RESEARCH OVERVIEW
– for detailed info on each of the research-labs please click on the title
BodyWeather as a practice encourages rigorous observation of the body and of space, experience, time and relationship. We apply parameters to our exploration and this in itself lends itself naturally to a process of research. BodyWeather is a constant questioning.
There are a number of major research areas undertaken by De Quincey Co:
Impro Exchange Labs 2006 – 2021
Our BodyWeather practice holds exchange as a primary position. With this series of laboratories that started in 2006 we use BodyWeather strategies to underpin an investigation that invites dancers of all ages from different disciplnes and cultural backgrounds to engage in a process of exchange and exploration that forwards a sensitivity to a collective group body as well as an independent individual body – to take responsibility for the unfolding of each moment for both performers and audience alike.
Image Labs 2012 – 2022
In 2012, Frank van de Ven & Tess de Quincey started a process of investigation around the nature of the danced image.
BodyWeather & Robotics 2015 – 2019
DQC was invited to work with Petra Gemeinboeck and Rob Saunders on MACHINE MOVEMENT LABS to develop movement characteristics for strange, abstract machinic forms.
BodyWeather for EveryBody 2010 – 2018
In 2010 we started to work with MURMURATION, a company based in Sydney dedicated to integrated accessible dance practice. This led us to start to explore specifically how BodyWeather as a practice might be extended to offer an exchange for people with a wide range of different abilities. In 2017 we worked with WEAVE MOVEMENT THEATRE in Melbourne and in 2018 we collaborated with OUTLANDISH ARTS to develop a workshop series specifically for artists living with a disability.
The Natyasastra & Bodyweather 2003-2012
A long-term relationship to Kolkata and Tess de Quincey’s introduction to The Natyasastra in 2003 kickstarted an investigation around the links between the concepts as presented in The Natyasastra and some of the underlying principles in BodyWeather practice. These investigations have included a 3-month AsiaLink Residency by De Quincey Co in Kolkata in 2005 which led to exchanges between Indian and Australian artists and a subsequent series of performances and installations both in India and Australia.
Triple Alice 1999-2001
Our explorations of place, specifically in relationship to the Central Desert, took the form of three annual interdisciplinary laboratories under the title of TRIPLE ALICE 1999-2001 which threw up so much material and further explorations that a range of other further works were generated that included De Quincey Co’s SKYHAMMER in 2000 in Sydney; DICTIONARY OF ATMOSPHERES, a major site-specific performance in the Mparntwe/Todd Riverbed for the Alice Springs Festival 2005.
