The Trans-Species Embodiment project explores embodiment of animal species through a range of approaches drawn from eastern and western movement and healing practices. The emphasis is on transforming our perceptions and experience of ourselves and our environment through the taking on of animal embodiment. And in turn, discovering commonalities and differences between human and other species. The methods employed in this project allow us to re-imagine our relationship with other species and develop a sense of kinship beyond the normal domestication of animals.
Spontaneous Animals is exploring the Taoist practice of Five Animals Play Spontaneous Qigong. Five Animals Play is traditionally a healing practice. Through a specific energy flow induction, the practitioner experiences unique breathing and movement patterns said to be characteristic of the 5 animals – the Tiger, the Monkey, the Crane, the Deer and the Bear.
It is a collaboration with Bronwyn Turnbull and Felicity Wheeler, both dancers trained in alternative healing modalities. We are interested in the performance possibilities and how the spontaneous movements are related to the Chinese system of energy meridians.
Photo by Alex Wisser
Performance night and Incubator Residency, Kiss Club, The Clubhouse Performance Space, February 2010, curated by Karen Therese. It is somewhat challenging to present this form in a performance context. The experimental mandate of Kiss Club and the Incubator residency provided a very supportive environment within which to explore and develop the performance possibilities of this work. The work was performed again at Xplore Festival, Critical Path, April 2011.