“…DANCERNESS. Not the dance, or the dancing, or the choreography, or the concept, or the academic text explaining it all, but DANCERNESS. DANCERNESS is the very particular way/place/state from which a dancer experiences a dance, the choreography, the world. I’ve been thinking a lot about how unremarked upon, even unrecognised, dancer knowledge—DANCERNESS, is. Dancers think, feel and act upon the world in a particular way….”
A beautiful concept I was introduced to recently - ‘Dancerness’ by Rebecca Hilton, really worth looking up.
Photo by @stevetanner (2019)
Gaga dancers intensive led by the wonderful @natalia.iwaniec
Part of a programme of pro dance workshops I curated and produced, supported by Hall for Cornwall
#dancerness #danceartist #contemporarydance
I recently started work on a new project, choreographing with some wonderfully mature dancers. I received this piece of feedback afterwards and I wanted to share as it completely lit up my day. It’s so articulately written, thank you for sharing your experience Helena and heres to more x ….
“I wanted to say how much I loved last Saturday and Sunday’s work with Emily. There is always a sense of physical ease and rightness about what we do with her, which makes it sound as though it’s comfortable, which it is not; it remains a challenge, both in our heads and in our bodies. But what I especially loved was how, over the two days, we built a trust with each other which really fed into the unison work. We rarely get the time to be able to do that sufficiently, and it was so rewarding.” - Helena, dancer - Inner Ground Dance Company
Photo @stevetanner
I am thrilled to share a new venture….A T L A S 🌎
A framework for exploring a return to my creative self after a hiatus focussing on family. A renegotiation of artistic practice through motherhood & caring responsibilities. A structured, but adaptable self-directed project to enable new skills to emerge, a return to my dancing self; the fuel and driver for all of my work, and an opportunity to reconnect with the dance and wider arts community locally and further afield after an extended period of isolation through the Pandemic, pregnancy and early motherhood.
I’m extremely grateful for @aceagrams support through a successful #DYCP application.Reflections, artistic & self-discoveries, and continued physical research.
#womenindance #motherswhomove #DanceArtist #ChoreographerLife #PerformanceArt #ContemporaryDance #ArtistMother #MothersWhoMake #ArtAndMotherhood #Kinship
Nature walks & rainy runs. I will never not want to spend time in these places. The lucious greens at this time of year are pretty special. The bluebells are stunning. The large daisies in front of our house are starting to burst their buds. The changing seasons. Colour pops and singing landscapes. Magic. ✨
I turn 47 this year. And I just don’t want to stop dancing. In all of its forms, in all the spaces, performing, for myself, with others, to share practice, just because. For research, to train in formal techniques, and expressive, sensory driven ones, to attune the imagination, for the strength and pleasure it brings, and the softness and curiosity, for the power it gives you and the freedom.
To explore what an older (ish) body and mind and life experience (I have a fair bit of that) can bring to a creative process, to empower others, to not shrink or fade as the wrinkles set in. I’m not entirely sure how to make this creative life a viable one. But one foot in front of the other.
Seriously playful is my current mindset. I love moving. It’s just taken me a minute to come back to you after having a family to fully allow (and have time) for myself to acknowledge that, and appreciate it fully. Not sure how, not sure when, but making small waves to keep dancing and keep the dance going. The world needs it now more than ever I feel. 💛
First dip of the year yesterday. Fully aware of the horrors of the world right now, but celebrating the small stuff that is the big stuff in his world. One foot in front of the other.
Photo @kernowbrett 🌊
The hugest thank you to everyone who came to see my solo work In My Head at the FIA Fest last week. I couldn’t have asked for a better turn out, to re-find this work and perform for such a great audience, both performances not just sold out, but full of great people, and on home turf too.
Here’s to next steps and seeing where this piece can fly to.
Thank you @fia_fest@im_possibleuk@hall_for_cornwall@fal_amata for all the support. And the creative team for bringing this to life with me. And all the conversations, nudges, small and big. Six years this piece has been on pause, it feels wonderful to finally let it breathe.
More info on my website /inmyhead
In My Head
Created & performed by Emily Alden
With Sound Designer & Composer Dan Hayes
Original concept dramaturgy & direction Sue MacLaine
Lighting design & technical operator Lucy Gaskell
Dramaturgy support for FIA FEST Aga Blonska & Mark Laville
Produced by Impossible Producing
R&D supported by Arts Council England, Hall for Cornwall, AMATA, Falmouth University & Kneehigh
Photos :
1. IMH at Princess Pavilion’s
2. IMH at AMATA, Falmouth Univeristy
3. IMH postcard, for the delegates gift bag
4. The ocean & view from Princess Pavilions, Falmouth
It’s here! After everyone’s hard work, care, passion and drive to get this piece of work back up on its feet, I am thrilled to be putting it in front of an audience tomorrow for the first time in six years.
From the insanely talented collaborator and Sound Designer Dan Hayes, and all the artists that have been a part of this work to date (full list on its way) to Charlie, Gabby, Annie and all at Impossible Producing, to Lucy the superb technician and lighting designer, and Helen Tiplady and all at Hall for Cornwall for their ongoing support.
It’s a one woman work, but the team behind it is immense.
Sharing on home ground here in Cornwall is also special to me.
This morning I started final prep and rehearsals in Truro, and finished in Falmouth at the Princess Pavilions. With sun too.
🔉 Have you booked your ticket to the Work In Progress sharing : AMATA, Falmouth University Saturday 7th March, 4pm
🔉Tomorrow it’s being performed as part of the Made in Cornwall Showcase at Princess Pavilions, part of the Falmouth International Arts Festival
✨ All info and links to my website, to buy tickets in the link in my bio.
Here we go….!
@fia_fest@im_possibleuk@lowbridgemusicldn@hall_for_cornwall@fal_amata@princesspavilionfalmouth
Photos
1. By @kernowbrett
2 & 3. Me & Dan Hayes by @stevetanner
4 & 5. Princess Pavilions & Hall for Cornwall
Final day dancing with @stackedwonky this view of the coast from the village hall where we’ve been working sending us off with all the good stuff. A really valuable time spent with wonderful artists and dancers and team. Thank you for having me 🙌🏻
In My Head – It feels both tender and exciting to be returning to this work after a six year hiatus. I’m back in rehearsals and will be sharing a Work In Progress at the upcoming Falmouth International Arts Festival on Saturday 7th March.
A one woman dance theatre work exploring the extraordinary experience of everyday sound and hearing loss.
Produced by @im_possibleuk and supported by @hall_for_cornwall , the piece will continue developing across Spring/Summer, with plans to tour later in the year.
Huge thanks to the many people behind this revival — it truly takes a team. Would love to see some friendly faces in the audience.
The festival has a brilliant line-up this year — do take a look and book early as tickets will be flying.
All links in bio ☝🏻
✨ In My Head WIP 📍 AMATA, Falmouth University @fal_amata 🎟 Book here: /whats-on-at-fiafest/made-in-cornwall
🌐 Refreshed website + R&D images: /inmyhead
🌊 Full Festival Programme:
#InMyHead #DanceTheatre #MadeInCornwall #FIAFest #CornwallArts
Photo 1 @kernowbrett
Photos 2,3,4 @stevetanner Sharing’s as part of the Kneehigh Presents programme in 2019
3.5k run with the dog to start the day. Not feeling too shabby. Moving outdoors, my first love. Add a gorgeous view, wintering sunlight (is that a thing?! It feels like it) and four paws as company. Can’t ask for more. #intraining #dancer #performer
Wishing everyone a very happy new year ✨ here’s to hope, health, happiness with some adventure and mischief where you can find it. 2026 let’s go x
Photo - the Henheddow Circle, dreamed and created by @jameswild_sculpture , located in one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever visited @trewithen_life . “Taken from the past, to ground you in the present with hope for the future”.
