Imagining Improvisation

A research workshop on the influence of western improvisation techniques
on the Indian classical dance form kathak

Creative processes of different dance forms are extremely diverse. They emerge from their particular contexts and histories, structures, body and movement principles, training styles and methods, and individual inputs. This project explores the possible influence and worth of sharing specific creativ techniques between two forms from different cultures and contexts.

How can two western improvisation techniques – the Improvisation Technologies of William Forsythe and the Nine-Point System of Amanda Miller – be applied to the movement concepts of the classical Indian dance form of kathak.

The term ‘Improvisation’ is common in both cultures, but its interpretation and use is markedly different. It is this area of multiple readings and perceptions that the workshop conductors – Anika Bendel from Germany and Vikram Iyengar from India – are interested in.

During a ten day residency the dancers from Ranan Performance Collectiv engage with different concepts and principles of body, space and movement. The audience is invited to share this collaborativ experience through an informal lecture performance.