a performance, it became a true encounter. Two days later, at Mierscher Theater, the enthusiasm was confirmed and a third date is already scheduled for June 21 at ArcA.

But the deepest impact was behind the scenes. For many of the artists, inexperienced on stage, the journey brought confidence, pride, and self-esteem. Two rehearsal groups gradually merged into a single, united and committed ensemble. Everyone contributed to the final work and every individual’s contribution was fully recognized.

Une méthode qui change la manière de créer ensemble

Cette expérience confirme la puissance d’une approche inclusive et participative dans la création artistique. Le succès de « Wir stellen uns vor …! » est à la fois artistique et humain. Il montre que lorsqu’on prend le temps d’adapter les outils, les rythmes, les attentes, alors la scène devient un espace possible pour tous.

Cette méthode, Trisomie 21 Lëtzebuerg souhaite désormais l’ancrer dans la durée. Elle inspire déjà d’autres projets à venir et pose une base pour repenser l’accueil des pratiques culturelles dans les institutions du pays.

A method that changes how we create together

This project confirms the power of inclusive and participatory methods in artistic creation. The success of “Wir stellen uns vor …!” is both artistic and deeply human. It shows that when we take the time to adapt the tools, pace, and expectations – the stage becomes a space open to all.

This approach is something Trisomie 21 Lëtzebuerg now intends to anchor in the long term. It’s already inspiring future projects and setting a foundation for rethinking how cultural institutions welcome inclusive practices.
 

A future on stage – and in how we see others

The association’s goal is clear: to ensure that artistic projects led by people with disabilities take their rightful place in the country’s cultural programmes – to be seen, recognized, and celebrated as creative works in their own right.

It’s also a call to view adaptation not as a burden, but as a key to access and transformation. Every audience member who experienced this performance left with a new perspective on what dance can be, who can create it and the beauty of sharing through vulnerability.

A message told through dance

“Wir stellen uns vor …!” means both “We imagine ourselves” and “We present ourselves.” This dual meaning captures the project’s essence: offering personal and collective visions, while giving voice, movement, and light to those too rarely heard.

Through this work, DreamteamT21 reminds us that everyone has the right to dream, to create, and to share. And that it’s time to open the stage to the many stories of our society.