Voo Visits
In our latest episode of Voo Visits, Vivian welcomed us into her Berlin home, her creative space and sanctuary, for an open conversation about movement, memory, and navigating the world on her own terms.
As a dancer at Staatsballett, she shared how her Iranian roots shape the narratives she builds and how her relationship with her body continues to evolve as both instrument and archive.
Voo Store: Do you ever catch yourself moving like a dancer when you’re just doing normal things?
Vivian Assal: I usually don’t realise that I do things in a ”dancer’s” way. I think it has become a part of who I am. Of course, when I show a dance movement or explain a step outside of work, it is obvious. But I know in fact that people notice my posture and my expressive hands when I talk. And of course at the club it is very obvious that I am a dancer.
Voo: What’s the least ballet thing about the way you move?
Vivian: I do not walk turning outwards as our positions in our legs and feet are usually in a toe-out position. As a person outside of work I really try to distance myself from talking or thinking about ballet. At work I think I do have more of a less ballet posture than others. I always feel like I am still learning things every day when it comes to classical ballet, as I was not so much into it when I was younger at school. I also had the same amount of modern training.
Voo: Do you feel more like an athlete or an artist?
Vivian: Both. Sometimes more than the other depending on what I dance at work and how much I dance. I would be living in denial if I said that I am not an athlete because I work physically with my body from 10am to 6pm, which comes with the responsibility to take care of my body for its full function and performance in the long run. But I must say that I wouldn't do it if it wasn’t something artistic. First and foremost, I will say that I am an artist. The movement and the physicality is fueled by my passion and my inner expressions.
Voo: How has your relationship with your body evolved over the time of your career?
Vivian: Luckily, I've had it quite easy. Not many injuries or difficulties. I do feel though that my body has a harder time finding the easy way for classical ballet. I mean there is no easy way, but I definitely felt that modern dance has worked better, or I need both at certain times. But in general now, my body is changing with time, which I think is very natural, and it's really important to stay connected and humble with that thought. Especially as a woman who trains so much there is a hormonal struggle to be aware and give the body the amount of rest and vital food that it needs. Not forgetting the mind, which is also a part of the body. Mental strength has always been an unspoken topic throughout my education and professional career. Nowadays I do have access to support, but it is very easy to forget how important it is to stay mentally healthy, as this is when your body works best. I think I have taken my body for granted for the last 10 years, partly because I could, but the next 10 years will be very different in terms of how I have to take care of it. Basically, I can’t have a normal life unfortunately, as much as I'd like to, and it’s been hard to convince myself of that.
Voo: What inspires you to dance and perform and choreograph?
Vivian: My heart is my source of inspiration when I dance and perform. It’s hard to explain, it’s just in me. Music as well. I am not good with instruments, but I can definitely feel and translate music into my body and dance. My body is my instrument. Dancing is a language in itself, another way of expressing my sounds. I often dance for myself, alone at home, but there is definitely something special about the act of performing for others. I must say that I like to entertain people. To tell a story, to give them a feeling or a thought, to communicate without speaking, but through movement. Sometimes it’s even easier for people to understand. It’s therapy for sure, and I might be a little addicted to it. The same goes for creating a dance piece. Telling a story through dance and movement. The live act that makes me feel alive, but also the audience. It is so important in our time to keep this art form alive as we move forward with more technology. Nothing can replace the art and what happens in the theatre.
Voo: Who are your biggest influences or role models in life?
Vivian: My mom is my role model. Such a loving and strong woman. She has helped me throughout my career and has always been by my side, but from far away. When it comes to dance, I grew up with Mats Ek. I am truly amazed at the way he creates his dance pieces. I was so lucky to work with him as a dancer two years ago. The same goes for Pina Bausch, I have only grown closer to her work in recent years, and to have danced her Rite of Spring was truly magical. It was as if you could feel that she was still alive, as her work still is.
Voo: You’ve moved around a lot, Sweden, Hamburg, Oslo, Berlin. Do you think that’s made you more comfortable with change?
Vivian: When I was younger, it was necessary. I was still looking for a place where I felt I belonged. When you're young and moving first from one school to another, and then to different professional companies at the age of 18, it's hard to know what fits to you. I had to leave a lot of places, not because I wanted to, but because the companies did not offer me a contract. There are not many dance companies in Scandinavia or anywhere else. Especially when it comes to classical ballet. So naturally I had to keep looking for something abroad.
I have now been in Berlin with the Staatsballett for almost 7 years and I feel very much at home. It’s been hard to admit, but I do feel very fortunate to be here right now. I would probably move around more for shorter periods when the time comes to start freelancing and choreographing on a daily basis.
Voo: Has your family’s background influenced how you think about movement?
Vivian: Dance brings a lot of joy and is a big part of Persian culture. I have to say that it has not been the most supportive art form when it comes to having a profession. I think most Iranians, in my parents' generation, do not really see the dancing that I do as a profession or a real job. There was a time, before the Islamic revolution in Iran, when there was a classical ballet company in Tehran. I only got to know about it maybe 6 years ago. But my mom loves to move to music, she definitely has it in her. She has encouraged me a lot to express myself with my emotions in dance. In return, I have taken her with me whenever I decide to go out dancing. Not going to lie, she has already been with me twice to Panorama Bar.
Voo: What’s the most randomly sentimental thing in your apartment?
Vivian: The black porcelain cat reminds me very much of my childhood in our home in Sweden. It was also the time when I got my first real cat. I made a very happy decision to get two beautiful cats during the time of Covid. I won't lie about the fact that I am fascinated by cats.
Voo: What’s something in here that you’ve had forever and has moved with you everywhere?
Vivian: My Persian carpet. It was a gift from my grandmother in Iran. I first had it in my room when I was 13. And 17 years later, it's with me in Berlin. It is truly a cultural treasure of Iran. A place I have yet to visit, but only dream of visiting, hopefully one day when the people are at peace. For now, I have a little bit of Iran and my family's memories with me here in Berlin.
Vivian is wearing the Puma WMNS Speedcat LTH Ballet Sneaker in White & Black.
Voo Visits is a series introducing new and old friends of Voo, like-minded creatives and people from Berlin who inspire us.
