Power Sources & Play Full Body
Workshop
with
Laura Arís Álvarez
In the frame of OsterTanz 2023
We will begin with Power Sources, which will provide an overview of fundamental aspects of contemporary dance techniques such as weight transfer, use of space, breathing, speed, qualities and textures. We will also look at the intentions behind movement, exploring together the physical mechanisms that allow us to take risks while protecting the body. Through the structure of the skeleton and muscle chains, we will find permeability and freedom in our movement. Using metaphors and imagery, we create kinesthetic experiences that also help us recycle and conserve energy - always seeking mental, physical and emotional balance.
The second part of the workshop is designed to be a Play-Full Physical Journey, focusing on mental challenges and the explicit goal of creativity. We will try to change the prism by searching for different ways of looking at movement and its qualities. Trying to create something that is not too new or too familiar, but something in between.
Guided improvisations and specific technical exercises are the starting point of our work, in pairs, trios and small groups. We play with our vocabulary in defined but changing contexts to experiment and observe specific physical mechanisms and mental processes that occur during movement. We open the doors of perception and search for those creative impulses that, once released, allow for new achievements – both technically and performatively.
Accessibility Note
The workshop will be held in English spoken language. The exercises include movement vocabulary where coordination and memory skills are required. It is very physical and requires a good basic health condition and a background in contemporary dance technique. Information about our location & studio access in Kreuzberg, which unfortunately are not wheelchair accessible, can be found here. For questions or more information, please contact Zoé Duflot & Elisabeth Leopold at workshop@tanzfabrik-berlin.de.
Laura Arís Álvarez
Laura is a performer, choreographer and renowned contemporary dance teacher. She has been leading workshops worldwide since 2001 and has developed an extensive body of work ranging from commissions to solo performances and numerous collaborations with other artists. As a performer, she began dancing with Juan Carlos García's company Lanònima Imperial (1997-1999), receiving the Lladró Award for outstanding dancer at the 1999 Valencia Festival, and was a member of the artists' collective General Elèctrica in Barcelona. Laura was a former dancer of Ultima Vez under the artistic direction of Wim Vandekeybus from 1999 to 2008. In recent years, she has been assistant to Wim Vandekeybus in several Ultima Vez revivals, a movement coach in various creations directed by Ivo Van Hove (Salome at Dutch National Opera & Ballet 2017, Elektra/Orestes at Comedie Francaise 2019, and Age of Rage at International Theatre Amsterdam 2021).