New choreographers emerge

Falling for dance: work by Kimberly Clarke to be performed at Emerge 13

Opportunities for budding dance choreographers to try out work in front of an audience are limited, which is why dance producer Adam Towndrow founded Emerge, which returns to The Space this month.

Emerge 13 will give choreographers a  five-night run at the Isle of Dogs theatre, allowing them to see their work brought to life on stage.

“It’s a unique platform that really helps to grow the piece,” says Towndrow.

“The work is seen by an audience each night which means the artist can say ‘oh right that’s interesting… I’ll do something different next time’. You can’t always do that if you’re touring.”

The programme includes work by Lewis Major, a highly rated Australian choreographer and dancer, and the world premiere of Wolfpack, a new piece by John Ross, winner of the Matthew Bourne 2014 New Adventures Choreographer Award.

“His particular piece is going to be filmed and taken to the V&A – to be preserved on on some dusty DVD probably,” jokes Towndrow.

“There’s a lot of anticipation and I know it’ll be really dynamic.”

Choreographers from all over the UK and beyond will take part in Emerge 13, which is run by the established C-12 Dance Theatre.

However, Towndrow is keen for the project to make an impact on a local level.

“Part of our ethos is to bring movement and dance to people who haven’t experienced it before,” he says.

“Since we did the show last year [at The Space] there’s been loads of dance here that’s been well-received by local people so it goes to show that trying out something for the first time can have positive effects on the community.”

Emerge 13 is at The Space, 269 Westferry Road, E14 3RS from 5-9 November/12-16 November