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Early in 2010 the University of Roehampton’s Department of Dance was overhauling its suite of Masters programmes. I was (and am) interested in how framing choreographic and performance practice as a form of research might support practitioners develop their ideas, work and critical-reflective skills, and so I proposed to my colleagues that we develop a Masters by Research in Choreography and Performance.
roehampton.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses/choreography-and-performance-mres/index.html
The MRes is designed to provide an open environment for experienced practitioners to question how artistic-scholarly thinking and ideas might influence, corrupt, infect or challenge their work. Depending on the student, it might also act as a way of bridging their practices with academia whilst allowing them to continue their work as professional artists.
To this date, two cohorts have completed, and next week the latest group of students – Charlie Ashwell, Sónia Baptista, Robin Dingemans and Hamish MacPherson – will present their work at Roehampton. It’s a remarkable mix of ideas, practices and performances, and it is also the first time that a cohort has found a way to present their work at pretty much the same time. I’m proud of their endeavour, their differences and the way in which they have pushed their own understanding in order to challenge how practice is presented and articulated.
Check out the details below, and I hope to see you there.