Third Space Programme

THIRD SPACE

BATH SPA DANCE DEGREE SHOWS 14 - 16 MAY 2024

Welcome to Third Space 2024

The annual Bath Spa Dance degree shows

Welcome to Third Space 2024. This three-day event is a celebration of the rich and creative imaginations of this year’s graduating dance artists from BA Dance at Bath Spa University. From solo performance, to screendance work to group choreographies, we hope you will enjoy exploring a range of new live dance experiences. In addition to the final thesis works this year’s programme also includes a newly commissioned choreographic work by Faye Stoeser and three new solo dance performances presented by BSU dance alumni.

We hope you enjoy the work.

The Dance Team

All performances take place in the University Theatre unless otherwise stated. Events are free to attend. No booking required.

Vocare Asatro by Ryan Manser

TUESDAY 14 MAY

2PM | THE THEORY OF ‘REALITY’

Directed/ Choreographed by Katie Baggott. Co-choreographed by Hollie Clapham and Mia Southby.

What would happen if normal human intelligence were to be taken over by technological advances? Do you already feel like your phone knows more about yourself than you do? This piece is an exploration of some of the effects digital technology is having on individuals. Can we reconnect with our human, instinctive roots and break the vicious, digital circuit?

2:30PM | SENSING SOUND

Choreographed and performed by Hanna Kelf, co-created and performed in collaboration with Teen Edwards, Leah Graham and Mia Neri

When the sense of hearing is absent, how does the body learn to perceive sound in a different way? A vibrotactile experience through Deaf ears.

3PM | RURAL MIND

A screendance choreographed, directed, filmed and edited by Hollie Clapham. This film has original music composition by FieldWorm Audio and is performed by Claudine Antaki, Katie Baggott, Lizzie Wilson and Hanna Kelf.

An exploration into the relationship between the rural landscape and the moving body.

4:15PM | SERPENTIFORM

Choreography by Faye Stoeser and performed by 1st Year BA Hons dancers

Serpentiform emulates the twists and turns of a snake akin to the twists, dips and bends we experience in life. Every success, failure, joy and grief shapes the outer curves and inner textures of who we are. Through life’s constant cycle of change, we constantly shed our restrictive skins like that of a snake, allowing growth and transformation.

This piece is the final product of the BA Hons 1st year performance intensive module. This year the students have worked with London based dance artist Faye Stoeser. Faye’s choreographic work is a fusion of contemporary, vogueing and underground dance styles.

Dancers – Lizzie Wilson, Amber Smith, Ellen Sheerman, Lizzie Pearce, Beau Norris, Mia Neri, Gracie Longshaw, Kelsey Cawser, Izzi Alymer, Issy Buckle, Sofia Buhl, Olivia Demetriou, Lily Spears, Ruowei Zhao, Paige Collins

4.45PM | EVERYTHING I KNOW NOW

A solo choreographed and performed by Joshua Owen.

‘I find myself in a familiar place... again. The walls hold me here.’

This autobiographical dance performance acts as a love letter to the past. The solo explores the human condition and examines the process of self-acceptance. The journey towards acceptance doesn’t look the same for everyone and perhaps may do more harm than good.

5:15PM

| DIVIDE

Directed/ Choreographed and performed by Ellie Jenkins. Co-choreographed and performed by Claudine Antaki, Fatemeh Sherafat Vaziri, Ruowei Zhao, Olivia Demetriou

When does it stop?

When can two communities work as one?

When can resources be shared between everyone? A world where hierarchy doesn’t discriminate!

WEDESDAY 15 MAY

2PM | BEGUN BY YOU

Devised and choreographed by Daisy Powers-Maguire in collaboration with Mia Kolind, Kathryn Scott, and Izzy Partridge.

Was that really the right choice? What if you had decided something else instead? Imagine if you chose to go down a different path - would the outcome be the same? Even though there are 8 billion people on this planet, your individual impact is bigger than you could ever imagine.

2:30PM | SOMNAMBULANT

Choreographed, directed and performed by Teen Edwards. Performed and co-created with Joshua Owen, Rosie Greenwood, Lucy Davis and Beau Norris.

When sleep is deprived, the body enters a state of confusion. This piece explores the interplay between the physical exhaustion and cognitive functioning of a sleep-depleted body. The performers explore experiences of both the personal and wider consequences of the human body in a somnambulant state.

3PM | SYNERGIA

Choreographed and performed by Leah Graham in collaboration with Kathryn Scott, Esme Dunn-Crowley, Issy Buckle and Mia Neri.

What if women were to reimagine the stories and myths that society is built upon to hold themselves at the forefront? Would we see the transformative power of unity among women, or would they tear each other apart?

Instagram: @leahgrahamdance

4PM | THE EMBODIED FLOW: UNLEASHING CREATIVITY.

Researched, curated and presented by Cerys Culver

This presentation delves into the concept of flow theory, through the lens of somatic practice. In this immersive exploration, you will embark on a journey to understand the intricate relationships between mind, body and environment, and how this shapes our experience of flow.

This presentation takes place in UT.113 which is on the first floor of the University Theatre Building. This event has a limited capacity so if you would like to attend then please email cerys.culver21@bathspa.ac.uk to reserve your space. The studio will be open for audience to arrive from 3.45pm.

4.30PM | SOLIS

Choreographed and performed by Edyta Lisocka in collaboration with Esme Dunn-Crowley, Meg Lages, Rosie Greenwood and Fatemeh Sherafat Vaziri

Can you recall the moments when you have stepped outside on a sunny morning and can feel the heat on your face? The sun has a long and symbolic history in our life, it is a divine power, a giver of life.

Audience will be asked to watch this piece standing up on the balcony. Please see our front of house team if you have any accessibility issues.

Instagram: @edyta.dance

5PM | VOCARE ASATRO

Choreographed and directed by Ryan Manser in collaboration with Issy Buckle, Lizzie Pearce and Mercedes Vincent.

(Vocare: Invoke, Asatro: Worship of the Norse Gods)

This piece explores the ritualistic practices of Nordic Pagan traditions. Drawing on gods, ancestors and the elements, the dancers seek to respect and call upon supernatural forces. But what if the wrong forces manifest and take form?

Instagram: @ryanmanserdance

THURSDAY 16 MAY

This year we are delighted to be able to programme three solo dance performances by Bath Spa Dance alumni.

4PM | MATTERS, IN MY OWN HANDS

Music, sound design, text, choreography and performance by Katharina Willrett

Matters, In My Own Hands” catalogues a series of musical, textual and choreographic attempts at meaning-making and at regaining agency in face of tragedy, that are combined into a performance work of sound and movement, that negotiates living in an irrational Universe.

It illustrates a perpetual power struggle against the elements, and visceral encounters with forces such as destiny, responsibility, predisposition, and the effects of indelible experiences.

4:45PM | THE SKELETON IS WHITE

Created and performed by Divija Melally

The work explores how in the present modern-day world, the colour of our skin can affect our relationship to each other and to the environment that surrounds us. Our intrinsic DNA mechanisms have wired our body and mind to respond involuntarily in particular environments, triggering the fight or flight mode. As we move with the times in a constantly changing world, how might we make our own bodies forget and disregard race? How do we erase the inscribed whiteness of the skeleton?

5.20PM | DOSTOYEVSKY MADE ME DO IT

Creation and performance by João Oliveira with text from Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

A man living in solitude in the underground shares with the audience an insight into his life and his beliefs.

This work has been supported by Bath Spa University, Sparkfest; Balleteatro, Instável - Centro Coreográfico; Teatro Aveirense, Festival DDD; CAMPUS Paulo Cunha e Silva Coproductions: Instável - Centro Coreográfico; Teatro Aveirense

Third Space 2024 is a collaborative project produced by Theatre and Festival Events Production (TFEP) and Dance

TFEP has been collaborating on this project for over 10 years, and what an exciting creative collaboration it is! During their time at university, having the opportunity to work with other creatives and disciplines is a great experience to feed forward to their professional careers.

Every year a lighting designer, video designer, sound designer and stage management team work with the choreographers to realise their visions onstage, complementing their dance works.

As technology moves on, the creative possibilities are huge. It is a pleasure to see the different ideas every year, whilst mentoring the team to give their professional and industry standard best. This process prepares them for a positive future of collaboration in the industry.

Chris Barham – Third Space Production Manager

THEATRE AND FESTIVAL EVENTS PRODUCTION TEAM

Lighting Designer

James Allkins is a third year Theatre, Festival, and Event Production student who specialises in lighting and sound. This is his second time working on Third Space but his first time in an official lighting design role. He is very excited to collaborate with all the dancers in bringing their ideas to life on stage.

Sound & Video Designer

Ryan McHugh is a third-year student who specialises in lighting and sound. This is his second Sound Design role, and his first Video Design role. He aspires to become a Sound Designer/ Operator after university.

Sound & Video Operator

Charlie Bailey is a second year Theatre Festival and Event Production student who specialises in lighting and sound. This will be Charlie’s first sound and video role. Instagram: charliebailey_tech

Sound & Video Operator

Harry Evans is a second year Theatre, Festival and Event Production student who specialises in sound and stagecraft.

Production Electrician and Programmer

Leanne Strutton is a third-year student who is specialising in Sound and Lighting. She is excited about taking on the role of Production Electrician and Programmer for Third Space this year. Instagram @Leanne_Technician

Deputy Production Manager & Stage Manager

Lily Jack is a third-year student on the Theatre, Festival and Event Production course, who is specialising in Stage Management and Scenography. Instagram @lilyt_ech

Deputy Stage Manager

Indigo Jones is a third-year student specialising in Stage management and Lighting. This will be her first Deputy Stage Manager role. Instagram @indigojonesproduction

Assistant Stage Manager

Megan Ellis is a Second-year Theatre, Festival and Event Production student specialising in stage management and sound design. This will be her second time appearing as an assistant stage manager.

Assistant Stage Manager

Juliet Moore is a second year student who specialises in Stage Management and Sound. This will be Juliet’s second ASM role with Bath Spa Productions. Instagram @julietm_tech

MORE BATH SPA DANCE EVENTS

PLAY THE MUSEUM

FRIDAY 17 MAY | 6PM - 8.30PM

MA DANCE | MA FINE ART | MA SOUND

Bath Spa University postgraduate students respond to the collection, the space and the history of the Holburne Museum in a playful, crossdisciplinary collaboration, combining artwork, music and dance.

The building will be reanimated with contemporary artwork and site-specific performance that takes as its starting point the possibilities and limitations of translation from one form to another: space – sound – movement – object.

Short performances will be happening in different places throughout the evening and audience members can come and go as they please in front of your eyes.