Written by Fotini Stamatelopoulou
The idea for this piece originates from the need to explore the perception of “the space in-between” bodies here and now.
References
The origin of the research on a kinetic language was an observation concerning the “generation Y” or the “Millennials” and the “generation zero” that followed. Brought up in the all-encompassing presence of media of communication, we noticed that when they happen to come intimately close to each other, they tend to move away, stating that ’this is too much for me’. So, they tend to use different media that enhance the sense of a safety distance, a “space-in-between”. In this “space-in-between” there appears to be an ever-shifting distance that constantly reveals new spaces within it. A “how-close” ethics of human communication is created and re-negotiated all the time.
Process timeline
In April 2019 we embarked in a series of research meetings which evolved through two residencies (Trip Space/London, Duncan Dance Center/Athens) leading to the creation of a kinetic vocabulary with different chapters. The residencies and the periods of work-blocks allowed us to further explore the possibilities of creation of space using our bodies. A “breaking” (widely known as “breakdance”) technique called “threading” turned into being a vital tool during this process, especially on examining and using these spaces on and around our bodies.
Research tools
We started upon our curiosity to explore the use of space (body and environment) in “breaking” subcategories and styles. The “threading” emerged through this research and directed us to the use of the tools of choice, observation and re-creation of space through this technique. “Threading” draws its elements from the endless game of space exploration, at times in a more brutal way, and it reveals a body-state that always struggles to evolve. This state underlines the social identity of this movement which originates as an underground, abstract and rebellious form of dance in Southwest Arizona and California danced by undocumented “cats” (breakers) trying to expose the oppression of the human body in communities in which diversity in communication and expression was not easily accepted in the late ’80s. “Threading” was for them a way to explore freedom in a personal space. Other research movement tools that were added through the process were “fixed point in space”, “house footwork”-“footwork” and “emoji gestures”.
Currently, this project is in the process of preparation for presentation to the public during 2021.
https://we.tl/t-2SkGLlt4Jj (links photos)
https://vimeo.com/396195560 (Duncan Dance Center residency short reel)
