Expressive Techniques for Dancers with Roanna Mitchell

Location: Research Studio, Chisenhale Dance Space

Led by Roanna Mitchell (Chekhov Collective / University of Kent), this workshop covered expressive techniques for dancers in interdisciplinary contexts, drawing mainly on the approaches of ‘dancing actor’ Michael Chekhov, as well as making links to the work of Laban and Lecoq.

Rather than asking the dancer to set aside their expertise and step into unfamiliar ‘acting’ shoes, our work together will explored how we can achieve acting moments in performance by starting from the dancer’s expertise.

In experiments involving movement qualities and atmosphere, we explored applications of the technique in simple scene work, in abstract choreography, and along the spectrum in between.

“I found some movement for a performance I am doing next week (circus and dance performance) and in the process of practicing it again I realised where I was being water, clay or air. I also tried to mix two elements in my body but locating them in different parts. I will also see how the elements explorations can be used for teaching or coaching.”

“I think the workshop has given me tools to access in auditions and the freedom to let the quality speak and not feel inhibited.”