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.
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. In its development veline repertoire was supported by MAI, Antic Teatre, and Tanzhaus NRW.
