Today we’d like to introduce you to Gion Treichler.

Gion , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I’m originally from Zurich, Switzerland, where my passion for dance began. I trained at Zurich Dance Academy and the Ballet School of the Opera House Zurich before earning my BFA in Contemporary Dance from Zurich University of the Arts. During my studies, I had the privilege of performing works by incredible choreographers like Caroline Finn, Filipe Portugal, Regina Van Berkel, and Nadav Zelner, which really helped shape my artistic voice.

In 2021, I took a leap and came to New York City, joining Graham 2, the second company of the Martha Graham Dance Company. Those two years were transformative—I had the opportunity to perform Graham’s masterpieces and collaborate with choreographers like Bradley Shelver, Yoshito Sakuraba, and Virginie Mecene.

Since then, I’ve continued expanding my career, dancing with Dance Kaleidoscope and performing in works by Joshua Blake Carter, David Hochoy, Janice Rosario, and Mariel Greenlee-Lungu, among others. Now, back in NYC I am thrilled to be a part of the dance community here and the performance opportunintys I am getting.

Every step of my journey has reinforced my love for dance, and I’m always eager to grow, collaborate, and explore new artistic challenges

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like in any career, there are always obstacles and unexpected turns along the way.

One of the biggest challenges that comes to mind is the recent pandemic. When the world shut down, so did dance. I had just started at Zurich University of the Arts when we suddenly had to go remote and figure out how to dance and create outside of traditional spaces. Many dancers had to stop dancing altogether and step away from their careers. I definitely missed out on opportunities and experiences I would have loved to pursue.

Beyond that, there are the everyday struggles—castings and auditions that don’t go as hoped. There have been times when I was cast in roles different from what I had envisioned or, more disappointingly, faced rejection from a dream company. Auditions can be tough because so many factors are out of our control. You can give your absolute best and feel like you nailed it, only to be cut for reasons that have nothing to do with your performance. Earlier in my career, this was harder to accept, but over time, I’ve learned to see every audition as a learning experience. Even if I don’t get the job, I walk away with something valuable—whether it’s exposure to a new dance style, learning new repertoire, or making connections that could lead to future opportunities.

I think the key is to stay hungry and keep dancing. Resilience is everything in this industry, and as long as I keep growing and pushing forward, I know I’m on the right path.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

As a dancer, I specialize in contemporary dance with a strong foundation in both classical ballet and modern techniques. My training has allowed me to adapt to a variety of movement styles, from the grounded, expressive qualities of contemporary to the precision and discipline of ballet.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to perform works by renowned choreographers such as Caroline Finn, Filipe Portugal, and Regina Van Berkel, and I spent two years with Graham 2, where I performed Martha Graham’s masterpieces. Most recently, I’ve danced with Dance Kaleidoscope and Hudson Ballet Theatre, expanding my repertoire even further.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to remain versatile and open to new challenges. Whether it’s stepping into a new choreographic language, adjusting to a different artistic vision, or pushing past personal limitations, I thrive in environments that challenge me to grow.

What sets me apart is my international background and the ability to blend different influences in my movement. Coming from Switzerland, training in both European and American dance environments, and working with such diverse choreographers have given me a unique artistic perspective. I approach dance not just as technique but as a way to connect, tell stories, and express something deeper.

Ultimately, I’m passionate about bringing artistry, emotional depth, and physicality to every performance, and I’m always excited to keep evolving as a dancer and collaborator.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?

I think one of the most important qualities that has contributed to my success is adaptability. As a dancer, every project, choreographer, and environment is different, and being able to quickly adjust—whether it’s to a new movement style, creative process, or unexpected challenges—has been essential.

At the same time, I know that success in dance isn’t just about talent; it’s about persistence. The industry is full of ups and downs, and I’ve learned that staying open, resilient, and willing to grow is just as important as technical skill.

Of course, I’m always learning, and I look up to so many incredible artists who continue to inspire me. I just try to approach every opportunity with curiosity, hard work, and a genuine love for what I do

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giontreichler/

Image Credits

Olivia Ramsey
Melissa Sherwood
Brian Pollock
Jaqlin Medlock
Sam Derosa-Farag