repertorioVELINE is a choreographic study of television showgirls, fantasised as a lesbian romance. The Veline are a Mediaset-made showgirl duo whose task is to perform the Stacchetto: a 30-second dance break characterised by cheerful routines and ever-present smiles. Dancing along a curve that traces the Stacchetti repertoire from the ’90s to today, the performers gradually shift their focus from the camera to each other. What begins as mimicry turns into seduction— playful gestures become intimate, binding them in romance. The gesture of previous work Million Dollar Smile blends with culo 2 aka le veline, deconstructing the glossy surface of Berlusconian femininity and revealing the desire—and defiance—beneath.
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 Conservatorio Superior de Danza 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. repertorioVELINE was supported by MAI, Antic Teatre, and Tanzhaus NRW.
