research or die.
summer | main event
running from the 1st to the 28th of july 2024
b12 summer main event
— // —location: eden***** studios
Leila McMillan
shadow dancing
in this workshop, we will work with duality and how two opposing truths can occupy the same space at the same time. in the research, we will work with shadow as a metaphor (carl jung) and use tools from solo/duo improvisation, jiu jitsu drills/concepts, and flying low (dz), for our physical approach to the theme. our shadow never leaves us, it can be shaped through light within us and our understanding of who we are. it changes, transforms, and morphs through time. the shadow can be a place where we hide characteristics of ourselves. it can be a place where we try on a desire of a different self. does our shadow lie separate to who we are, or can we fully integrate it? we will start with ourselves, transforming through different states, passing through the reality and the desired. duality is present in how two elements can coexist, whether this be abstract or tangible, opposite or complementary, working to form a dynamic system. you will be led through different improvisation tasks, working with physical states, immediate change, invading and escaping one's space, and restrictions to create freedom. we will work in pairs, creating a space for a witness, a support, a director, an instigator, a shadow... we will move, play, laugh, discuss, and create something together. this research has been developing through the choreographic processes linked to 3 fingers at arm’s length (2017), curl of hair (2021), and chasing ghosts (2023/24).
please be aware of our early bird special offer for this workshop! you can apply for this offer up until the 24th of march 2024. after the 24th the regular workshop fee applies. applications are accepted up until one day before the workshops starts.
biography
leila mcmillan (uk/usa) is an international choreographer, teacher and performer. she creates work that is high-energy, yet nuanced and abstract in its choreography, drawing on personal experiences focusing on themes of identity, gender, and the cultural interface. she was artist in residence at hong kong academy for performing arts (hkapa) in 2017, creating new work, 3 fingers at arms length, and nominated for outstanding choreography at hong kong dance alliance awards in 2018. her full-length work family portrait, 2015, was presented throughout the uk. new digital work curl of hair, 2021, is an intimate duet stemming from personal trauma. she was a wild card artist of sadler’s wells in 2015. as a performer, she worked with artists including david zambrano, crystal pite, thomas lehmen, jasmina krizaj, and nina fajdiga. since receiving a place on zambrano’s 50 days flying low and passing through, 2010, she is one of the certified artists teaching this technique and has led the development of this approach in the uk. she is now senior lecturer of contemporary dance at hkapa, lecturer at london contemporary dance school 2014-2020, and has taught throughout europe, middle east, asia, New Zealand, united states, and south america. in 2012-2020, she was co-founder & director of muxima, an independent cafe in bow, east london, which was awarded best cafe in east London several times. she's currently a blue belt in jiu jitsu, training under Fabio lim/tempo in Hong Kong.
b12 |||||||||||||| 2024 |||||||||||||| we are you ||||||||||||||