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What Is Aufheben?

Aufheben Ensemble is a project based dance and physical theatre ensemble directed by Isabella Mireles Vik. Founded in 2023, Aufheben is based in Houston, TX and was created as a funnel for Vik’s performance and movement research. The ensemble was created with the intention of  finding the intersections of performance art, choreography and theatre to create avant-garde works that center the human condition and societal struggles.  Aufheben has performed for stage, galleries and impractical spaces, bringing performance to a wide variety of audiences. The ensemble focuses on dynamic movement work, narrating clarity with abstraction to provide viewers with a new perceptions on dance and its ability to convey complex thematics. What differs Aufheben from other dance companies is Vik’s artistic practice which is strongly rooted in body performance art and counter culture. Aufheben practices the following principles; autonomy, camaraderie, experimentation and exploration. Vik’s goal is to nurture an environment of expression that builds up each dancers ability to make choices for themselves to help establish their own artistic practice.

Past Success:

In 2024, Aufheben premiered its first project, “Cuidado No God” which ran as an evening length inspired by the literary works of George Bataille. In 2024, the project “Human Resource: Corporeal Experiences in Professionalism” premiered at the Texas Biennial and was awarded the Let Creativity Happen grant that turned “Human Resource" into a dance film. In 2025, “Echo” a durational movement performance piece was presented through Diverseworks, 12 Minutes Max.  Beyond performance projects, Aufheben holds a weekly company class that is open to the dance community and is the only contemporary class of its kind in Houston. Aufheben works to expand dance education and opportunities for both dance enthusiasts and freelance professionals through classes, workshops and performance platforms.

What Are We Raising Funds For?

For the first time, Aufheben is doing their first yearly fundraiser. These funds are to help sustain the project through out the year and will go to towards the following:

-Artists stipeneds

-Venue rental and studio rental

-Videoagraphy and photography

-Production cost

-Marketing

-General operations

Our set goal wouldn’t cover all of this, but as I apply for grants and look for other avenues of funding, I wanted to share more about what Aufheben means to me, the future of this project and the phenomenal artists involved. We hope that you consider donating to this fundraiser and to the longevity of Aufheben. Interested in seeing more? Go to isabellavik.com to view the artists of Aufheben and past projects! Thank you for your generosity and support.