ego portrait – a circus-dance perspective was founded 2018 by Maja Karolina Franke, contemporary dancer and partner acrobat and Ralph Öllinger, whose background is in circus, specialized in object manipulation and partner acrobatics.

They formed this performance duo to deal artistically with the connection of partner acrobatics, dance and object manipulation.
Together Maja and Ralph are doing partner acrobatics and exploring the similarities and differences between dancing and juggling. They are researching on movement with the object and on movement with the subject.

ego portrait has a wide range of different skills and interests within the performing and movement field.
They are researching a lot in a performance art context, creating their pieces for theaters and festivals. Moreover they are playing as well at street festivals and galas with their acts.
Besides their own productions they collaborate as performers with other institutions such as operas, orchestras and other performance groups.
In addition Maja and Ralph are teaching workshops for amateurs and professionals around the world.