There is a real celebration of dance happening in Echo Echo over the next three weeks. Over six performance nights, there will be 25 people on stage and many more behind the scenes, including an expanding ensemble of local artists, and guests from Ireland, USA, Chile, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland.
This week the seriously talented Echo Echo ensemble is presenting an evening of short dance and movement pieces called ‘Interactions’. The night is totally free to the public and we encourage you to come and support local artists and see what happens when dancers are given the instruction: create!
Dance is developing as an artform in the northwest and ‘Interactions’ will feature work by local and guest artists – solos, duets and group pieces. Some with music, some with text and all influenced by Echo Echo’s unique movement style, from experienced professionals to emerging artists.
This is a real opportunity to see unique evening of performance so come along and check it out. We guarantee you will be impressed.
‘Interactions’ is at 8pm on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th April in the Waterside Theatre.
Next week Echo Echo is delighted to host two internationally acclaimed duets on one special double bill of dance and physical theatre. US dance company Casebolt & Smith are touring these islands from Los Angeles. With a long list of enviable press reviews, this is a unique chance to watch a quirky and technically gifted dance duo.
Offaly-based company Legitimate Bodies will present their critically acclaimed show ‘Hanging in There’, based on text from the Good Friday Agreement. This is a must-see for anyone with an interest/disdain in politics, particularly on Election Eve! Anyone I know who has seen this was really impressed, it’s a very funny take on challenging subject matter.
Both companies are currently hot property and have played the international festival circuit to rave reviews. The special double bill takes place in Echo Echo Dance Studio on Wednesday 5 May at 8pm for the ridiculously low price of £5.
Over the next fortnight, Echo Echo and The Henry Girls will be in the studio rehearsing for a short tour of ‘Ripple Affect’, Steve Batts’ 2009 production that was very warmly received by audiences and critics alike. It is a fantastic blend of passionate dance performance with live musical improvisation, featuring eight gifted artists from throughout the northwest and from Chile, Spain and the US.
‘Ripple Affect’ is showing in Derry, Omagh and Strabane on the 12, 13 and 14 May. See the company website for details.
Echo Echo has been looking at ways to present more dance performance events in Derry and this short season of local and international work is just the beginning. It promises to be an interesting few weeks and we look forward to your support to come watch the shows, give us your feedback, and tell your friends.
Hopefully see you soon.
Ailbe
Monday 26 April 2010
Wednesday 7 April 2010
Body Wisdom: Dance classes for the over 50s
As part of The Learning Age Project, the Workers Educational Association and Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company have teamed up once again to offer a unique and innovative project for those aged 50+ in the community.
The course is called ‘Body Wisdom’ based on the notion that wisdom and experience is written in the skin, muscles and bones. It will address health and well being of the body with the wonderful benefits of gentle dance and movement.
The course has been running since 2009 but spaces are available for any newcomers interested.
Facilitator and Artistic Director of Echo Echo, Steve Batts said: “This is a lovely opportunity for anyone who would like to engage in dance and movement in a context, which values the physicality of older people. It will combine a concern with the physical benefits of movement with the pleasure of activating the imagination.”
He adds: “In most art forms there is a respect for age. For example the writer finds a voice in their fifties, the blues singer has only begun at 60 or the painter’s art comes to its creative peak in the 70's. Unfortunately in dance the emphasis is strongly placed on youth and athleticism. This course will start from respecting the experience, knowledge and wisdom of older people.”
The four-week course begins on Friday 9th April from 10am to 12pm in the Echo Echo Dance Studio, Waterside Theatre, Derry-Londonderry. It is FREE. If interest is there at the end of the four weeks then the course will continue throughout the year.
If you are interested, contact the Echo Echo office on 028 7134 2266 or email info@echoechodance.com
The course is called ‘Body Wisdom’ based on the notion that wisdom and experience is written in the skin, muscles and bones. It will address health and well being of the body with the wonderful benefits of gentle dance and movement.
The course has been running since 2009 but spaces are available for any newcomers interested.
Facilitator and Artistic Director of Echo Echo, Steve Batts said: “This is a lovely opportunity for anyone who would like to engage in dance and movement in a context, which values the physicality of older people. It will combine a concern with the physical benefits of movement with the pleasure of activating the imagination.”
He adds: “In most art forms there is a respect for age. For example the writer finds a voice in their fifties, the blues singer has only begun at 60 or the painter’s art comes to its creative peak in the 70's. Unfortunately in dance the emphasis is strongly placed on youth and athleticism. This course will start from respecting the experience, knowledge and wisdom of older people.”
The four-week course begins on Friday 9th April from 10am to 12pm in the Echo Echo Dance Studio, Waterside Theatre, Derry-Londonderry. It is FREE. If interest is there at the end of the four weeks then the course will continue throughout the year.
If you are interested, contact the Echo Echo office on 028 7134 2266 or email info@echoechodance.com
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