The contributors include Philippe Priasso, Lisa Nelson, La Tati, Julyen Hamilton, Yoshito Ohno, Steve Paxton, Will Gaines, Jane Dudley, Pauline de Groot and Bisakha Sarker.
Taken as a whole, the interviews, with their long and
international perspective, invite a radical re-appraisal of the development of
modern and post modern dance; their varied cultural starting points give rise
to serious questions about the meaning of dance as an art form. They discuss early training, memorable performing experiences, the things that sustain them and the pleasures and challenges of being ‘older’ dancers in a profession in which youth is often idolised.
‘A long awaited, remarkable collection that gives life to
the dancing body. At last a chance to hear the voices of these very special
performer/creators who have carried the discoveries of the new dance movement
over 30 years. What is so exciting and beautiful is that the writing is
as unique as each of the creative identities. A book to treasure for all those
who have sought to understand the moving body.’
Rosemary Butcher, Choreographer
‘If today we are learning to value older dancers this is
largely due to the revolution in dance practices and training methods that took
place in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of the interviews in this book are with
pioneers of new ways of moving that focus on somatic practices which have been
informed by an understanding of the dancing body that embraces both aesthetics
and politics. Lansley and Early have been at the forefront of these
developments in Britain and The Wise Body not only adds to our historical knowledge
but also offers new insights into the practice of experienced dancers.’
Ramsay Burt, Professor of Dance History, De Montfort
University
ISBN: 9781841504186 | Paperback
Pub date: May 2011 | Price: £16.95, $30
Available to purchase from Intellect Books, see web address below.