The most attractive dictionary definition of “symposium” is “a convivial discussion”, and that is what we intend. The theme of the afternoon will be “Somatics and Composition”. The concept of somatics refers to movement disciplines which emphasise internal physical perception as a potential root of development in movement skill and/or understanding. Practices such as Feldenkrais Method, Body Mind Centering, Yoga, Alexander Technique and Contact Improvisation might all be considered to be based on or contain strongly somatic elements. Practices such as these have become very common in dance training and many interesting questions have arisen around the relationship of the private and person experience of dancing, the process of composing dances and the experience of watching a dance.

The afternoon discussion will be led by Mirva Mäkinen whose company will perform “Spherical Space” during the festival and Steve Batts, Artistic Director of Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company. Mirva is currently finishing a PhD at the Theatre Academy in Helsinki. Central to her research is the question of what kind of somaesthetic experiences there are in Contact Improvisation and how does being seen by audience change the somatic experience. Steve is interested in how somatic practice can be, compositionally speaking, both a liberation and a trap, depending on how it is approached.

Mirva and Steve will each give a short presentation which will open up to a shared discussion which we hope may wander far and wild.

All welcome. Admission free.