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28 Oct 2009 09:07:58
It is the culmination of six months’ hard work for Lisa Spackman in the next few days.
Lisa, a senior lecturer in dance and course leader for performing arts at the University, has been involved in a London-based research project called Common Dance at the historic Borough Hall of the Greenwich Dance Agency (GDA).
Created specifically by one of Britain’s leading choreographers Rosemary Lee, the cross-generational project involves 50 dancers, varying in age from eight to 82, who have been meeting at evenings and weekends since May. The performers are also backed by a choir of 70 youngsters from the Finchley Children’s Music Group.
The Common Dance project is all part of the prestigious dance festival in London known as Dance Umbrella.
Lisa said: “Rosemary is one of the most experienced choreographers in the country at working with both professionals and non-professionals.
“I’ve been an ‘active observer’ and witnessed the rehearsal process for the last five to six months. I’ve been documenting my observations of the way Rosemary works with people from all different ages and backgrounds. I have been able to support her reflect on her work and the whole creative process.”
Lisa, who worked with Rosemary in the spring when they were both involved in a Youth Dance England project, said: “I’ve sometimes stepped in as a performer and so have seen the process from both the inside and outside.”
The show at the GDA runs from this Thursday to Sunday (29 October-1st November) and Lisa is acting as assistant to Rosemary during the four-day run.
Lisa is then presenting her research findings at a seminar at the GDA this Sunday lunchtime which is being chaired by Professor Theresa Buckland, a renowned writer on dance.
The seminar will focus on Rosemary Lee’s creative process and her investigation of the notion of common ground, traditional and indigenous forms, and communities dancing.
The University’s Head of Performing Arts and English, Helen Bailey, said: “Lisa’s collaboration with Rosemary Lee on the Common Dance project is yet another example of the excellent quality of research being undertaken in dance.
“Dance staff at the University really are actively engaging in the cutting edge development of the subject in both research and professional practice at a nationally and internationally significant level.”
Latest news» 2009» October» Dance lecturer Lisa has the Common touch
