When you are given a creative brief, you know you are going to go on a journey of discovery. My latest project ‘Raising Medusa’ has taken me on a journey which was as much about self-discovery as creating a dance piece.
Back in March, Helen Bagnall, creator of Also Festival asked if I would like to choreograph a dance as part of a spectacle to celebrate Medusa. It’s a collaborative piece and anyone attending the festival, or our next Street Jazz course can take part in the performance.
The project takes its inspiration from the work Natalie Haynes has done, to bring Medusa back into the light. It is a celebration of this mythical woman, and the dance will be accompanied live by the London International Gospel Choir who will be singing Lady Gaga’s Born This Way.
We want as many people as possible to participate in the piece, so I have choregraphed the dance in sections. The Chorus is simple to learn and dance, it has this fantastic ‘wild rumpus’ feel when you do it. I took these moves from the original choreography Lady Gaga dances, her raw energy and the way she lays herself bare has been an inspiration.
The dance moves perfectly embodies the energy of Medusa showing her true self, not as a monster but as a powerful women. To me, Medusa is a mask and in these simple dance moves she allows herself to express her anger, joy and sensuality with abandonment.
The energy of this dance is more important than the steps themselves. Each and every one of us who do this, should see themselves as Medusa. When we dance, I want us to remove the mask of who we think we ought to be and go wild as we celebrate who we really are. We are celebrating Medusa; we are celebrating being ‘Born This Way’
If you are to define what dance is, then I would say it is abandonment. It takes courage to dance in public and I was truly inspired by the people who took part in last year’s dance project at Also. Now known as the “Kylies” we all performed a dance to the song “Spinning Around”. I had created four short videos so people could learn it at home ready to perform on the day.
When I meet the dancers who had taken on the challenge it was really awe inspiring, they were so dedicated they actually knew the routine better than me! Just before we went on stage we had a shot of Tequilla, this was a first for many people and we were performing on the main stage. The crowd loved us and the thrill everyone felt afterwards was incredible we had all bonded in such a short time through this experience.
Helen’s concept for this year’s piece will build on what we did so successfully last year and take it to the next level as we expand the collaborative element. I am already hearing from last year’s group how much they are enjoying learning just a little bit each day. I can’t wait to see them again and meet even more people who are up for taking a risk and discovering the rewards of dancing together.
If you would like to give it a try view the video below where you can learn the Chorus to this dance routine.
To find out more about our up and coming Street Jazz course in which you can learn the full routine visit https://mycharlestondance.com/dance-brighton-hove/street-jazz