Contemporary Dance Explores the Forest, Physical Body and the Relationship Between the Two

Aug. 15, 2012 - PRLog -- The hybrid performance piece ‘Marks, Measures, Maps and Mind’ explores human endeavors for precision and perfection within the wild, un-tethered environment of King’s Wood. This enchanting forest situated in Challock, Ashford, will play stage to 15 dancers as they lead their audiences on a journey.

After following their forest guide into King’s Wood the audience will discover dance episodes scattered through the forest.

This one-off free event will mesmerise audience clusters on Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August.

With three performances on each day – at midday, 3pm and 6pm – each will be unique as they become transformed by daylight fading to dusk. Lighting will be provided by what nature projects through the canopy of trees above, creating organic spotlights on dancers and figurative shadows. Natures’ intervention encapsulates the essence of the project: Human’s timeless relationship with the natural environment.

Renowned choreographers from Dog Kennel Hill Project have worked with dancers to create this performance in response to the space and environment of King’s Wood. The project will celebrate the physical body, through a range of sports-driven tasks, with dancers interacting with natural materials found in the landscape.

The alliance of contemporary dance and a forest jaunt, aims to engage and inspire new audiences. The aim of the project, which has been commissioned by Stour Valley Arts, South East Dance and Turner Contemporary, is to take dance out of the theatre and into natural environment. It is hoped that such an enchanting and unusual setting will appeal to both the dance community as well as people who may not have taken a step into dance performance before.

Visitors will arrive at the forest car park 15 minutes before the performance starts to be greeted by their guides at the Kent Cultural Baton silver caravan.

Each audience of 40 per show, will be split into two groups and follow different dancers around the forest, merging at some points but finishing together around 90 minutes later.
Sturdy shoes are a must for the audience, who are welcome at any age. Families are invited to come along before or after their performance to enjoy the forest and perhaps bring a picnic, games or simply explore what it has to offer.

The terrain may not be suitable for buggies, so people are encouraged to carry children in slings if they would like to bring them. Accessibility for those in wheelchairs can be arranged but please call ahead to discuss your individual needs.

For the noon and 6pm performances a free shuttle bus will operate from Ashford Railway Station to bring people to the forest if they would like to use public transport to avoid driving. The shuttle bus will depart at 11:30am and 5:30pm.  Seats will be available on a first come, first served basis.

For the 3pm showing, Turner Contemporary is organising a return trip by coach from the gallery to King's Wood which leaves Turner Contemporary at 1pm, at a cost of £5 per person.  Seats can be booked with tickets at the Turner Contemporary website. All services will make a return trip following the performance.

Although tickets are free, they must be booked in advance to allow the organisers to keep audiences for each performance to around 40.

To book:
Visit http://www.turnercontemporary.org/