Dance Futures Ruth Pethybridge

In this first of three special episodes with the cohort of the MA Dance Participation,Communities,Activism I discuss how dance can be part of the solution to the global and local issues we face with artists Anno Bolender based in Germany and Marilia Coelho from Brazil.

In this LAST episode of series three I had the pleasure of chatting to Stuart Waters about his work Queer Collisions, and how his neurodiversity informs his practice. We spoke about identity and tokenism and how to bring all of yourself to a rehearsal process as a performer or facilitator and how we need more cushions but not to get tooooo comfortable...

In this episode we discuss Taos' new work 'Brutal Syntax' commissioned as part of Meltdown festival - we explore the relationship between dance and language and I have a fan girl moment about their work with Christine and the Queens. They refuse the title of trailblazer as we find the words to talk about process and the materiality of bodies in their work...

Taos performance explores the boundaries of popular culture and brings an eclectic mix of influences to the contemporary dance scene. Brutal Syntax premieres on 14th June and is not to be missed!

In this episode I talk with Cecilia Macfarlane about the roots and branches of her long career in the Community Dance sector and about what it takes to keep the fires burning, why she still performs and how gender differences have influenced progression in the young people she teaches. I also do some geeking with the book by my bedside currently which is called 'Dance your way home: A journey through the dance-floor' by Emma Warren.



You can also check out the resource book created by Cecilia and Ruth - 'Any Age, Any Body, Any Dance' via the People Dancing website.

In the February edition I had the treat of speaking with two of my recent graduates from Falmouth University's Dance & Choreography course about thier life post graduation and working internationally, we discuss navigating social media as an artist and how to make friends with imposter syndrome. 

In this episode I talk with performer, choreographer, writer, dramaturg and facilitator Orrow Bell about transitions in life and work, queer politics, and how they are ready to show up for their trans siblings. In the past Bells' performance work has raised the issue of visibility for queer people - particularly those who identify as women and afab - in the contemporary dance sector and has done so with humour and generosity. As well as looking at Bells performance 'The Forecast' from 2019, we ask where are they now and discuss how to create spaces where empathy and learning can happen.  Bells voice is an important one for creatives from all disciplines. Listen up and show up! 



As always, I am joined by recent Dance & Choreography graduate and dance teacher Luca Vaccari to digest some of the themes from the interview. There is no geek out this time but plenty of wonderful starting points for further research...