Date & Time
10am-1pm, Sunday 19 October.Venue: Dance Studio Pusat Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun, TTDI (same complex as KuAsh Theatre)
James Cousins and his dancers led two workshops while they were in Kuala Lumpur to perform a contemporary dance show. These three hour workshops included:
++ Technique class (90 minutes)
James’ physically demanding and fast paced class is developed around his own dynamic and grounded movement language whilst combining influences from Cunningham to Beyoncé. Taught to an energizing soundtrack, James aims to motivate and challenge participants through a series of high-energy exercises that shift through space, move in and out of the floor and push the body to its extremes. It was for intermediate to advanced contemporary dancers.
++ Movement material from repertoire
Rep phrases are generally fast paced and intricate with a strong emphasis on dynamics. James’ material challenges the dancer to use their whole body and push it to its limits whilst also finding a deeper level of emotion and intention throughout.
++ Creative session using tasks set within the creation process.
Usually including one solo task based on the rep and one duet/group task. The creative session is a good way for participants to gain an insight into the creative process whilst also developing their movement and choreographic skills.
Many workshop participants stayed back to then watch the performance of 'Without Stars' and 'There We Have Been' performed from the 16 - 19 October 2014 at KuAsh Theatre, Pusat Kreatif Kanak-kanak Tuanku Bainun, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
About James Cousins
James Cousins, winner of the inaugural Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Choreography Award and graduate of London Contemporary Dance School has achieved more than many choreographers manage in a lifetime. Abstract yet utterly accessible, his choreography is dynamic, emotional and clever with a complexity that provokes admiration rather than confusion. He has created work for the National Ballet of Chile, Scottish Ballet and the Royal Ballet of Flanders amongst others.
James Cousins, rising star of British contemporary dance, will give one workshop in Kuala Lumpur while his company is performing at KuAsh Theatre. Starting with a fast-paced technique class, then repertoire from his award-winning choreography, and a closing creative session, to help dancers push their limits.