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DANCE/EDUCATION

Mon 8 to Thurs 11 March 2010

“PIECES OF ELSEWHERE”

Counterbalance Dance Residency

Counterbalance is Ireland's first integrated dance project for people with both physical and intellectual disabilities.

Counterbalance

Counterbalance will take place in An Grianan Theatre from Monday 8 until Thursday 11 March through workshops, both in An Grianan and other spaces, and a final performance 'Pieces of Elsewhere' on Thursday 11th March at 8pm on the stage of An Grianan, which will include members of the Letterkenny Echoes Group.

The project is led by Fluxus Dance's Cathy O' Kennedy, Letterkenny teacher Anita McGinley and Scotland's Indie Pendance Company. Also taking part in workshops shall be teachers and pupils from a number of Donegal schools, women's groups and the Letterkenny Echoes Group.

Counterbalance, and the extraordinary mix of people at its core, creates dance theatre works that challenge conventional attitudes about disability and the arts.

Counterbalance

Integrated practice is linked to the word integrity - ‘the quality of having no part missing or left out’ (Bengamin) Counterbalance works to affect change through performance, classes, workshops, and in its collaborations and creative partnerships with artists and organisations both nationally and internationally.

From its inception the dance work of Counterbalance has evolved through and around the indigenous dance community in Ireland. The Counterbalance process develops confidence, self-expression and communication skills. Class participants are involved in decision –making processes, working both individually and collectively as part of a creative team, engaging with the skills inherent in exploring both technical and creative approaches to dance and dance-making.

Counterbalance

Counterbalance works with an eclectic mix of dance techniques and movement approaches, including –contact improvisation, Laban based expressive and creative approaches, - release and contemporary dance techniques. These multi dimensional processes give the work of Counterbalance its unique energetic signature.

Since its inception in 1993 Counterbalance has pioneered inclusive and integrated dance practices in Ireland, the company originated with choreographer Cathy O’ Kennedy, who is the company’s current artistic and education director. Cathy is known for her inspirational teaching and facilitation skills, and she will lead this workshop series.

‘Pieces of Elsewhere’

‘Pieces of Elsewhere’ is a site specific dance performance event created and performed by the artists of Counterbalance Integrated Dance Ensemble and produced by Fluxusdance.

Eight extraordinary performers

Film projections

Sound Instillations

Duration: approximately 60 minutes

The work explores the performer’s individual and collective landscapes of imagination and desire. These are set against the life circumstances in which we experience our sense of self. The choreography and concept for ‘Pieces of Elsewhere’ has been developed by the dancers, guided by Cathy O’ Kennedy.

The dance takes its inspiration and title from the music of the same name by contemporary Irish composer Ian Wilson. His music is used throughout the piece. Other sound elements include the poetry of Pat Ingolsby. Research and survey materials on attitudes to disability are part of an elective element for audience members and are part of the shared experience with the performers who have used the materials in their creative processes. Films and projections for ‘Pieces of Elsewhere’ have been created by London based film maker and dancer Janna Reidel in collaboration with the choreographer and the performers.