ABOUT
Filipe Portugal is a Portuguese choreographer based in Switzerland. His work explores physical precision and musicality, with a strong focus on the dialogue between himself and the dancers. This exchange continues to shape and challenge his evolving choreographic language.
A former principal dancer with Ballet Zürich and the National Ballet of Portugal, he choreographs for international dance companies. Since 2024, he has been Artistic Director of Tanz und Kunst Königsfelden, where he develops an annual dance festival and a platform for creation, performance, and artist development.
He began his dance education at the National Conservatory in Lisbon under the guidance of Georges Garcia. After graduating, he joined the National Ballet of Portugal under the direction of Jorge Salavisa before moving to Ballet Zürich, where he became a principal dancer under Heinz Spoerli.
Throughout his performing career, he performed works by choreographers including George Balanchine, John Cranko, Patrice Bart, Jiří Kylián, Mats Ek, William Forsythe, Hans van Manen, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Marco Goecke, Crystal Pite, Heinz Spoerli, and Christian Spuck, among others. This wide-ranging experience continues to inform his approach to creation.
His first choreographic work, created in Portugal in 2001, was selected for the company’s repertoire, marking the beginning of his choreographic path. He later developed his work in Zürich, creating over ten pieces for Ballet Zürich and the Junior Ballet Zürich, as well as for companies including Charlotte Ballet, Shanghai Ballet, Ballet Ireland, the National Ballet of Portugal, Croatian National Theatre Rijeka, Salzburger Landestheater, Delattre Dance Company, and Cannes Jeune Ballet, among others.
CALENDAR
Quiet.ude
Carmen
Carmen
Festival Königsfelden 2025
Premiere — 23 May 2025
Klosterkirche Königsfelden, Switzerland
Spanish Rhapsody
Spanish Rhapsody
Ballet of the Croatian National Theatre Rijeka
Premiere — 4 February 2022
Croatian National Theatre Rijeka
