I invited a collective of 6 improvising dance artists based in Scotland to work collaboratively over 6 days, to share and discover each others practices’ and delve into conversations and creative activity that developed our improvisational performance work together.
This project was supported by #LoveDanceScotland Recovery Bursary – a nationwide programme of in-kind and financial support for Scotland-based professional dance artists, providing the time and space for them to re-engage with creative practice following the pandemic.
Collaborating artists included Dylan Read, Sky Su, Molly Danter, Skye Reynolds and Alma Lindenhovius. A studio sharing took place at Tramway in December 2021.
The project was devoted to the practice of improvisational methods that develop questions surrounding group dynamics and instant performance, stemming from my 60 Days training with David Zambrano at Tictac Art Centre in late 2019.
My interest in improvisation lies in achieving a deep state of listening and the search for an authentic manifestation of the self in the present moment. Through this heightened sensitivity comes the ability to compose instantly in time and space, through the constant negotiation within myself and with others.
I am continually researching the idea that there are infinite stories archived in the individual body; stories of our own and stories of other people.
Within the project, time was devoted to discovering how the viewers active involvement can enrich the experience in our research and practice, building a deeper connection with audiences for improvisational performance.
Supported by Dance Base, Scottish Dance Theatre, Citymoves and Tramway.
Images by APH
Tess LETHAM 