It's been the best part of a decade since I stopped dancing. Not since my degree ended have I pushed myself in movement, stretched my limbs, strengthened my frame and sought to conquer not just the technicality of a movement but it's impetus. Since I graduated the closest I come to those enjoyable years is dancing in the dark (no pun intended) across the laminated floor of my living room on a quiet night. There's a sense/a kind of peace and connection I find in movement that I don't think I've found anywhere else. I am not a great dancer, I once aspired to be... not for long though. When I danced, I did not dance for prowess, I danced for sensation; expression. It was more than enough. It didn't matter that I would never be technically good enough to pursue it professionally.
Tonight I feel elated and sad. I've been cast back, remembering when dance absorbed my days; the satisfaction I felt at doing my best, the challenge of pushing myself. The joy. This surprising introspection has been provoked by a woman, a company, a film and a pair of 3D glasses...
Tonight I saw Pina.
Pina Baucsh was a German choreographer and in my limited foray into the world of contemporary dance, she was one of my favourites. Bausch had an incredible ability to move people, her work was amazingly truthful and surprisingly humourous (just when you least expected it). Her company, Wuppertal Tanztheatre, are one of the most breathtaking I've seen live. Though her work would probably be confusing and very strange to someone who wasn't familiar with the world of physical theatre, I doubt anyone could help but be mesmerised. I myself was so taken I based my dissertation around her creative process and performance style. I am not the first, and will certainly not be the last...
Wim Wenders film will see to that.
Pina, is a documentary. It is a piece of art. It is some of the most exquisite dance film I have seen. It is a record of work. It is a remembrance of a friend, choreographer, seeker of truth. Quite simply, it's stunning. Here in Chichester there was just one showing, on one night of this unique film, and I can't believe I considered not going! Thank God I didn't go with that impulse. Though it would probably be good on DVD, I think it was greatly enhanced on the large screen and in 3D. (A thing I've been scornful of recently) The 3D was so intelligently used it enhanced the experience to give you feel of an almost live experience. In some ways it was better than live. I feel like I just saw The Rite of Spring and Cafe Muller in an entirely new way.
If you are at all interested in art or film or dance, I highly recommend this film. I'll finish now and go back to my thoughts...