I had the opportunity to go to a workshop run by the Clarks after their Smash It Up show at Chapter Arts centre Cardiff. Now on tour from 17th February. If you have the chance – go and see it – there are two blogged reviews of it on a-n one by myself and one by Lisa Evans.
Three of us turned up for the workshop – which seemed a very small group (too small?) especially as I wasn’t sure what we would be doing.
As it turned out we had a real treat and the small number made for quite a special and intimate experience. I didn’t know what to expect – it couldn’t have been better.
I was glad I had seen the show first as it all fitted together. We began with some fairly aerobic warm ups, which gave us an insight into how the Clarks work, and we experienced how quickly contact and rhythm can be built up through a series of carefully constructed and energetic exercises. We were also given a taster of what it might be like to develop a piece from fragments of life experience into something a group might do together – how exciting is that for someone who has never done anything like it before. I also understand a little now how you might choreograph / structure the elements for a performance.
I loved the way that repeated practice built into a pattern which allowed us to stay free in the moment. The practiced elements soon started to dance together in a life of their own within the boundaried pattern and set of instructions that we had worked out together at the begining. Experiencing these ideas bodily – outside of my usual context – brought a new perspective that I hope I can take into my arts practice.
And a grande finale of three solo performances wow!
The Clarks were both so generous with their time and energy.
Thank you
