Chosen Practitioner - Alexandra Whitley

 My chosen practitioner for my independent solo is Alexandra Whitley, who is a contemporary choreographer and the artistic director of Alexandra Whitley Dance company, over the years he has built a reputation for his bold and unique approach to dance with his creativity. (Whitley, n.d.)

When looking at choreographers I came across Whitley’s piece ‘Overflow’ and found it so interesting to watch, it was a very exciting piece as I didn’t know what to expect and the levels, dynamics, the number of dancers as well as the size and speed of the movements were constantly changing throughout, and as an audience member it keeps you engaged and involved with the piece.(Sadler's Wells Theatre, 2020) 

 

Whitley’s creative process is just as unique and bold as his choreography, he starts off by experimenting through the use of tasks, improvisation and open questions with his dancers and this then leads to him offering movement ideas and they respond with using their bodies to try different ways for the movement to come across in the task. (Glug, 2021)

He also speaks about how he ends up with more material than needed but he then refines these ideas or just throws them away. (Glug ,2021)

(Scottish Ballet, n.d.)

 

During my research I also came across a book called ‘Dance Improvisation’ by Joyce Morgenroth this speaks about floor patterns and tasks that are very similar to Alexandra Whitley’s. In one section Morgerroth speaks about the floor patterns and says how you should consider: speed, rhythm, dynamics, balance and stillness. (Morgenroth, 1995)

 As I’ve watched Whitley’s work back this is clearly showcased throughout his choreography and it is so inspiring to watch, these qualities are what I want to convey in my solo piece.

 

As a choreographer, Whitley is very involved and even quotes that work can only be done when he is in the studio with his dancers, he can’t choreograph by himself before or after rehearsal. Nevertheless, he says how he loves how collaborative and live the process is and its interesting as the choreography ends up in a very different place or direction to what he could ever imagine. (Glug, 2021)

This is something I want to take on board when choreographing, sections don’t need to be exactly where I want or thought they were going to be, I need to trust the choreographic process and embrace the changes that come along the way.

 

  (Royal Opera House, n.d.)

References 

 

Alexander Whitley. n.d. Alexander Whitley. [online] Available at: <https://www.alexanderwhitley.com/> [Accessed 15 October 2021].

 

Glug. 2021. Glug | The Process: Choreographer Alexander Whitley. [online] Available at: <https://www.glugevents.com/news/2020/the-process-choreographer-alexander-whitley> [Accessed 15 October 2021].

 

Morgenroth, J., 1995. Dance improvisations. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press.

Royal Opera House, n.d. Alexandra Whitley - People - Royal Opera House. [image] Available at: <https://www.roh.org.uk/people/alexander-whitley> [Accessed 15 October 2021].

Sadler's Wells Theatre, 2020. Alexander Whitley Dance Company - Overflow - Trailer. [video] Available at: <https://youtu.be/zr87aiSA1-s> [Accessed 15 October 2021].

Scottish Ballet, n.d. Alexandra Whitley I Scottish Ballet. [image] Available at: <https://www.scottishballet.co.uk/profile/alexander-whitley> [Accessed 1 February 2022].