'Breaking the Spell' of Social Media: Lessons from Germany and the USA

Social media can entertain, inform, and foster community. Memes and #trending dances can connect people of all ages, around the world. But given their overtly addictive nature, possibility for manipulation and spreading disinformation, debates about the dangers and regulation of platforms and technologies are raging in democracies, including both Germany and the USA.

Into these consequential debates—LEAP—the Flying Steps, Berlin's world-renowned, quadruple breakdance world champions and founders of Germany's biggest urban dance school, the Flying Steps Academy. Returning to the U.S., the Flying Steps will use the global language of dance to ignite discussions on pressing questions at the intersection of digital technology, individual wellbeing and democratic futures.

'Breaking the Spell'—therein lies the key, as the Berlin-based breakers' new "Flying Hänsel und Gretel" program offers a modern twist on the classic fairy tale by reinterpreting key elements to fit contemporary societal issues. Hänsel and Gretel are not lured with sweets, but with the promise of fame and attention through social media. Please join the German Embassy and Flying Steps for a spectacular night featuring an awe-inspiring dance performance inspired by their new program followed by thought-provoking discussion with experts on the challenges of social media.

Program:

1. Flying Steps dance performance inspired by "Flying Hänsel und Gretel"

2. Panel discussion

3. Reception with light refreshments

Panelists:

Stefan Lechermann: One of the managing directors of Flying Steps Entertainment, which under his leadership has grown into one of the most successful urban dance companies worldwide, he has played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of innovative cultural and educational projects that integrate dance and education.

Dr. Leticia Bode: Professor in the Communication, Culture, and Technology master’s program at Georgetown University, and the inaugural Research Director for the Knight Georgetown Institute which seeks to connect independent research with technology policy and design, her research lies at the intersection of communication, technology, and political behavior, emphasizing the role communication and information technologies may play in the acquisition and use of political information and misinformation.

Patrick Lyden: Founder of CurrentStrategic, a government relations, business development, and strategic initiatives firm based in Washington, DC, which represents two important actors in the child online safety policy space, the Children and Screens Institute and BrightCanary.

Samuel Johannes (Moderator): Program Manager at the National Democratic Institute with over 12 years of experience as a practitioner of democracy and governance-focused programming in Central and Eastern Europe, his areas of expertise include youth political participation, building resilient transatlantic institutions and countering foreign authoritarian influence.

About the Flying Steps:

The Flying Steps have made it from a cardboard box up onto the world's great stages - an extraordinary success story from Berlin!

More than 35 of the world's best dancers, 20 years of experience, 2 simultaneous tours and numerous productions for companies and brands have made Flying Steps Entertainment the most successful company in developing urban dance shows and individual show concepts.

What started on a cardboard box on Berlin's Kurfürstendamm in 1993, today takes place on the gleaming parquet floors of the world's greatest stages. Whether in the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, in the Burgtheater in Vienna, in the Orchard Hall in Tokyo or in the Teatro della Pergola in Florence – with their shows the Flying Steps have toured through more than thirty countries.

In 2010 the Flying Steps' first feature-length show paved the way for this success. With Flying Bach they revolutionized breakdance by being the first to show the artfulness of this dance style and by similarly appealing to all age groups. Their new feature "Flying Hänsel und Gretel" offers a modern twist on the classic fairy tale by reinterpreting key elements to fit contemporary societal issues. In this urban dance adaptation, one of the most striking changes is how the witch lures Hänsel and Gretel—not with sweets, but with the promise of fame and attention through social media.

Host or Publisher German Embassy Washington, DC