Ring Cycle

Where did the inspiration for Ring Cycle come from?

The inspiration for Ring Cycle came from the rings in a tree. I was interested in the way that trees acquire new rings as time goes on, and how the final pattern of rings inside a tree are somehow a visual pattern of the life it has lived. I was interested in translating this idea of rings, from a tree, to a human body, and imagining that we as humans also acquire rings as each year progresses, and that we also have these invisible layers of our history and life experiences written on our bodies. I also explored an imaginary journey from the centre of the rings outward, and then back again.

How do you transform the idea into performance ?

The idea is simply something that I will have in my head when I am improvising and coming up with movement ideas. My work is very abstract and I do not attempt to make a literal or narrative piece of work. Having said that, there are lots of turns and circular motifs in the piece!

You started your own company in 2006. Do you find it more challenging or does it give you more space to explore and express yourself?

I have enjoyed making my own work and performing and touring it. It is, however, a huge amount of work - not only choreographing, but also dancing, doing all the administration, marketing, technical management, booking the tour, designing and sewing costumes, doing interviews like this! I have felt satisfied in being able to express myself, but some support, especially funding, would really make a difference.

You work a lot with school children. What would you like to teach them through dance?

When I teach dance workshops, I just concentrate on getting people to enjoy it, and to use it as a way to express themselves, and have fun. Dance is a serious business for me, but I try to remember that it is not necessarily for everyone else - for some it is just a hobby, or a way to get fit.

How hard is it to combine European and Asian dances?

I have trained for years in both Asian and European dance, and think when you have an in-depth knowledge of both forms, you are in a very good position to play with them and manipulate and combine them as you wish. I think it would be very difficult though, if you were not coming from a place where you are totally confident with the technique and the cultural issues surrounding the work.