PART ONE
Dissidents formed in Marylebone Dance Studio in 2017, where I had been holding regular Sunday workshops in Physical Theatre. I applied for Sadler's Wells Elixir Festival with an idea which had been brewing for a while.
I struggle with using some terms such as community dance, community project and inter-generational because I think they are often used in a patronizing way to say this show wont be as good as usual because it's a community show. As much as I cringe, I do, however, use these terms, where appropriate, to be clearly understood by funders and programmers.
It is entirely possible to create a great artistic piece of physical theatre/dance with a cast of different ages, a cast of senior movers or any other age group. What is more important than age or level of physical ability is the performer's commitment and belief in the work they are performing. That above all, is the key to making great theatre.
There is definitely a place for a seated dance with senior groups in order to have a class that is inclusive of illnesses and disabilities. However, it can be really out of place in a senior dance group where the performers are physically capable of so much more. It is actually quite offensive to the performers and a cliche lacking in any artistic imagination.
If you ever see a chair in a Dissidents show then they are likely to be throwing that chair fiercely across the stage! If we do, in the future, have a member of cast whose physical capabilities become limited such that they need to be seated then I would hope that we search for more artistic ways of incorporating her than giving the whole cast a chair.
Read on to hear from some of the Dissidents about what it means to be a member of Dissidents.
I struggle with using some terms such as community dance, community project and inter-generational because I think they are often used in a patronizing way to say this show wont be as good as usual because it's a community show. As much as I cringe, I do, however, use these terms, where appropriate, to be clearly understood by funders and programmers.
It is entirely possible to create a great artistic piece of physical theatre/dance with a cast of different ages, a cast of senior movers or any other age group. What is more important than age or level of physical ability is the performer's commitment and belief in the work they are performing. That above all, is the key to making great theatre.
There is definitely a place for a seated dance with senior groups in order to have a class that is inclusive of illnesses and disabilities. However, it can be really out of place in a senior dance group where the performers are physically capable of so much more. It is actually quite offensive to the performers and a cliche lacking in any artistic imagination.
If you ever see a chair in a Dissidents show then they are likely to be throwing that chair fiercely across the stage! If we do, in the future, have a member of cast whose physical capabilities become limited such that they need to be seated then I would hope that we search for more artistic ways of incorporating her than giving the whole cast a chair.
Read on to hear from some of the Dissidents about what it means to be a member of Dissidents.
Janine
Just over a year ago I was recovering from an operation to remove a benign brain tumour and I wanted to get back to dance as part of my rehab. I saw that Rhiannon was giving physical theatre workshops so I started doing them. This helped strengthen my legs and give me confidence.
I worked with Rhiannon in 2014 in The Legacy, revisiting our experience of being a volunteer performer in the London 2012 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies with fellow volunteers. This was quite an undertaking with 40 of us in the cast!
Just over a year ago I was recovering from an operation to remove a benign brain tumour and I wanted to get back to dance as part of my rehab. I saw that Rhiannon was giving physical theatre workshops so I started doing them. This helped strengthen my legs and give me confidence.
I worked with Rhiannon in 2014 in The Legacy, revisiting our experience of being a volunteer performer in the London 2012 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies with fellow volunteers. This was quite an undertaking with 40 of us in the cast!
After several workshops, I was thrilled when Rhiannon invited me to join Dissidents to perform to Jimi Hendrix's Voodoo Child in Elixir Festival at Sadler's Wells. This built my confidence further.
Voodoo Child reminds me of the massive protests and rallies I went to against the injustices of the day in the sixties and seventies and marching half way across London in protest. My challenge at the moment is to overcome a bit of discomfort in one knee from arthritis. I'm determined to overcome this and continue to dance, do physical theatre and perform. Not bad for a 73 year old!
Voodoo Child reminds me of the massive protests and rallies I went to against the injustices of the day in the sixties and seventies and marching half way across London in protest. My challenge at the moment is to overcome a bit of discomfort in one knee from arthritis. I'm determined to overcome this and continue to dance, do physical theatre and perform. Not bad for a 73 year old!
Sara
I decided to join Dissidents as I wanted to be part of a more ‘mature dance group'. Also because I have worked with Rhiannon Brace before and, have enjoyed working with her.
I feel what makes me a Dissident is actually being able to get to rehearsals, and to show my inner strength, that also shows to other ‘mature‘ people, that dance is not only for the youngsters. Our group is all of a finer age, and it feels like we have an understanding of each other.
I decided to join Dissidents as I wanted to be part of a more ‘mature dance group'. Also because I have worked with Rhiannon Brace before and, have enjoyed working with her.
I feel what makes me a Dissident is actually being able to get to rehearsals, and to show my inner strength, that also shows to other ‘mature‘ people, that dance is not only for the youngsters. Our group is all of a finer age, and it feels like we have an understanding of each other.
The track Voodoo Child, brings back a lot of memories of years gone by. It makes me feel powerful, and at the same time somewhat vulnerable. They don’t make sounds like that any more.
My challenge in all of this, to be honest is, I have quite a rough time with my back and, at times, takes it out of me. But... nothing a good nights sleep doesn’t cure (touch wood lol). Also dealing with those ‘pre-show nerves’
My challenge in all of this, to be honest is, I have quite a rough time with my back and, at times, takes it out of me. But... nothing a good nights sleep doesn’t cure (touch wood lol). Also dealing with those ‘pre-show nerves’
Angela
Why did you decide to join Dissidents?
I had attended Rhiannon Brace's workshops and enjoyed them. I like the way she works. I also perform with several other dance groups.
What makes you a Dissident?
Not following the crowd.
What does the Voodoo Child piece mean to you?
It's the work of a talented musician, full of energy. Familiarity.
Do you face any challenges in taking part?
Poor eye-sight, as well as the challenge of remembering the choreography!
I had attended Rhiannon Brace's workshops and enjoyed them. I like the way she works. I also perform with several other dance groups.
What makes you a Dissident?
Not following the crowd.
What does the Voodoo Child piece mean to you?
It's the work of a talented musician, full of energy. Familiarity.
Do you face any challenges in taking part?
Poor eye-sight, as well as the challenge of remembering the choreography!
Penny
Why did you decide to join Dissidents?
I saw on Facebook an advert for senior dancers for the Sadler's Wells project and I wanted to perform again.
What makes you a Dissident?
I'm really good devising with a new group of people and creating a different performance project that shows older dancers can still move and be creative...not just' seated' performance.
What does the Voodoo Child piece mean to you?
Voodoo child is an inventive dance performance that is challenging to the performers and showcases ability for older dancers...and it's fun.
Do you face any challenges in taking part?
Travelling long distances for rehearsals is difficult to schedule and expensive, but worth the effort for participation in powerful performance.
Why did you decide to join Dissidents?
I saw on Facebook an advert for senior dancers for the Sadler's Wells project and I wanted to perform again.
What makes you a Dissident?
I'm really good devising with a new group of people and creating a different performance project that shows older dancers can still move and be creative...not just' seated' performance.
What does the Voodoo Child piece mean to you?
Voodoo child is an inventive dance performance that is challenging to the performers and showcases ability for older dancers...and it's fun.
Do you face any challenges in taking part?
Travelling long distances for rehearsals is difficult to schedule and expensive, but worth the effort for participation in powerful performance.
Beverley
Why did you decide to join Dissidents?
I have worked with Rhiannon before and was eager to be involved in another project. I welcomed the opportunity to be part of a group of mature performers exploring movement which highlighted the individuality of the performer in response to a specific piece of music.
What makes you a Dissident?
Outwardly normal holding willingly nonconformist principles upheld and acted upon at a moments notice whilst being human.
What does the Voodoo Child piece mean to you?
Fire, rebirth, free spirit.
Do you face any challenges in taking part?
Distance! I live on the south east coast of England which presents a journey time of 2hrs to central London. There is a financial cost attached to this as well. Physically though I am fit and well!
Why did you decide to join Dissidents?
I have worked with Rhiannon before and was eager to be involved in another project. I welcomed the opportunity to be part of a group of mature performers exploring movement which highlighted the individuality of the performer in response to a specific piece of music.
What makes you a Dissident?
Outwardly normal holding willingly nonconformist principles upheld and acted upon at a moments notice whilst being human.
What does the Voodoo Child piece mean to you?
Fire, rebirth, free spirit.
Do you face any challenges in taking part?
Distance! I live on the south east coast of England which presents a journey time of 2hrs to central London. There is a financial cost attached to this as well. Physically though I am fit and well!
Elena
Why did you decide to join Dissidents?
I liked the way you create a piece from scratch and to be part of something creative makes me feel alive... particularly as it is inclusive to people that are not in any way professionals.
What makes you a Dissident?
I have always been a Dissident as I question everything and everyone and tend to be in everything I do quite non conformist.
What does the Voodoo Child music mean to you?
This is difficult for me to answer as I literally only heard it the first time at your workshop (I am more into other genres of music) so I would say that it has given me an insight into a genre that I would never have chosen to listen to and that it was in a way liberating.
Do you face any challenges in taking part?
Yes I face many challenges taking part, mostly letting myself go crazy on stage and therefore overcoming my stage freight and shyness.
Why did you decide to join Dissidents?
I liked the way you create a piece from scratch and to be part of something creative makes me feel alive... particularly as it is inclusive to people that are not in any way professionals.
What makes you a Dissident?
I have always been a Dissident as I question everything and everyone and tend to be in everything I do quite non conformist.
What does the Voodoo Child music mean to you?
This is difficult for me to answer as I literally only heard it the first time at your workshop (I am more into other genres of music) so I would say that it has given me an insight into a genre that I would never have chosen to listen to and that it was in a way liberating.
Do you face any challenges in taking part?
Yes I face many challenges taking part, mostly letting myself go crazy on stage and therefore overcoming my stage freight and shyness.
Gilly
Why did you decide to join Dissidents?
To be physically expressive.
What makes you a Dissident?
I'm naturally rebellious.
What does the Voodoo Child piece mean to you?
The music is ageless and always fresh. Performing in the piece makes me feel free and fearless.
Do you face any challenges in taking part?
Only to push myself to perform better each time.
Why did you decide to join Dissidents?
To be physically expressive.
What makes you a Dissident?
I'm naturally rebellious.
What does the Voodoo Child piece mean to you?
The music is ageless and always fresh. Performing in the piece makes me feel free and fearless.
Do you face any challenges in taking part?
Only to push myself to perform better each time.
With many thanks to Clickska Photographer for her fabulous pictures!
RSS Feed
