In August this year EPiC Arts from Cambodia visited Blue Eyed Soul in Shropshire for two days of exchange, research and fun. We spent time on the ropes, a new experience for EPiC dancers one of whom had been waiting for the opportunity since seeing BESDC perform in Hong Kong in 2006. We also shared stories and experiences as dance artists working in an inclusive context.
At the core of the group were four young men in their early 20's, two wheelchair users and 2 deaf who were the most enthusiastic, daring and responsive dancers you could wish for. Having climbed trees at home since childhood they approached the aerial work without fear and with invention and creativity. When the harnesses proved uncomfortable they swapped to the cocoon but used it in a completely new way, wrapping and twisting their legs and bodies into the fabric allowing dynamic and exciting movement.
I was so struck with the group that I made a sure to see them perform at Liberty Festival in London and was not disappointed. Their level of technical skill, performance charisma and professionalism was obvious to see and left me hoping two things; firstly that there might be young disabled dancers in the UK with such strong desire to reach a similar potential and secondly that BESDC might continue to work with EPiC in the future.
A dialogue is continuing with many creative possibilities. As BESDC pursue their R&D in China with a quest to seek out and support the inclusive dance community it fortuitously turns out that EPiC Arts are planning to open a centre in south China in the future. A collaborative approach makes infinite sense in a country that is very protective over their disabled community and will need a gentle and careful development of trust. With a shared belief and incurable optimism for the future the international dance community will continue to grow and flourish.
Epic Arts image by Kathryn O'Connor
No comments:
Post a Comment