Steve Batts – poetic movements
8.-10.1.2027
In this workshop I will introduce my „poetic movement“ approach to dance, which brings together somatic, technical and compositional elements. My approach is based on the observation that in dance we tend to make a category error by thinking that the main focus of our attention should be „the body“ – either the hyper-objectivised body of the mirrored dance studio where we treat ourselves as machines, striving and copying, or the hyper-subjectivised body in somatic practice where it exists to give us sensations. These seem to me to be a bit like thinking that practising and playing music well involves giving our main attention to the instrument or to the player rather than the music itself.
I propose that we can return to the fundamentals of dancing as „real movement in real time engaged in with poetic intent“. From there we can explore the basic parameters of presence, time and space. We can do that with discipline and imagination while always treasuring our creative intuition in movement as the starting and ending points. Through rigorously structured improvisational explorations we will explore the grammar and syntax of phrases, the journey through vertical space, proximity, directive and adaptive phases of movement and other compositional parameters. We will send time watching each other and working in pairs and groups as well as solo. The process will naturally sustain and re-integrate our somatic, technical and compositional awarenesses
This workshop will be of interest for anyone with dance experience in any style as the material is relevant to any idiom. It will also be of interest to people with background in theatre or in other movement arts. Other artists who collaborate with dancers, such as musicians, photographers, designers, find the „poetic movement“ approach very helpful in developing the ability to watch deeply. The workshop is open to anyone with an interest in exploring movement with a poetic rather than a primarily athletic or primarily therapeutic disposition.
Steve Batts has been working professionally in movement arts as a creator, dancer, performer, teacher, director, mentor, producer and teacher of The Alexander Technique for over four decades. He works internationally and has performed and taught Ireland, United Kingdom, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, South Africa. His work includes creating full length choreographed work, improvisation scores, site specific and environmental practice. He makes work for other dancers, both solo and group pieces as well as performing his own work. His practice is deeply influenced by Contact Improvisation and by the Alexander Technique, both of which he has been involved with professionally for around 40 years. He currently focuses on various aspects of „embodying landscape“ and on developing sustainable practice and creative contexts for ensembles of dance artists of 60 years and older who have decades of professional practice behind them and the wisdom that comes with it. He is also writing about the theory and practice of „poetic movement, with a view to publishing over the next few years.
FR, 8.1. 17-19.30 Workshop
SA, 9.1. 10-16 Workshop; 19-22 Cross Over Jam (open for everyone)
SO, 10.1. 10-14
Early bird till 5.10.2026 160euro
regular price 200euro
REGISTRATION: institut@hara.at
It is possible to stay over night at the Studio!
