The DanceAble symposium will also feature the results of a special Artist in Residence (AIR) period. AIR is part of our large-scale European collaboration Europe Beyond Access, which focuses on supporting artists with disabilities to break through the glass ceilings of the contemporary theater and dance sectors. In the first months of 2020, we started discussions with Robert Swinston and Joop Oonk - artistic director and choreographer of Misiconi - about the possibilities of a special residency during the Holland Dance Festival. A residency in which two completely different worlds come together and the wealth of experiences that both parties bring with them leads to mutual growth and development.
Joop Oonk and Misiconi Dance Company
Misiconi is an inclusive dance company within which inequality is its greatest asset. The organization is led by renowned choreographer Joop Oonk. Misiconi believes that everyone should have a chance to work on their skill and ability. To achieve this, the organization has developed its own methodology, within which personal goals are central. In addition, much attention is paid to how the individual can reach for his or her potential within the collective. Misiconi has been based in Rotterdam since its founding in 2015 and focuses primarily on developing and performing professional performances. It does so with a mixed group of dancers in equal collaboration.
Robert Swinston
Robert Swinston was Merce Cunningham's right hand man for many years and directed the Merce Cunningham Dance Company during its last world tour. He has since been a part of the Merce Cunningham Trust and therefore remains closely associated with Cunningham's work. After his years in New York City, he left for Angers, France, where he was director of the renowned CNDC Angers for seven years before officially retiring. But because blood runs where it can't go, Robert soon sought out new groups to work with.
Coincidence Principle
This particular encounter works with the principles of chance applied by John Cage in music and by Merce Cunningham in dance. By exploring how these elements can lead to surprising choreographic choices and how ever-changing perspectives can excite dancers and choreographers to look outside the box for that which surprises, amazes and surprises.The result of this working process will be shown to audiences on February 11, as part of the DanceAble Symposium. The screening will take place both live on location in Korzo theater (The Hague) and via livestream, via the Holland Dance Festival website.