What the Body Does Not Remember
The amazing debut of Belgian choreographer Wim Vandekeybus and Ultima Vez in 1987 stunned the world of dance at the time. Vandekeybus and composers Thierry de Mey and Peter Vermeersch received the prestigious Bessie Award in New York for this ‘brutal confrontation of dance and music: the dangerous, combative landscape of What the Body Does Not Remember’. 28 years later and with a new cast, the show still stands as one of the most exciting pieces of dance ever made.
Vandekeybus’ first choreography balances on the razor edge of attraction and repulsion. Sometimes this results in a confrontation between two dancers, then between two groups, between dancers and music, and between dancers and a compelling set of lines. But throughout there is an explosion of aggression, fear and danger.
Wim Vandekeybus: “When I watch the performance, I can feel the original passion and energy all over again. At the time I was utterly sick of all that aesthetic stuff, that ‘pretending’. I wanted raw emotion, physical power and guts. Now, decades later, we are still throwing stones in the revival of What the Body Does Not Remember. To me that proves not only that a lot is possible, but also that what is possible can also last.’
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COMPANY WORKSHOP for Brighton Dome show ticket holders
When: 18 Feb 11am – 12.30pm
Where: Marina dance studios
Level of experience: A-Level and up, through to under and post graduates and professional practitioners
Duration: 1.5 hours inclusive of warm up and Q&A session at the end of the workshop
Price: £7
How to book: Please email [javascript protected email address] to book.
Please include your “What the Body Does Not Remember” booking ref as proof of ticket.
Students and dance professionals across the UK can experience dance history in their own place of study or practice. The What the Body Does Not Remember workshop has been designed to enhance the dance curriculum in the UK and will support participants with their study and development.
The workshops will be led by, Eduardo Torroja; cast member and Assistant Director from the original production of What The Body Does Not Remember(1987)alongside a current cast member. It will introduce UltimaVez and the work, and include a full technical warm up, repertoire and creative tasks, concluding with a warm down. Students will have the opportunity to develop their choreographic and creative skills and learn about Wim Vandekeybus’ choreographic process.
The workshop will focus on developing key motifs and themes as they appear in the production. Through the warm up and repertoire sections students will have the opportunity to expand on their dance vocabulary and performance skills.
Students are encouraged to ask questions in an Artist Q&A at the end of the workshop.