Imageless
Workshop
On sound in choreographic practice
Presentations:
Studio 303, Montreal, 2021
Toronto Dance Community Love-In, Toronto, 2020
Concordia University Dance Department, Montreal, 2017-2019
What happens when I decenter the image? How does my listening shape my relations? Imageless is a workshop on choreographic and somatic based approaches to sound. In it participants explore the physicality of sound and the relationships between listening and moving, materiality and sonic energy. Through hands-on experimentation and dialog the intention is to renew practices and concepts of sound within participants personal artistic practices, and develop a notion of “imageless presence” within performance making.
Experience with sound production is not required. Participants will explore a range of tools and concepts of sound-making through a daily class that combines physical practice, reflection, and conversation. We will practice sonic-somatic exercises, create sound choreographies, learn about the physicality of sound and psychoacoustics (the study of sound perception), write and reflect together. The goal is to articulate new conceptions of sound/music within our own practices, and to more deeply consider how we are listening, within our artistic work and daily lives.
The format of this class is similar to a contemporary dance workshop model. Activities can accommodate a range of mobility and auditory access (tactile loudspeakers can be provided on request, for example). The facilitation is informed by my present interest and studies in critical pedagogy, active listening, and conflict mediation (Community Justice Initiative / University of Waterloo). Processes of facilitation and learning are not distinct from issues of social justice, democracy, and community cohesion. As the facilitator of this workshop, active listening, care, consent, and responsibility to the group are values that I will continuously work to centre throughout.
Formats
This workshop has been offered both in-person and online (synchronous), as a 5 day (3h/day) intensive workshop and as a single afternoon (3h) event.
Credits
Devised and facilitated by Christopher Willes. Special thanks to Paul Chambers, Ellen Furey, Brendan Jensen, Concordia University for helping me develop this workshop. This project was developed through a regular guest workshop at Concordia University Department of Contemporary Dance, Montreal 2017-20.
Photography: Francesca Chudnoff. Pictured: Artists and workshop participants Lauren Runions, Robin Love, Nyda Kwasowsky, Gelareh Saadatpajouh, Robyn Breen.