The dance performance “Totem_Body“ explores an ethnological symbolism that was originally brought into the collective consciousness by the First Nations peoples of North America. There, the term ‘totem’ refers not only to the religious and mythological significance embodied by an animal – such as the thunderbird – or a plant, but also to kinship ties to an ancestral clan. The totem poles erected for this purpose embody these symbols in an artistic and sculptural manner. The depictions on these poles vary considerably between the respective indigenous tribes and represent an incredible diversity. Today, totems are associated not only with the peoples of the Americas, but also with other early ethnic groups, such as the Australian Aborigines. In this piece, we aim to explore the timeless symbolism of the totem as an antenna to other states of being and attempt to translate this through our dancing bodies. In doing so, the production also examines the question of whether and to what extent totems might have a place in our civilisation, particularly in light of our strained relationship with nature.