MELBOURNE WORKSHOP ON IMPROVISATION 16-17 NOVEMBER
with
Frank van de Ven (BW Amsterdam)
On Improvisation
Body Weather is a comprehensive approach to training and performance that investigates the intersections of bodies and their environments. Bodies are conceived not as fixed and separate entities but as constantly changing – just like the weather. Weather is seen as a complex system of forces and influences coursing through and beyond bodies and the world.
The term and philosophical basis for Body Weather was founded in the early 1980’s by dancer Min Tanaka and further developed by Laboratories worldwide. Frank van de Ven was a member of Tanaka’s Maijuku Performance Company in Japan, from 1983-1991. With Katerina Bakatsaki he leads Body Weather Amsterdam, a platform for training and performance. Currently they are regular guest teachers at the SNDO – School for New Dance Development in Amsterdam. Body Weather was introduced in Australia by Tess de Quincey in 1989, see http://www.bodyweather.net
After a comprehensive training and work with a partner on breathing, stretching, alignment and the notion of ‘relaxation’ in the morning we will delve into the particulars of improvisation in dance and movement. We’ll explore both physical and mental states of being and creating movement, improvise on non-existing scores, have a laugh and say goodbye to our prevalent habits and patterns and rustle up some new ones.
Musicians Frederic Rzewski and Steve Lacy: In 1968 I ran into Steve lacy on the street in Rome. I took out my pocket tape recorder and asked him to describe in fifteen seconds the difference between composition and improvisation. He answered: “in fifteen seconds the difference between composition and improvisation is that in composition you have all the time you want to decide what to say in fifteen seconds, while in improvisation you have fifteen seconds”. (from Derek Bailey’s book “Improvisation”)
As a training, Body Weather is of relevance to anyone interested in exploring the body and physical presence and this workshop is suited to dance, theatre and movement practitioners and artists of various backgrounds.
Studio : Church hall at Athol Gill Centre: 100 Hodgkinson Street, Clifton Hill, Melbourne
Dates : Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November 2013
Times : 1-6 pm
Workshop fee: $200 – concessions$180
Info and reservations: peterlfraser@gmail.com tel: 0439 012 900
