Exploring the Connection Between Movement, Memory, and Place in "Dance With Me"

Introduction

“Dance with Me” is an interactive moving image exhibition by the Create Dance Parkinson's, with choreographer Katharine le Roux in collaboration with film artist Martina La Trobe Bateman. It was premiered as part of the Artwave Festival in Lewes, attracting over 100 vistors and offering workshops to local schools.

Project Concept and the Journey of Dance and Place

The project combines dance and moving image to bring local places to life through movement. Members from the Dance for Parkinson’s group each chose local places that have meaning and significance for them: places that bring joy and embue memory. “Dance with Me” takes the viewer on a journey through these places through film and choreography created by the group. We explore the meaning of “place” – particular locations filled with meaning and value – as opposed to “spaces” that are simply traversed through.

Filming of "Dance with Me", by Martina La Trobe Bateman.

Engaging with the Audience

Visitors are invited to join in and engage with the moment, either in front or behind the film screen, mirroring the movement of the dancers and the landscape, or simply pausing for a moment to watch. By doing so they also become engaged with their “place”, sensing the power of place to evoke memory, meaning, connection and belonging and to root you in the present moment.

The Impact of "Dance with Me"

This project is a celebration of movement, creativity, and community, showcasing the incredible work of our amazing dancers, exploring the Sussex landscape, and reaching out and supporting more people with Parkinson’s through dance. The auidence are led to reflect on their own experience of 'place', thus becoming more engaged with the environment. Lasting memories are created through shared movement.

A few of the many comments from visitors to the exhibition:

“Just delightful and so inspiring”

“A beautiful and moving exhibition”

“Lovely – let your creativity flow – a fresh look at dance”

“The silhouette element was so unexpected and such fun to play with. The whole installation is addictive – I had to tear myself away”

“Very inspiring blend of dance and visuals. Wonderful idea.”

“I did really good dancing” (Audrey Age 5) “Beautiful experience - thank you” (Audrey’s mum)

The premiere

The premiere night was a huge success and members of the Dance for Parkinson’s group and their friends and families gathered for a special showing of the exhibition. We were especially honoured to have the Mayor of Lewes, Imogen Makepeace, attend.

Workshops and Community Outreach

As part of "Dance with Me" at Artwave Festival we hosted workshops to 13 students aged 14-18 from HED:Strong  and 11 GCSE students from Lewes Old Grammar School. The workshops explored movement typical of a Dance for Parkinson’s session and choreography inspired by a sense of place. The students also interacted playfully with the exhibition, exploring movement behind and in front of the screens.

Feedback from workshop participants:

“This is such a beautiful and emotionally moving experience. Throughout it feels like you are really connecting with the film and the space around you”

“I loved the exhibition, very non-judgemental and relaxing workshop. Was so fun to experiment with the projections and shadowing!

“Very calming. I loved the fluidity of movement”

“I Loved how the movements shown inspired creativity in our own moves we added on”

“I really enjoyed participating in this workshop. Thank you so much for having us, dancing behind the screens was so cool” 10/10

“I felt really connected to the videos, especially after hearing their stories and dancing with the,. I felt honoured to share those moments with them”

And a comment from their teacher, Jess Lloyd:  “Such a beautiful setting for this exhibition of dance workshops. Katharine was just brilliant at including our students in the process of stories and encouraging creativity. It has been a real pleasure being involved and experiencing this wonderful idea”

Conclusion

"Dance with Me" was incredibly well received from the Lewes community and we are excited to share this exhibition more widely, enabling more people to access the power of movement, connection with the landscape, and a renewed sense of 'place"