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research or die.
summer | main event
running from the 1st to the 30th of july 2023
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 flying low (dz), solo/duo improvisation and jiu jitsu drills/concepts 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 our self. is it a place where we live a different life? does our shadow lie separate to who we are? we will start with ourselves, transforming through different states, passing through the reality and the imaginary. 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 and emotional states, immediate change and the notion that restrictions create freedom. we will work in pairs to create a space for a witness, a support, a director, an instigator, a shadow... we will move, play, laugh, sing, 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 a new duet (2023).
please be aware of our early bird special offer for this workshop! you can apply for this offer up until the 24th of march 2023. 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, 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. 2012-2020, she collaborated with angolan visual artist isaac carlos as co-founders of muxima, an independent cafe in bow, east london, awarded several times best cafe in east London. she's currently training in jiu jitsu under Fabio lim/tempo in Hong Kong.
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