Dancing with Strangers
News
Dance students illuminate Rockaway Park in a whirlwind of dance, music, and absurdity
Monday, 27 November, 2023This weekend, a 25-strong cast made up of second year Bath Spa University BA Dance students, RISE Youth Dance and members of TrashDollys will illuminate Bristol’s Rockaway Park in a whirlwind of dance, music, and absurdity.
Dancing with Strangers delves into the fundamental human need for belonging and the lengths people will go to protect their own reality. Enter a world where time seems to have stood still in a once-thriving town, now lost in the shadows of obscurity. In this secluded enclave, dance, music and rituals have become the very lifeblood of the remaining residents. Navigate through their world, and peel back the layers of secrecy to uncover the stories that bind these individuals together.
Speaking about the project, TrashDollys Choreographer and Director Sam Amos said:
“Dancing with Strangers has been an incredible project to be part of. It’s a real collaborative effort with the Bath Spa University students and they are a joy to work with.
“Dancing with Strangers provides an opportunity for performers to take on a character. As a director, this is an incredibly fun element. The performers are able to personalise their experience of the show – from the way they dance, interact with other characters, and engage with the space.”
TrashDollys places dance and movement at the heart of visual storytelling. The Bristol-based company was born out of a desire to challenge the creative and expressive possibilities of movement and connect with wider audiences through film and live performance.
This is the second year that TrashDollys and Bath Spa University students are collaborating on Dancing with Strangers. This year the piece will be performed at Rockaway Park, a disused quarry in Bristol that has been transformed into a collaborative community space, featuring performance venues, a community forest garden, rehearsal spaces and much more.
BA Dance student Leah Graham took part in last year’s Dancing with Strangers piece. Reflecting on the project, she said: "Working with Sam last year for Dancing with Strangers was an amazing experience. To try something new and exciting in a different space was a truly memorable opportunity. I can't wait to see what they come up with this year!"
When asked about this year’s project, Esme Dunn-Crowley, BA Dance student, said:
“To be working with Sam Amos is really inspiring. He has a unique movement style and vision of choreography which poses an exciting challenge. There’s been a great energy in our workshops so far and I can't wait for the intensive week!”
BA Dance student Meg Lages also commented on Amos’ unique style. She said: “I'm really excited for my intensive week with Sam Amos. It's a new style and creative environment, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to push myself as a dancer.”
Dancing with Strangers will be at Rockaway Park in Bristol on Friday 1 December and Saturday 2 December. Book tickets via Bath Spa Live.