STAND UP
The persistent fast-tracking of male choreographers in the UK bypasses and belies the unique talents of mature female practitioners working in the dance theatre field in this country today. VDT’s Stand Up research provides a forum to explore the middle period of a dancer’s life, when (particularly for female practitioners) performers make new choices about how their bodies function and what they want to achieve.
Supported by The Place, London and Espaco do Tempo, Portugal, Artistic Director Charlotte Vincent has gathered together an exceptional group of performers and musicians to play openly with new ideas, scores, structures and methods for a 6 week period, without the pressure of having to direct and shape a production for immediate touring. Combining experienced dancers in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s with children and dancers in their 20’s, Stand Up explores how some performers may no longer wish to kick their legs so high or fall so hard, but how at this mid-stage in their careers, they have so much more to say. The work explores the blending of text and writing with dance, and further explores the complex integration of live music, for which VDT is gaining an international reputation.
This research, funded by Arts Council England is a creative exchange for all involved. The practitioners involved in this period of research are:
Charlotte
Vincent, Director (UK)
Alex Catona,
Composer (Romania/ Canada)
Wendy Houstoun, Writer / Video Work (UK):
Ruth Ben-Tovim,
Dramaturg (UK)
Patrycja
Kujawska, Musician/Dancer (Poland)
Janusz Orlik,
Dancer (Poland)
Eleanor
McDonald, Dancer (UK)
Darren
Anderson, Dancer (Australia)
Naomi Yeger, Performer (UK)
Leah Yeger, Performer/Musician (UK)
Liz Aggis, Provocateur (UK)
Rachel
Krische, Dancer (UK)
Valentina
Formenti, Dancer (Italy)
Lindsey
Butcher, Dancer/Aerialist (UK)
Scott Smith, Musician/Dancer (UK/USA)
Jem Treays – Dancer/Actor (Wales, UK)
Ellen Van Schuylenburch, Dancer (Belgium)
This research will be recorded on video and blogged by the participants,
mapping the creative process and some of the questions that are raised.
See Blog below for details.
