William Forsythe. Choreographic Instructions

William Forsythe's »Choreographic Instructions« are a set of directions to create sequences of movements that range in difficulty from relatively easy to well-nigh impossible. In public spaces, passersby are invited to engage with the instructions — no matter how unusual or difficult they may be — and actively participate in a process of self-questioning and/or self-reflection. 

Since the 1970s William Forsythe, one of the world's premier choreographers of our time, has developed a unique language of movement based on the vocabulary of classical ballet. For Forsythe, choreography is a form of thinking — a creative process that is not limited to the execution of set instructions, but which relates space, body, and time. His conceptual approach to dance and his deep interest in the fundamental principles of choreography have led Forsythe in recent years to undertake a wide range of projects in the areas of installation, film, and digital media in addition to his work on the stage.

Since August 2025, a rotating selection of text works from William Forsythe’s »Choreographic Instructions« series has been presented on the forecourt and throughout the outdoor area of ZKM, including »Backwards« (2018), »Himmel & Hölle« [hopscotch, children’s game] (2019), »Untitled Instructional Series« (2020), and, more recently, »Uplifting Instruction« (2026). The app-based augmented reality (AR) installation, premiered during the opening of the Venice Biennale in April 2026, features four airplanes flying across the sky above the ZKM, each towing a black banner. Together, the banners form an instruction for action. To read the message in its entirety, viewers must move and follow the airplanes with their smartphone screens.

Until the end of June 2026, »Turning your eyes« (2019) was also on view as part of »Choreographic Instructions«, displayed on the stele on the north side of the building.

With »Choreographic Instructions«, the ZKM continues a series of projects that began when William Forsythe's archive was transferred to the ZKM in spring 2023. To date, the website »Improvisation Technologies — The Lectures«, the exhibition »Nowhere and Everywhere at the Same Time«, the world premiere of »Friends of Forsythe«, and the presentation of the installation »Black Flags« have been realized.