History and identity
Anzelika Cholina Dance Theatre (commonly known as A|CH theatre) was established in 2000 by director and choreographer Anželika Cholina and Greta Cholina, her sister and currently the managing director of the theatre.
A|CH performances stand out with their subtle aesthetics as well as choreographic and dramatic ideas and feature intertwining elements of classical ballet, modern dance and acting. Drama actors and other stage performers take part in performances together with professional dancers.
Creative courage, recognisable aestheticism, perfectly selected music, costumes and impeccable set design are all mesmerising when come together into one piece of art, under Anželika Cholina’s creative direction, with her signature touch.
Facts and figures
Today A|CH theatre is one of the most prominent, professional and successful independent dance theatres in Lithuania. Sensual performances based on synthesis of ballet, various dance genres and convincing acting have gained viewers’ love and are widely recognised by theatre professionals.
Since its foundation, A|CH theatre has produced 20 full-length dance performances which have been shown more than 650 times, to more than 400 thousand viewers. One of the fundamental priorities of the theatre is extensive touring all across Lithuania, with its performances being accessible to viewers in all regions, not only in major cities and the capital. Massive interest and sold-out shows have also established dance performance, then still quite rare in Lithuania, among public’s most favourite genres.
A|CH theatre tours successfully both in Lithuania and abroad. Throughout years, its performances have been shown in United Kingdom, Denmark, China, Latvia, Poland, Luxembourg, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Hungary, Italy and more.
Founder and artistic director
The founder of A|CH Theatre Anželika Cholina is acclaimed as one of the most significant Lithuanian directors and choreographers, she is an Associate Professor at Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, awarded with several highest state awards for merits to Lithuania (2011, 2016 and 2020) as well as with three "Golden Stage Cross" awards, the most important prizes for theatrical works in Lithuania.
Anželika Cholina has staged over 40 works: dance performances, ballets, musicals, operetta and operas, more than 100 choreographic miniatures. She is a choreography director of several episodes of "Warner Brothers" and “NetworkUSA” movies. Choreographer is invited to work in main theaters of Lithuania and abroad.
The dancer company
Each topic or play chosen by the artistic director requires a specific cast of artists. That is why A|CH theatre does not have a regular dancer company. While directing, Anželika Cholina seeks that every artist fits precisely into her vision and character s/he embodies on stage, so very special attention is being paid to casting. Historically, A|CH performances feature creative collaborations with dancers from Lithuanian and foreign theatres and companies and are not limited to one dancer profile – ballet soloists, contemporary dance artists, drama actors, singers and representatives of other performing arts all dance in performances skilfully directed by Anželika Cholina.
During more than 24 years since its launch, A|CH theatre has established a strong cast of soloists that fits well together and is highly appreciated by the viewers.
In 2023, A|CH’s Mastership class was introduced and followed by the Juniors’ class in 2024, both launched in collaboration with Lithuania International Ballet Academy (LTBA), as an educational platform for junior dancers. Dancing and acting skills they develop here are put to practice on professional stage where young artists dance along with experienced and acclaimed soloists in real-time A|CH theatre performances.
