Contemporary
Profitraining
with
Sebastian Abarbanell
In my practice I am interested in the intersection between structure and freedom. By breaking down the body into its layers of skin, flesh and bone we can build a foundational awareness of our bodies which allows for a growing sense of possibilities within our physicality. Feeding structured movement exercises into guided and improvisational explorations aims to build strength from the core into the edges, challenging and expanding our perceived limits. This physical and somatic focus is paired with the activation and stimulation of all senses through imagery and listening to various forces and sources of information in the space (from the movement of other dancers to the accompanying music and beyond). The class builds up to a place where we can operate our bodies and minds between activation and surrender, control and letting go to both, empower and expand our realm of possibilities. This can be applied to structured improvisational practices or set movement phrases.
My practice draws inspiration from Sidra Bell’s methodology, Gaga, Dose of Pleasure by Alvin Collantes, Dance Church® and my personal creative and artistic practice.
Sebastian Abarbanell
Sebastian Abarbanell (he/him/his) is a dance artist, performer and award-winning choreographer based in Berlin. After graduating from Trinity Laban in London in 2015, he spent 4 years in New York City where he collaborated and performed with a variety of artists and companies including Sidra Bell Dance New York, Gallim Dance and BIRDHOUSE. Sebastian has presented his work at international festivals across Europe, USA, Canada and Mexico and received awards such as 1st Prize and Audience Prize at contact.energy Tanztheater Festival Erfurt, the Residency Award at Solo-Tanz-Theater Festival Stuttgart and the Emerging Choreographer Award at SoloDuo Festival in Cologne. In 2021 Sebastian celebrated two World Premieres. His commissioned work at Theater Pforzheim premiered online from July 24-August 15 and his solo production ‘HOME’ at Uferstudios from August 12-14. Currently Sebastian works as a freelance dancer and choreographer and he is a member of Kianí Del Valle’s KDV Dance Ensemble.