tanz performance köln is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1989 by Madeline Ritter with the goal of representing dance in its various manifestations.

In the meantime, tanz performance köln has developed into an international organization and production center for contemporary dance in Cologne.

Madeline Ritter and Heike Lehmke had been working together from 1998-2004. As an independent cultural institution their collaboration allowed them to work out concepts, and initiate and produce numerous dance-related series, festivals and dance film programs, that are representative of the newest developments in contemporary dance both nationally and internationally.

2005 Heike Lehmke took over the direction of tanz performance köln.

tanz performance köln works closely with national and European partners which has been recognized for the sixth time through generous grant support from the European commission.