CANCELLED
unfortunately we have had to cancel this event.
5 days of dancing in the studio and on the land of West Yorkshire. Hot tub, sauna and song…
Facilitated by Zoë Solomons and Hugh Stanier.
“Totally mind blowing and magical”
Rhombolds moor. photo Zoë Solomons
On the threshold of the darkening year we gather to share dance, song and contact.
We seek in the wild places, listening for stories that will weave us through winter.
The warmth we cultivate in company germinates the seeds of creativity we will plant into the coming year.
Prices
Early Bird (Until 31/07) £380 (Accommodation in Dorm or own tent Van)
Normal Price (£440) (Accommodation in Dorm or own tent Van)
Private room in Farmhouse £200 (£40 pppn)
TO BOOK contact Zoë
What we will do:
Contact Improvisation
photo Alexander Dodgson
Contact improvisation is a practice that offers us a grounded, tangible way to move our bodies in relationship: in relationship to ourselves, the ground and other bodies.
These practical skills for weight distribution, sharing and weight bearing (lifting) serve us to strengthen our physical body, but also to generate resilience of attention, presence and play, which serve us in our outdoor dance- both on the moor and in life outside.
Axis Syllabus
Specific tools for specific tasks: the axis syllabus is a body of information regarding human movement function. We will draw on this resource to explore the function of our bodies in locomotion. In order to step into ourselves more fully as we walk the moors.
The heritage of our bi-pedal ancestry meeting the rock, mud and grit.
Body work
Both Zoe and Hugh are quailifed body therapists who know the deep gentle supportive power of touch.
photo Alexander Dodgson
Working with touch supports us to process and integrate the movement, nature and collaborative work. As well as to continue to settle more deeply into our bodies- the place from which rest and creativity can spring.
Body work forms part of the restorative aspect of this intensive.
Each winter is a chance to remember how to let go, and be reborn again. Restorative practice, or resting, will be a chance to grow in that practice with the support of others. In the sauna, by the fire, on the dance floor and with the land.
Land practice
This year you will have the opportunity for a day long solo nature exploration. We will offer the time and space to - if you wish - to discover the land at your own pace, in your own way. At the end of the day we will come together to harvest & share our personal experiences in the group. The land surrounding Fell Edge is rugged, powerful & beautiful and is home to Englands’ largest collection of prehistoric rock carvings.
The weather can change very quickly- sometimes you can see for miles, and the next moment you’ll be immersed in clouds, the wind can be very strong and the light is epic as it moves over the hills. The land practice is the chance to confront this landscape alone, at your own pace.
Suitable for all levels of experience from beginner to advanced.
Hugh Stanier
Hugh is a Contemporary Dance Artist specialising in Contact Improvisation. He has been teaching & performing internationally since 2008. He began dancing when he was 15 as a break dancer and moved into Contemporary dance, graduating from Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD). He has worked with companies such as 2Faced Dance, Tom Dale, STAN Won’t Dance, and most recently Wim Vandekeybus/Ultima Vez.
Presently, what interests Hugh most about teaching and facilitating is holding spaces for people to find a deeper connection to themselves through playful exploration. Whether through improvisation, contact Improvisation or choreographed movement, Hugh’s focus and intention lies in finding joy and power in a movement practice connected to presence, awareness and breath.
Helen Sy Robert @onthemoor_wildphotography
Zoë Solomons
Zoë is a dancer/mother/teacher/Osteopath and activist. Zoë has been practicing and performing improvisation since 2000 and considers it a life practice as well as a professional skill. She has performed for Felix Ruckert, Tino Seghal and Simonetta Alessandri among others.
Zoë qualified to teach Axis Syllabus universal motion principles in 2008, when teaching she combines this knowledge with anatomical understanding from her work as an osteopath with dancers and athletes. She has taught at major dance centres and schools and festivals in the U.K. and internationally. Her eclectic training in medicine, bodywork and nature based practices and a dance background including improvisation, tango, folkdance and contemporary inform her embodied approach to functional movement pedagogy.
Food, Accommodation & amenities:
Fully catered with 3 vegetarian meals per day.
Beautiful warm dance studio with views across the valley
Base price Accommodation is in a shared dorm, alternatively you can bring your own tent or van.
Private rooms available in the Farmhouse for at extra 40£ per night. (Subject to availability)
More luxurious B’n’B options also available (to be booked separately)
There is a Hot Tub and Sauna that we can enjoy on alternating evenings over the week.