The 2019 In the Studio Series features the work in progress of four choreographers who participated in the Breaking Ground Mentorship Program. Today, we hear from Lynette Segal. GD: The theme of the 2019 GDF is “What Moves You,” can you share with us what moved you when working in the creation of Yes, and?
LS: My impetus for the creation of was two-fold. It’s been a topsy-turvy last few years for me, with many big changes in my life. I wanted to channel some of the turbulent energy towards a creative process, trusting that what I needed to explore and share would emerge in the studio… and it did! I’m also re-entering my practice of Contact Improvisation and being physically charged, working with falling, rolling, being grounded, fluid, and in flow. It was very satisfying to demand a considerable amount from myself physically, and know that my body is still adaptable, reliable and pliant. That said, as I write this, I’m recovering from a recent head injury. I anticipate complete recovery; our bodies are healing machines!
GD: What were the highlights of the mentorship process for you? The challenges?
LS: I was taken by Lina’s deeply intuitive sensitivity and highly attuned heart. She essentially asked me to transmute movement into emotion… therein lies the challenge.
GD: Is there anything else you would like to share with Guelph audiences before your performance?
I would like to shout out a huge, heartfelt gratitude to Catrina von Redecki for including in the festival a series of works in progress. It is a valuable endeavour to stay in the creative process, not trim all the loose ends, and tidy up to make a piece performance ready. There is an informal, sharing feeling about this series that I’m particularly fond of.
In the Studio takes place Saturday June 1st at 5:00 PM and Sunday June 2nd at 2:00PM at Guelph Youth Dance Studios, 42 Quebec Street.