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MICHAL RYNIA

**Artistic Director, Choreographer, Dancer

Born on February 2, 1984, in Wroclaw, Poland, Michal Rynia embarked on his dance journey in the vibrant hip-hop scene. His remarkable success in dance competitions culminated in multiple victories, including being crowned the Polish National Champion and achieving an extraordinary five-time hip-hop World Champion title. Additionally, he triumphed at the National Championships in the Netherlands for hip-hop solo Adults on two occasions. However, it was his profound love for the theatre that would ultimately sculpt his future.

Michal's passion for the theatrical world blossomed as he collaborated with the Wroclaw Polish Theater under the guidance of director Jan Szurmiej, embodying the character of the boy from the future in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". The resounding success of this performance fueled his fervor for more theatrical endeavors, eventually leading him to enroll in the prestigious Codarts Dance Academy in Rotterdam. Michal made history as the first urban dancer to be accepted into this esteemed institution and was honored with a scholarship from the Corrie Hartong Dance Fund.

During his tenure at Codarts, Michal danced in works by renowned choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, Ed Wubbe, Guy Weizman, and Roni Haver from Club Guy & Roni. He performed in multiple productions by Andre Gingras and danced "Bolero" from Maurice Bejart with the Bejart Ballet Lausanne Company in Amsterdam, significantly honing his craft. His inaugural solo piece, "Dream of Electric Sheep," captivated audiences at the Royal Opera House in London and the iTs Festival in Amsterdam, earning rave reviews from leading dance publications.

“Michal Rynia's hip-hop solo, with the wonderfully electric title 'Dreams of Electric Sheep,' was an exhilarating experience. His gangsta outfit and riveting deadpan hard man gaze were spot on, leaving the audience craving for more.” (Review excerpt from Donnachadh McCarty, Dance Europe, at the ROH Linbury Studio, London).

After graduating in 2007, Michal dazzled audiences as a guest dancer with the Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, where he co-created and performed in the choreography "B.A.M." He delved into choreography and crafted stirring performances for the Rotterdam Academy and various theaters in the Netherlands. Some notable works include "The Myth" for the De Gouvernestraat theater in Rotterdam and "Dust in the Wind" for the Korzo Theater in Den Haag. His duet "Switched," showcased at the Lucent Theater by the Netherlands Dance Theater, stood out in his early career.

“In 'B.A.M,' music from Bach's solo cello suite forms the backdrop to some of the most intense dancing of the evening, simply astounding. An unforgettable image is Michal Rynia in his terrific sideways swings, releasing a shower of sweat from his hair, beautifully caught by the spotlight overhead." (Review excerpt from Ali Mahbouba, Dance Europe, at Tools in Schouwburg Theatre Rotterdam).

The convergence of Michal Rynia and Nastja Bremec Rynia's dance paths during their studies at the Codarts Rotterdam Dance Academy marked the inception of a significant partnership. They embarked on creating impactful dance performances, conducting international workshops, and choreographing for the popular Dutch program "So You Think You Can Dance."

In 2008, Michal co-founded the acclaimed MN Dance Company with fellow dancer Nastja Bremec Rynia, introducing the innovative "Contemporary Fusion" style that seamlessly blends diverse dance techniques. Their collaborative efforts have given rise to emotionally resonant performances like "Story We Tell," "Chained," "Room with a View," "Tie," "Conspiracy of Silence," "ON/A," "Labyrinth," "DE-SET," "Icarus," "Perpetuum Mobile," "Step Out of My Shadow PI314," "To the Moon and Back," "THE DistANCE," "Line," and "Flights," garnering international acclaim for their artistic depth and originality. Their dedication and artistry have earned them accolades from the Municipality of Nova Gorica and the Municipality of Šempeter-Vrtojba in 2018.

A pivotal moment for Michal and Nastja was their award-winning performance at the prestigious Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in 2019. Their mesmerizing choreography in "All Directions" received standing ovations. In 2022, "Step Out of My Shadow PI314," an enthralling dance duet by Michal and Nastja, was celebrated as the best dance duo and performance of the year, captivating audiences with their chemistry and innovative choreography.

Delving into the intersection of art and dance, Michal views the dancer as a storyteller of profound themes and truths, exploring human intimacy and societal essence through contemporary or mythological forms intertwined with archetypal motifs that captivate audiences with their emotional, aesthetic, and artistic depth.

Michal and Nastja's foray into the realm of dance on screen has yielded exceptional results. Their groundbreaking video, "Land of All," has garnered a significant viewership and received a wave of positive reactions on their YouTube channel. Renowned for their innovative approach to partnering in contemporary dance, the video was showcased at the prestigious San Francisco Dance Film Festival in 2017.

Collaborations, including the widely acclaimed music video "Black Swan" filmed in Los Angeles for the popular Korean k-pop group BTS, have further solidified their presence on the global stage. These cinematic works have amassed millions of views and garnered widespread acclaim across various international platforms, including  The Rolling Stone, MSM, Dance Magazine, Metro UK, MTV, Billboard, BBC News, Los Angeles Times, etc...

MN's Art Video "Set I" was honored as the Video of the Month by Dance Magazine in 2020, while their 2022 dance film "Horizon" was hailed as the best dance film of the year, earning prestigious awards at the KRAFFT Festival.

As the artistic director of MN Dance Company, Michal plays a crucial role in developing dance programs for the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025. Actively engaged in curating a program that significantly promotes dance culture in the border area and internationally, the MN International Ensemble plays a central role in the ECoC program, "Borderless Body." This exploration of movement will lead artists and researchers on a captivating journey through the artistic interpretation of the body, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics. The culmination of this research will be showcased in a spectacular outdoor performance in 2025.

Michal Rynia's ongoing odyssey as a director, choreographer, and dancer continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as one of the most innovative artists in the contemporary dance scene. Together with Nastja Bremec Rynia, their collaborative efforts continue to push boundaries, creating emotionally resonant performances that resonate on a global scale.

PROJECTS

 

2024

 

  • LINE, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company, Balkan Dance Procject, GO! 2025, Festival Velenje – SLG Celje, Slovenja, Cultural House Velenje, Slovenja.

2023 

  • The DistANCE, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company with Cankarjev dom Ljubljana, GO! 2025, MONG, Slovene National Theatre Nova Gorica – SNG N.Gorica, Cankarjev dom Ljubljana. Adriatic Dance Festival Budva, Montenegro.

 

  • TO THE MOON AND BACK, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company, GO! 2025, – SNG N.Gorica, Dance Theather Ljubljana, R.O.R Festival Nova Gorica,  Slovenja. Amphitheater Castle Kromberk Nova Gorica, Slovenja. Interurbán festival in Veszprem, Hungary.

2022

  • STEP OUT OF MY SHADOW PI314, director: Neda Rusjab Bric, choreography M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company, Dance Theather Ljubljana,  – Dance Theather Ljubljana, Piran Festival - Tartini Theather Piran, Slovenja.

 

  • PERPETUUM MOBILE, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company with Cankarjev dom Ljubljana, GO! 2025, MONG, Slovene National Theatre Nova Gorica – SNG N.Gorica, Cankarjev dom Ljubljana. Budva Adriatic Dance Festival Budva, Montenegro.

2021

2020

2019

2018

  • LABYRINTH, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company with Sloven National Theatre Nova Gorica, Theatre Nova Gorica – SNG N.Gorica, International Storytelling Festival Graz, DAP festival Pietrasanta, Italy.

2017

  • S/HE, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company with Sloven National Theatre Nova Gorica, Theatre Nova Gorica – SNG N.Gorica Theater Rotterdam Theater Netherlands, Cankarjev dom Ljubljana, Kosovelov Dom Sežana, Slovenja.

2016 

  • CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company with Sloven National Theater Nova Gorica – SNG N.Gorica, Teatro Comunale di Cormons, Italy, Rotterdam Schouwburg Theater, Netherlands.

2014

  • URBAN TALES – ROOM WITH A VIE, TIE, M. Rynia and N. Bremec, MN Dance Company with Sloven National Theater Nova Gorica – SNG N.Gorica, Cankarjev dom Ljubljana, Scena Otwarta Poland, Cultural House Gorizia, Kosovelov dom Sežana.

2011

  • THE MYTH, M. Rynia and N. Bremec, MN Dance Company with De Gouvernestraat Theatre Rotterdam and Cankarjev dom Ljubljana – De Gouvernestraat Theater Rotterdam, Cankarjev dom Ljubljana, SNG N.Gorica, Belef Summer festival in Belgrade.

2009 

  • DUST IN THE WIND, M. Rynia, N. Bremec, MN Dance Company – Theater Lantaren Venster Rotterdam, Korzo Theater Den Haag; Center kulture Španski borci Ljubljana; Anfiteatro delle Cascine Firence, Italia.

CHOREOGRAPHIC MINIATURES

 

2019 

  • ALL DIRECTIONS, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company, Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival, New York USA.

 

  • TO THE SIDE AND AROUND, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company for Codarts – Rotterdam Dance Academy, Rotterdam Netherlands.

2015 

  • FRAMED, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company, City Gallery Nova Gorica, Teatro dei Giovanni Udine, Serbian National Theatre Belgrade.

2011

  • CHAINED, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company, Cankarjev dom Ljubljana, Avditorij Portorož, Slovene National Theater Maribor,Teatro dei Giovanni Udine, Lutkovno gledališče Maribor, Serbian National Theater Belgrade.

2010

  • THE STORY WE TELL, M. Rynia and N. Bremec MN Dance Company, Cankarjev dom Ljubljana, Avditorij Portorož, Slovene National Theater Nova Gorica, Theater Pordenone, Theater Udine, Serbian National Theater Belgrade.

2009 

  • SWITCHED, M. Rynia and Z. Markovic, NDT, Netherlands Dance Theatre, Opera House Hannover.

2008 

  • B.A.M. M.Rynia, Ed Wubbe and Besim Hoti for Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Rotterdam Shchouwburg Theater, Netherlands.

​FILM / VIDEO

 

2023

  • LAYERS, dance film; M. Rynia and N. Bremec, MN Dance Company, recording and editing: F. Šulin, M. Rynia.  

Screened  – Dance Camera North Film Festival 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. Manifest Dance-Film Festival 2024 in Pondicherry, India. Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema 2024 Boulder, Colorado USA.

2022

  • HORIZON, dance film; M. Rynia and N. Bremec, MN Dance Company, recording and editing: F. Šulin, M. Rynia.

Screened – San Francisco Dance Film Festival 2022, USA. Festival of Slovenian Film 2022, Portorož, Slovenja. KRAFFT Festival  2022 Kranj, Slovenja. 

 – Horizon has been recognized for its outstanding performance in the film and audiovisual art form at the KRAFFT Festival, receiving the prestigious LOK award from the Association of Slovenian Audiovisual Actors (Društvo DSI).

 – Horizon, has been crowned as the best dance film of the year 2022 by Niko Goršič's selections, featured on the esteemed portal PARADA PLESA.

2021

  • WAITING, dance film; M. Rynia and N. Bremec, MN Dance Company, recording and editing: U.Košir, M. Rynia.

2020

  • BLACK SWAN, dance film; BTS, Big Hit Entertainment, Freenjoy,Y.Choi (Lumpens) M. Rynia and N. Bremec, MN Dance Company.

 

  • CONTEMPORARY DANCE DUET, dance film; M. Rynia and N. Bremec, MN Dance Company, recording and editing: U.Košir, F. Šulin, M. Rynia.

 

  • SET I, series of dance films; M. Rynia and N. Bremec, MN Dance Company, recording and editing: F. Šulin, U.Košir, M.Rynia.

Screened – Moving Body Festival Varna 2020, Bulgaria.

2016

  • LAND OF ALL, dance film; M. Rynia and N. Bremec, MN Dance Company, recording and editing: G. Ippolito. 

Screened – San Francisco Dance Film Festival  2017, USA.

2015

  • ROOM WITH A VIEW, dance film, M. Rynia and N. Bremec, MN Dance Company, recording and editing F. Sulin and A. Novak.

2010

  • INFRA, dance film, M. Rynia & N. Bremec, MN Dance Company, recording and editing F.Sulin and A.Novak.

2013 

  • PERSEVERANCE, whole evening film, director: Miha Knific (Michal Rynia & Nastja Bremec made 7 min, long choreography, for dancers from SNG Opera in Balet Ljubljana and Sng Opera in Balet Maribor), Nukleus film, Slovenski filmski sklad.

2012

 

  • MOMENT OF FEVER, dance film, director: Svetlana Dramlić, choreography and dance: Michal Rynia and Nastja Bremec, MN Dance Company, RTV Slovenija, Studio Arkadena.

CHOREOGRAPHIC AND DANCE COLLABORATIONS

 

2013

  • ALPHA GROUP, artistic director: Darrel Toulon (ballet opera in Graz) – Ball der Technik, Stephaniesaal, Graz, Austria (choreography and dance: Michal Rynia & Nastja Bremec, Gregor Luštek, Rosana Hribar, Valentina Moar, Boštjan Ivanjšič, Julia Machov, Filip Szatarski).

2012

  • CLASSIC AND TANGO / THE STORY WE TELL – SNG Opera and ballet Ljubljana (choreography M. Rynia with N. Bremec).

2010

  • PLAYGROUND – Rotterdam Dance Academy, Lantaren Venster Rotterdam, Netherlands (choreography M. Rynia). 
  • CROSSROADS – Rotterdam Dance Academy, Netherlands (choreography). 
  • RDEČI ČEVELJČKI, CIRIUS Vipava – SNG Nova Gorica, Cankarjev dom Ljubljana, Theater Koper, Kultural House Izola (choreography and dance).

2008

  • ONE MOMENT – Korzo Theater Den Haag, Nizozemska (choreography and dance). 
  • SWITCHED – Netherlands Danse Theater, Opera House Hannover (choreography and dance). 
  • SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE – TV show – National TV RTV Amsterdam (choreography).
  • B.A.M., Scapino Ballet Rotterdam – Rotterdam Shchouwburg Theater, Netherlands (choreography with Edd Wube and Besim Hoti dance). 
  • SLOW SWING BEFORE BEDTIME, Scapino Ballet Rotterdam – Rotterdam Shchouwburg Theater, Netherlands (choreography with Edd Wube and dancers).

2007

  • FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE (2001), choreography: Itzik Galili, Codarts – Royal Opera House London (dance).

2006

  • HYPERTOPIA, režija: Sue Jane Stoker, choreography: Andre Gingras – Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Paris, (dance).

2005

  • VENUS, choreography Michele Pogliani – Rome, Italy (dance). 
  • HELLO THERE, choreography: Andre Gingras – Future Watch, Haag, Netherlands (dance).
  • S.P. 1+2, choreography: Club Guy & Roni – Future Watch, Haag, Netherlands (dance).

2004

2003

  • BOLERO, choreography: Maurice Bejart – Amsterdam, Netherlands (dance).

2001

CHOREOGRAPHY FOR THEATER

 

2015

  • WHO IS SCARED OF A BLACK MAN, theatre performance, director: Ivan Peternelj – SNG Nova Gorica (choreography and dance in collaboration with Nastja Bremec).

2012

2013

  • MORILEC, theatre performance, director: Marko Čeh – SNG Nova Gorica (choreography in collaboration with Nastja Bremec).

2014

  • ČAROVNIK IZ OZA, theatre performance, director: Miha Golob – SNG Nova Gorica (choreography in collaboration with Nastja Bremec).  
  • TIMON ATENSKI, theatre performance, director: Janez Pipan – SNG Nova Gorica (choreography in collaboration with Nastja Bremec).
  • PO MAGRITTU, theatre performance, director: Ajda Valcl – SNG Nova Gorica (choreography in collaboration with Nastja Bremec).

 TEACHING EXPERIENCE 

​

  • CODARTS, Rotterdam Dance Academy, Sloven Dance Academy Ljubljana, Amsterdam Dance Centre, International Workshops around the world
MICHAL RYNIA