The world of dance just got a lot darker — and more fascinating. Austrian choreographer Florentina Holzinger is back with her bold production, Tanz, a ballet horror show that’s anything but ordinary. Featuring the legendary 83-year-old dancer Beatrice Cordua, the performance is a daring mix of beauty, tension, and raw emotion.

Set to open at NYU Skirball on February 14 for a two-night run, Tanz takes a unique approach to ballet. The show starts with a traditional ballet class led by Cordua, who, dressed in nothing but a microphone pack, commands the stage with a mix of grace and grit. As the class progresses, the dancers strip down, creating a striking visual of vulnerability and strength.

But don’t expect a typical ballet performance. Holzinger’s work dives into the eerie and surreal. Think body suspension, where performers are lifted into the air by hooks piercing their skin, creating a mix of awe and discomfort. It’s a blend of high art and circus-like spectacle, exploring themes of aging, discipline, and the illusions of ballet.

Holzinger, known for her bold and boundary-pushing style, uses Tanz to challenge the conventional beauty standards of dance. “For every sylph, there is a witch waiting in the wings,” the show reminds us, embracing both the ethereal and the unsettling.

With its haunting visuals and thought-provoking themes, Tanz promises to leave a lasting impression. If you’re ready to see ballet like never before, this is one show you won’t want to miss.