I am currently working on a new project called Disco Babies.
Disco Babies is inspired by Channel 4’s documentary Strictly Baby Disco, which explores the world of kids competitive free-style disco.
The final outcome of the project will be to create a dance theatre production that is highly physical and offers a comedic and emotive look into the world of competitive free-style disco from the perspective of child competitors: a world of bright garish costumes, pushy mothers, high speed techno music, sweat and tears!
The cast will create and embody the characters and narratives of 10 year old female competitors on a mission to win the ultimate free-style disco championships. Through this work we will ask questions about the physical and psychological pressures of the sport on such young bodies, and explore themes such as competitiveness, parent-child relationships and childhood experiences.
The initial stage of the project will be a 1 week R&D intensive with 5 performers, including one male performer, culminating in an informal sharing. I will be blogging about the process.
Strictly Baby Disco video links…
Short clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz-oarmY7A0
Full programme: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/strictly-baby-disco/4od
Silversmith Dance Theatre 