INITIAL IDEAS

Initially, I had wanted to create a dance solo with an emphasis on choreography and costume - I wanted to create something that expressed and combined my recent exploration with ballet and African and Caribbean dance styles. Similar to Dada Masilo's swan lake, I considered choreographing a dance and making a tutu as part of the costume.

In terms of theme, I wanted to continue my 'Performance as Protest' and I wondered if the two projects could become one. I think however I lost the essence of my solo and had moved away from the need to share that work immediately - I didn't feel connected to it in the same way as I did in February and there was some more work I wanted to do on it privately without considering a performance outcome. I recognise now the weight of multiple projects. The development of my Hip Hop solo, or Africana Ballet are projects I can keep in the bank as I learn more about these styles and my personal journey with them.

instead of going down an in-depth movement and choreographic route I decided to play with the gig/musical form. This has been a re-occurring thought as I continue to perform music - what can I do with this form? are there any other elements of theatre, scenography, text, or movement that I can play with or add? How do I want to express myself primarily in music and nightlife environments?

CONCEPT

In all honesty, this work arose from things that are hard to talk about. I use "heartbreak" as a soft descriptor for articulating a question about emotional abuse in intimate relationships. I think I'm working with an acceptance and curiosity of ambiguity (and the protection that it can offer) This work is about learning to speak, learning to find language, confidence, and resolution - and it uses feeling, presence and the unspoken - to make delicate steps and go from fragile to strength - there is a lot of trust - trust that it will be received, understood in some way, trust that this is enough -

if this is all I want to say right now, then that's ok

Performing and adapting this piece is also a learning process, that feels non-linear, gaining information and clarity, step by step, with each new interaction, understanding more about the thing as you do it.

CSM ALIVE

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