BY CELINE CHONG, 2017 CUTCOMMON YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR
Dance and music. Art forms that, without a doubt, go hand-in-hand.
For Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University composers Isabella Gerometta and Padraig Parkhurst, and Expressions Dance choreographers Richard Causer and Jake McLarnon, it’s a symbiosis that opens up new possibilities in the realm of artistic exploration and communication.
These emerging professionals are leaping into the unknown – and getting to work with the other side is providing insight to their work. They tell us evolution and intertwining of their ideas has been a unique experience.
“When I compose, the music exists in a very absolute state, but pairing it with the dancers adds another layer of interpretation to that,” Isabella says.
“It creates a lovely juxtaposition that generates new ideas.”
For one of her pieces in the show, Isabella says the combination of movement and music brings a new sense of vulnerability and rawness; one that could only be possible through music and dance working together. And she’s adamant that the experience of the show as a whole will be greater than the sum of its parts.
“You’re never getting too much of one thing. It’s always something fresh, always something that makes you think, and something that really uses that variety of music, style and performance to its absolute best.”
From the dancers’ points of view, working with living (yes, living!) composers has allowed their ideas to grow and change, finding new meanings and interpretations as the composers’ pieces take shape.
Jake says being malleable and flexible with the way you approach the pieces is key.
“You send the composers stuff you like or what you think might suit the dance, and what you hear back isn’t necessarily the same,” Jake says.
“But that’s not even a bad thing. Maybe it draws out something better and it pushes you to places you wouldn’t necessarily go.”
It’s this creative back-and-forth that is so universally important, working to broaden horizons and enrich an individual’s artistic drive. Of course, every good thing comes with its own set of challenges, and this project proves no exception.
For composers, writing music for dance requires some different processes and considerations.
“The way I heard it in my head, there were all these time signature changes, but no one was going to be able to dance to that…unless it’s the Rite of Spring!” Padraig laughs.
Isabella agrees, saying that sometimes, simplicity and honesty can have just as much, if not more, emotional impact. Similarly, Richard states: “What I’ve found fascinating is that these composers don’t really work together. But the music that’s come back, it all works so well”.
“I really want the audience to come away with some sort of emotional response. Something that they can latch onto; and evoke some feeling.”
With the expertise of the dancers at Expressions and the fascinating new music of the QCGU composers, audiences will surely be in for an experience – and a powerful one, at that.
There’s definitely something to be said for the energy and zeal of performances by young artists on the cusp of their careers. And for other young composers, the world of dance composition doesn’t need to remain elusive.
As Isabella advises: “Write something every day”.
“And never ever stop trying new things and taking opportunities that force you out of your comfort zone.”
After all, you could be the one to give Stravinsky a run for his money.
Expressions Dance Company and Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University showcase Brisbane’s emerging composers and choreographers through an exciting collaborative work, Converge. The events take place from 10-17 March at the Queensland Conservatorium Theatre.
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Featured image: EDC dancers in rehearsal (L-R Elise May, Anastasia Woolmer, Alana Sargent, Richard Causer, Jake McLarnon, and Scott Ewen). Pay what you like through PayPal. 80 per cent of your contribution will go to the writer who composed this piece, and 20 per cent to our volunteer editor for getting this show on the road. (You don’t *actually* have to take them to dinner.) We protect your personal information.
