Wednesday 30 July 2014

Residency at Northern School of Contemporary Dance

© Nicole Guarino
In two weeks I will be travelling to Leeds for a one week residency at Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

I will be working with dancers Solène Weinachter and John Kendall as part of the research for my new full-length work Plan B for Utopia, which will premiere during Summer 2015 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Further R&D residencies will be happening during September and October with the support of The Place, Scottish Dance Theatre and Creative Scotland.

The duet will explore the notion of 'utopia' in its practical and physical dimension, related to our everyday lives, both as individuals and as a collective: 'What do I wish for?', 'Does utopia only live in your imagination?', 'Can we, you and me, repair what failed and build the new?'.

As part of the residency, I will be offering free professional dance classes for NSCD students and external professional dancers. Classes will start at 9.00am from Monday 11th to Friday 15th of August. If you are interested in attending, please book in advance at jcleville@yahoo.com since the spaces are limited.

There will be a public sharing of the research on Friday 15th at 3.00pm

Tuesday 22 July 2014

Commonwealth Youth Dance Festival



Last week I was invited to teach a series of choreographic workshops in Glasgow during the first ever Commonwealth Youth Dance Festival, part of the Culture 2014 programme of the XX Commonwealth Games. Organised by YDance, the festival brought together over 400 young dancers from all over the world, who had a chance to take part in a wide range of workshops, to present and watch each other's work and, most importantly, to meet each other and forge new friendships and artistic connections.


During three consecutive nights, Glasgow's Tramway theatre filled to capacity to watch three different programmes showcasing the richness and strength of the dance heritage across the Commonwealth. Companies presenting their work included: National Youth Dance Company of Scotland, Cando2, Wagana Aboriginal Youth Dancers, High Kicks All Girls Dance Ensemble (from India), Blast (the new inclusive youth dance company in Scotland), National Youth Dance Company of England, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, Dalriada Youth Dance Company, National Youth Dance Wales, OYO Dance Troupe (from Namibia), Quicksilver (Rambert's Youth Dance Company) and QL2 (from Australia).

© YDance, Paul Watt

Thursday 3 July 2014

To the Point with bgroup

bgroup's About Around, © Chris Nash

This week I am shadowing choreographer Ben Wright during his research and development residency at The Point theatre in Eastleigh. Ben is researching for his new production Spectrum, which will premiere in 2015. Drawing from a variety of sources, like art theory, literature, optics and free association, we are exploring the physical and emotional resonance of colour, discovering our own personal relation with the spectrum.

Besides directing his own company, bgroup, Ben creates for opera and theatre productions in stages around the world. He was recently appointed Associate Artistic Director of Skånes Dansteater in Sweden, one of the most prestigious repertory dance companies in Northern Europe.

Huge thank you to Ben and the dancers for their generosity and openness, and for allowing me to join them in the studio this week!

More info about bgroup HERE.