Power Moves

This is all about the power of movement – or the movement of power. In a tension-filled field between historical ceremonies of movement at the courts and fighting gatherings in battle hip hop, Fabien Prioville’s new play deals with the complex of power, body and movement. So, the Düsseldorf choreographer assumes that aesthetic means of uses in movement and the deployment of bodies do not only serve the staging of power in dance, but also elsewhere: His choreography scrutinises contemporary movement concepts, their contexts, their legibility and interpretations in different ways. Fabien Prioville interweaves body images and movement patterns, from the courts and from hip hop, and plays around with the resulting association chambers and stereotypes.
“Power Moves” are at the core of power here – borrowed from the technical term in street dance that describes outstandingly virtuosic movements. Their possible consequences will be investigated throughout the spectrum. How (in)visible or (un)clear do ceremonies and movement cultures illustrate, generate or subvert power? Which historic lines and bridges can be accounted for in both spheres, in those of hip hop and the court?
Fabien Prioville came across the inspiration for “Power Moves” in the collaboration with Philippine hip hop artist Vince Mendoza and the Southeast Asian street dance scene. He will develop a contemporary dance piece for five urban dancers for the first time, dancers who are based on the Philippines, yet active in all of Southeast Asia.
Fabien Prioville, as a dancer and choreographer, is strongly influenced by aesthetic imprint received through his participation in Pina Bausch’s Wuppertal Tanztheater, a characterisation of his work later augmented by the inclusion of an acute examination of new technologies throughout the last years.

Duration: 60 min.