Maša Kagao Knez

Maša Kagao Knez (1978) works as a dancer, choreographer and theatre practitioner. She first came into contact with the performing arts as a child through the work of her mother, Jasna Knez, a dancer and choreographer herself. Maša was educated by various international teachers, both in Slovenia and abroad, and graduated in 2006 from Georges Momboye school for African traditional and contemporary dance in Paris. In 2013 she graduated from the Academy of dance in Ljubljana.

In 2009 Maša, together with dancer Dalanda Diallo and musician Damir Mazrek, co-founded the Baobab cultural and arts society, which operates in the field of dance, music and theatre. Since 2015 she has been the artistic director of Institute 25 and manages the Dance studio XXV, as well as creates dance performances: LakeLess (Studio 25, 2017), Posvetitev pomladi (Flota, 2016), MOMENTUM Avenija ujetih trenutkov (Studio 25, KUD Baobab, CD, PTL, 2015), Dia Diasso Diasspora (KUD Baobab, CD, PTL, 2013), Nameščeni (2011), Rojena zunaj svoje vasi, 1978 (2010–2011),...

She also works as a choreographer, dancer and actress in big production theatres as well as independent companies: Plesni Teater Ljubljana, Flota, SNG Nova Gorica, Mestno gledališče Ljubljana - MGL, SNG Drama Ljubljana, Prešernovo gledališče Kranj, Anton Podbevšek Teater, Mini teater...

She received a Ksenija Hribar dance award in 2013. Three years later she won the third prize at the XX. Festival of choreographic miniatures in Belgrade as part of the duo with musician Murat.

Maša's teaching and choreography work is based on research of movement material in which different dance techniques and movement motives of African dance traditions intertwine, complement and transform into the author dance expression.