∴ agenda ∴
∴ works ∴
Event
Event was created in the frame of a shared evening of new works called Everlasting Event from Swedish company Norddans. In Event, you encounter a sensuous world of looping patterns and oceanic ripples. Ornamented with a hint of the baroque, the dancers find joy in connection, synchronising and falling into rhythm with techno-like beats.
Shortcuts to Familiar Places
Shortcuts to Familiar Places is a personal performance about the body as a site of historical and choreographic inscription. Like a map that is constantly being redrawn and rewritten, the body here goes through endless cycles of transmission and reception. In two duets and a solo, the work explores new artistic ways to embrace the complexity of self-expression in contemporary times – while echoing the free spirit of the expressive dance (Ausdruckstanz) era.
Hyperspace
Hyperspace is a solo performed by James Batchelor in intimate theatres and unique found spaces. From the human body to the cosmos, Hyperspace is an inquiry into the metrics we use to measure the deep unknowns of the universe. It proposes a study of the human body seen through the prism of cosmology, a mapping of the universe within and around it. It premiered in Bassano del Grappa in 2018 and was presented in Dance Massive in Melbourne 2019 before extensive touring in Europe. It was chosen as an Aerowaves work in 2019, a prestigious European mobility platform for independent artists.
Deepspace
Deepspace is a multidisciplinary work that investigates arts and science as methods of inquiry into the unknown. From the immediate source of the body through to visual and sonic translations, Deepspace examines processes of searching for, collecting and ordering information that we use to understand the universe. In this work, the body is located between the extremities of remoteness and proximity, connectedness and isolation, certainty and uncertainty.
∴ writing ∴
Seasonal Reflections '24 by James Batchelor
In my optimistic moments, to dance is to be in contact with a feeling of being truly present. Dance has offered me powerful experiences of connection and meaning in moments that escape words. The simple act of witnessing someone’s movement is a source of great power.
A Conversation: James Batchelor and Jeanine Durning
Choreographers for ‘Everlasting Event’ Jeanine During (Everlasting: a new love) and James Batchelor (Event) reflect on the nature of improvisation in their choreographic practices and their approach to this shared evening.
∴ teaching ∴
Elastic Terrain: A Mapping Practice
This is a list of instructions for an improvisation practice titled 'Elastic Terrain: A Mapping Practice'. It was originally created as part of the performances Redshift and Hyperspace, but now takes another life as a score that can be practiced by anyone. Included is the written score accompanied by captioned videos.
Expanding Micro Spaces Workshop
Expanding Micro Spaces was an intensive workshop week led by Choreographer James Batchelor at ALTA in Prague. A range of different approaches to touch, gaze and attention explored the potential of the small gesture, by going even smaller and creating a new palette of micro-detailed movement opportunities.