Last week saw the company host its summer intensive at our home the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, where we are company in residence. This three day workshop aimed at students, graduates, professional and aspiring dancers, followed on from two single day intensives that had proved successful earlier in the year. The company wanted to once again give dance enthusiasts the chance to work with Bawren and his dancers, and we were keen to extend the project over three days, so that participants could really immerse themselves in the Tavaziva style.
Kicking off bright and early Monday morning, Artistic Director Bawren put the participants through their paces from the word go with a typical Tavaziva style technique class! Following this the dancers learnt company repertoire and were led through a series of creative and choreographic tasks. I had the opportunity to observe some of the creative work on Monday afternoon, and in a corner of the studio, I sat and watched Bawren as he instructed the dancers as they contorted their bodies into a sequence of shapes – creating a series of movement snap shots, sharp, precise and strong.
(Participant hits a shape)
Each day saw a progression from the last, with the dancers gaining more understanding of the way Bawren works and the kind of movement that is produced in the studio. Day three ended with a sharing of the work created, with an invited audience from the Arts Centre and Enterprise Building at Bernie Grant. It was great to be able to share what the company does with other centre users, and displays the opportunities that are open to us and the centre through our company in residence status.
(Bawren leads the participants through an exercise in class)
The feedback from the three days from Bawren, the participants and audience was all very positive. Tavaziva Dance’s Education Programme continues to grow and develop and we hope to continue to offer opportunities like this to aspiring dancers out there as often as we can. So watch this space!
“The workshop was amazing; the final day was when I was really discovering Tavaziva’s vocab”
“I really enjoyed working with you this week...love your material........think it’s brilliant!”
“We really valued being able to share the work we had produced with an audience”
(Workshop participant’s feedback)
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