Reflections on VDT’s work
In 2015 VDT celebrated 21 years of making provocative, collaborative performance work by restaging LOOK AT ME NOW, MUMMY (2008) and UNDERWORLD (2012), screening GLASSHOUSE (1998) and creating a new Archive & Engagement Space.
Funny, fearless and flintily determined, Vincent inspires unshakable loyalty in her dancers and is one of the most important feminist artists working in Britain today. Contemporary dance fans should beat a path to her door.
Luke Jennings (Observer critic, Author Killing Eve on Motherland, 2012)
21 Years / 21 Works (2015)
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National Dance Critic Reflections on Vincent’s Work (2015)
Luke Jennings
Judith Mackrell
Vincent explains the 21 Year / 21 Works Collection
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Vincent Insights 2015, discussing her creative approach 1994-2015
Response to 21 YEARS / 21 WORKS in Shoreditch Town Hall, London
Archive and Engagement Space
An instruction based, staged participatory environment that encouraged audience / participants to explore props, materials and sketchbooks from past productions as well as delve into newly created online resources created to mark VDT’s 21 anniversary in 2015.
Selected photos
Participants sit around a large table cluttered with art supplies in a warmly lit room, focusing on their work. Stained glass windows in the background.
In a warm, well-lit room, people engage in crafts at a long wooden table covered with art supplies. A relaxed, collaborative atmosphere prevails.
A person wearing headphones looks at a smartphone in a cosy setting. The table is cluttered with papers, a vintage book, and logs, creating a studious atmosphere.
A table with varied crafting materials including fabric scraps, colourful mosaic pieces, headphones, and a tablet. The scene suggests creativity and hands-on art.
Creative workspace filled with sketches, shoes, fabrics, and art supplies on a wooden table. A small plant adds a touch of greenery. People in the background.
Hands creating art at a cluttered table, filled with paper, a red balloon, and art supplies, conveying a busy, creative, and collaborative atmosphere.
A busy, sunlit room with people gathered around a wooden table covered in pastries and papers. One woman stands, gesturing, creating a lively, engaging atmosphere.
Two people prepare documents on a wooden table, with one holding a phone and the other paper. The scene is casual and focused, suggesting collaboration.
The image shows a cluttered desk with a spray bottle, scissors, and vintage black-and-white photo. The scene conveys a nostalgic, artistic atmosphere.
A wooden table covered with multi-coloured confetti, centred around a plate also filled with confetti. Nearby, soft fabrics and papers suggest a festive, creative atmosphere.
Four young adults stand focused around a cluttered table covered with various art supplies. A maroon curtain hangs in the background, setting a thoughtful and creative tone.
Two focused individuals sit at a table, engaged in an art project. They lean over papers, surrounded by craft materials, with a cosy, creative atmosphere.
A woman wearing headphones is focused on a tablet at a cluttered table with a spray bottle and art supplies, creating a studious, creative ambiance.
Audience seated in wooden chairs inside a dimly lit room, attentively watching a performance. Red curtains and string lights create a warm atmosphere.
A cosy crafts workshop with women engaged in art projects around a large table. Supplies like paper, scissors, and glue create a focused, creative atmosphere.
Man in a plaid shirt and hat sits at a cluttered table covered with papers and cotton, engaged in conversation with a woman in a red scarf. Creative atmosphere.
A cluttered wooden table with ropes, papers, and a shoe in a dim room. Four people converse in the background, creating a casual, creative ambiance.
A clothespin holds a beige cloth on a line. The background is blurred with warm, soft lights, creating a cosy, nostalgic atmosphere.
A person in a dark coat sits in dim lighting, absorbed in reading a book. Wooden chairs and coiled rope are in the foreground, creating a cosy, contemplative atmosphere.
A long wooden table is cluttered with papers, headphones, and craft materials. Two people sit at the far end engaged in a project. The lighting is warm, creating a cosy atmosphere.
A person with shoulder-length hair, wearing a shirt with a white star, takes a smartphone photo of a craft table with papers, beads, and feathers.
A woman focuses intently on a task at a cluttered wooden table, surrounded by craft materials and dance theatre flyers, creating a calm, creative atmosphere.
Two women engaged in conversation at a small table, pointing at a smartphone. The setting is cosy, with craft supplies scattered around, creating a creative and collaborative atmosphere.
A crowded workshop with people gathered around a long table, engaging in crafts. The room is well-lit and decorated with bunting, creating a lively atmosphere.
A diverse group of people sit attentively in a dimly lit room with tables and chairs. The mood is focused and engaged, suggesting a workshop or seminar.
Audience watching a film in a dim room. The screen shows a close-up of hands holding an object. Some viewers wear "Performing Arts" shirts.
Three elderly individuals sit at a table focused on paperwork. The woman in the centre writes intently, while the man on the right holds a smartphone. A relaxed atmosphere is conveyed.
Two women sitting at a table, engaged in discussion while reviewing papers. One wears a headscarf, the other a plaid scarf, creating a collaborative atmosphere.
A person in a blue striped hoodie, wearing headphones, watches a tablet showing three people standing. The setting suggests a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
Two people at a table, one smiling, the other holding a smartphone. Papers and a camera are visible. The mood is relaxed and focused.
Audience / Participant Reflections on 21 Years/ 21 Works in 2015
Audience one word responses to 21 YEARS / 21 WORKS
“Discovery, Contemplative, Experimental, Challenging, Speechless, Provoking, Enlightening, Fluid, Great, Child, Fun.”
A collage of monochrome and colour images, featuring artistic nudes and abstract textures. A tag labelled "Intercourse 1994" suggests a creative or intimate theme.
Audience one word responses to 21 YEARS / 21 WORKS
“Enlightening, Engaging, Amazing, Insightful, Unexpected, Discovery, Unusual, Different.”
Messy art setup featuring cotton, red paint, and paper strips on a table. There's a red balloon, creating a chaotic and dramatic scene.
Audience one word responses to 21 YEARS / 21 WORKS
“Exciting, Explorative, Different, Interesting, Creative.”
A cluttered desk with art supplies, papers, headphones, and photos. A person in the background focuses on work, adding a creative, busy atmosphere.
Audience one word responses to 21 YEARS / 21 WORKS
“Provoking, Inspiring, Curious, Empowered, Refreshing, Artistic, Intriguing, Experimental.”
A person with blood-covered hands holds a paper saying "NO BABIES THIS MONTH". Nearby are books and papers on a hardwood floor, conveying a serious or shocking tone.
Audience one word responses to 21 YEARS / 21 WORKS
“Eye-opening, Knowledgeable, Interactive, Thoughtful, Exploratory, Insightful, Revealing.”
A woman in a red outfit sits at a cluttered craft table, intently painting. Various art supplies, a wig, and a pair of heels are scattered around, creating a busy, creative atmosphere.
Given the cultural and financial vicissitudes of the past two decades, it’s pretty remarkable that Charlotte Vincent has kept her own independent dance company running for 21 years….It’s superb performances such as these, as well as Vincent’s own choreography, that have ensured the company’s survival.
The Guardian, 2015
VDT Practices
An online resource of videos offering real insight into the key aspects of Vincent’s creative methodology, her approach to making socially engaged production work and her work with young performers.
Publications
See the Publications that include chapters written about Vincent’s practice and production from 1994 onwards.