Richard Chappell Dance

‘See Yourself Drift’

‘See Yourself Drift’ is a fleeting exploration of Richard Chappell’s attachment to being aware of his thoughts in outdoor spaces. Set to poetry (which you can read below) of his own writing and featuring dancers from Richard Chappell Dance, the movement and words are reactive to each other, demonstrating what sentiments can be expressed best in words, and what sensations can be expressed best through movement. Both forms of expression align to show the current need to reconnect with beloved outdoor spaces, as well as the willingness to give time to observe one’s own thoughts.

The piece has been shaped to encourage young people to grow and match their creative writing skills with their interests in choreography and dance. The programme celebrates the similarities and differences between what can be expressed through writing and what can be expressed through choreography. By focusing on people’s experiences in outdoor spaces, the project encourages young people to find relief and acceptance in outdoor environments after a long period of being at home. The piece is accompanied by an information pack for schools to replicate their own versions of the film and/or shape their own responses to it

‘See Yourself Drift’ is the fourth collaboration between choreographer Richard Chappell and filmmaker Daniel Martin.

Choreographer and Writer: Richard Chappell
Filmmaker: Daniel Martin
Dancers: Tia Hockey and Joey Barton
Creative Writing Mentor: Saoirse Anton
Rehearsal Support: Will Thompson
Shot at Cockington Court, Torquay, and created with support from Exeter Northcott Theatre.

You can catch the company performing live at Exeter Northcott on 24-25 September, with their new production Infinite Ways Home. Follow this link for more information. Richard Chappell Dance is an internationally renowned and award-winning dance company, which has toured worldwide from its base in Exeter. Richard’s choreography is regularly embedded in outdoor environments, and ‘See Yourself Drift’ is the final film in the company’s existing digital programme, which has been featured in BBC Arts Culture in Quarantine.

www.richardchappelldance.co.uk

See yourself drift by Richard Chappell

Arcing fields. Stretching and rounding. Steep. Wind meeting open eyes. Arms outstretched.
Accept where you are right now.
Trees on a slope. Lining the ground in spiralled roots. Entwined. Light drifting through the canopy onto feet and arms. Patterns form on the body.
Alcove by the waterside. Charged by both silence and the never ending ocean undercurrent. Staying buoyant.
Feel a thread between seabed, ground and sky.
Stay until dusk. The twinkling lights of the town meet the closing embers of sunlight.
A symphony of chirps, cars and calls. Far off and close. Quiet to your right. A space between sounds. Where the daily noises of our world arrive at nothing, then disappear.
Observe your thinking. See yourself drift.
No amount of imagination can match feeling grass between finger tips, or skin on bark. Let your hands lead.
An insatiable urge to venture further than what’s known. Defiance in the face of makeshift limits that surround you.
Breathe. Take one step forwards and ignore the rest.
Go outside.