‘Mind the Gap’ is the title of the dance event taking place as part of this year’s Salzburg Pride Festival. The event will be held on 4 September at the Kollegienkirche in Salzburg. QueerSalzburg spoke with the choreographer and one of the two dancers performing at the event, Florian Entenfellner.

Florian laughs when he describes himself as a ‘dropout’. Born in Wels, a small town in Upper Austria, he was drawn to the wider world at an early age: London, Hamburg, Essen. Cities that shaped him and moulded him artistically. In London, he completed his bachelor’s degree in dance and musical theatre, and in Hamburg he ventured into a master’s programme, which he ultimately dropped out of. ‘Too theoretical,’ he says today with a smile. He was drawn to the stage, to creation, to immediate expression. However, he did not completely abandon his studies: a few years later, he returned to Essen, to the Folkwang University, where he finally completed his master’s degree.

Source of inspiration: Pina Bausch

Florian’s artistic work is permeated with social impact: feminist perspectives, queer realities of life, questions about coexistence, relationships and consumption. ‘I’m not interested in light entertainment. The pieces and performances should be moving and thought-provoking,’ explains Entenfellner. For him, dance is not merely an aesthetic experience, but Active engagement.

In Essen, one name always came up for Entenfellner: Pina Bausch. She is not only one of the most important choreographers of the 20th century, but also a pioneer who revolutionised German dance theatre. Her influence can still be felt today. Not only in Wuppertal, where she established the world-renowned Wuppertal Dance Theatre, but also at the Folkwang University, which Entenfellner himself attended. ‘Pina had a huge influence on German dance theatre. The themes she explored have always inspired me,’ says Entenfellner.

He sees himself as part of a tradition that not only reproduces dance, but also creates space for questions. ‘I am particularly interested in interpersonal relationships. It’s about what happens between people on stage and in the audience,’ says the choreographer.

Mind the Gap at Salzburg Pride

He is now bringing this attitude to Salzburg with his latest work, Mind the Gap. The dance duet will be performed on 4 September as part of the Salzburg Pride Festival in the Kollegienkirche. For Entenfellner, the venue itself is part of the performance: ‘Every space has its own acoustics, its own atmosphere. I hope that the Kollegienkirche, with its vastness and echo, will enhance the performance.’

‘Mind the Gap’ is not a classical dance piece. It thrives on its proximity to the audience, on intense, sometimes acrobatic moments that oscillate between intimacy and wildness. ‘You can laugh, cry, be surprised. It’s best when people come to the performance open to all emotions.’

After the performance, the choreographer and his team don’t want to leave straight away, but look forward to talking to the audience. He imagines that over a drink, something new could emerge from the encounter with the audience. ‘Feel free to join us after the performance and let’s talk over a drink.’
The interview was conducted by Sebastian Brandstätter.

Mind the Gap, 4.09.2025 7pm Kollegienkirche Salzburg