Can dance translate into weave? Can
stitch become step? Some questions I’ve been pondering about while
researching a current project I'm working on for the launch event of Yan Tan Tethera, on May 15th at Cecil Sharp
House on the evening of May 15th. It's a project
and exhibition curated by David Littler, in partnership with the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS),
celebrating and exploring the connections between the making of textiles and
song.
For
my part, I’m aiming to create a number of dances based on folk songs and think of these as a making process with the outcome being a piece
of fabric. My thinking is as much inspired by maypole as rapper sword dancing,
where a resulting knot (or rose) is created by the interlacing of swords. The
project will kick off with two exploratory workshops where a number of
participants including myself will attempt to combine dance steps with stitch,
knot and weave techniques. That is
the plan so far and I can’t wait to kick up my heels with yarn and ribbons in my
hands.
I’m
still looking for participants by the way. The exploratory workshops will be on
Thursday 10 April, 7-9pm and Sunday 13 April, 1.30-3.30pm at Cecil Sharp
House in Camden. Please email me at mail@shanewaltener.com if you are interested.
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| Chiffon stitch of Straight Hey? |
