Pro class with Lewis Wilkins

LEWIS WILKINS is originally from Devon, UK. He trained at London Contemporary Dance School 2006-2009, and has worked as a performer and artistic collaborator with various choreographers and companies over the past 15 years. These include Jean Abreu, Richard Alston, Bregenzer Festspiele, Tom Dale, Stephanie Dufresne, The National Theatre, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Joel O’Donoghue, The Royal Opera House, Scottish Dance Theatre, Lea Tirabasso and TrashDollys. Lewis has been teaching since 2014, and specialises in ensemble improvisation, contact improvisation, floorwork, and microbatics. His teaching credits include Agitart Figueres Es Mou, DV8 Physical Theatre, National Dance Company Wales and Scottish Dance Theatre. He regularly teaches at B12 Berlin, London Contemporary Dance School, and Nuova Officina della Danza. Additionally, Lewis has been a returning teacher on degree programmes at London Studio Centre, Middlesex University, Rambert School, and the University of Limerick. As a teacher Lewis is committed to a progressive pedagogy that is learner centred. He always aims to create an inclusive, supportive, and focussed learning environment where creativity and playfulness can thrive.

In this class we will delve into the practice of contact improvisation in solo, duet, and group arrangements. We will observe and initiate attentional shifts between the internal environment of the body and the space around us. This sensory tuning will serve to enrich our physical communication and processing of sensations; resulting in a clearer understanding of the intention, direction, and energy of the other bodies we begin to encounter through contact. We will explore weight sharing and safely supporting one another away from the ground, as well as useful solo patterns for rolling, sliding, falling and flying.

Please note this event is taking place at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. Friday 27 September 12-2 pm.