EXPRESSIONS: the power and politics of expectations in dance
Photo: Sierra Ortega
EXPRESSIONS: the power and politics of expectations in dance is an ongoing research project that explores expectations in dance.
The project officially began in March 2017 and is led by Icelandic choreographer Steinunn Ketilsdóttir in conversation and collaboration with a body of established international artists and scholars. Throughout its duration, research findings and outcomes kaleidoscopically manifest themselves through performances, presentations and publications.
This project aims to be a catalyst for the generation of new knowledge in the field of dance art. Through an entangled mode of research, which uses theoretical and choreographic methods, EXPRESSIONS explores the potentialities of the art form outside of its expected manifestations. The project rhizomatically operates as a spacemaker, opening up territories where critical engagement with the inner and outer structural expectations of dance can be encountered. A space of exploration and analysis. A space which invites deep listening. A space where we can envision and practice the dance of tomorrow.
Participants
The research body for EXPRESSIONS consists of a group of established artists from across world that have been passing through the project since its initiation in March 2017. This research body is in constant flux and continues to shift and shape as the project progresses.
Steinunn Ketilsdóttir (IS), Sierra Ortega (US), Mia Habib (NO), Snædís Lilja Ingadóttir (IS), Lovísa Ósk Gunnarsdóttir (IS), Védís Kjartansdóttir (IS), Áskell Harðarson (IS), Leticia Skrycky (UY)
Artist Partners: Erla Rut Mathiesen (IS), Saga Sigurðardóttir (IS), Halla Ólafsdóttir (SE/IS), Moa Sahlin (SE), Karin Jameson (SE), Maija Hirvanen (FI), Marie-Louise Stentebjerg (DK), Louise Ahl (SE/UK).
Organization Partners: Iceland Academy of the Arts, Performing Arts Department (IS). Iceland Dance Compnay (IS). Reykjavík Dance Atelier (IS). Reykjavík Dance Festival (IS). Nordic House Iceland (IS). Dansens Hus, Stockholm (SE). WELD, Stockholm (SE). BORA BORA, Aarhus (DE). Dansarena Nord, Hammerfest (NO). Avantgarden, Trondheim (NO). DansiT, Trondheim (NO). Tanzhaus Zurich (CH). Dance Base, National Centre for Dance, Edinburgh (UK). Writing Movement Network 2.0.
About Steinunn Ketilsdóttir
Steinunn Ketilsdóttir is an Icelandic choreographer based in Reykjavík. She has a BSc. Degree in Business Administration from Reykjavík University and in 2005 she earned a BA in Dance from Hunter College New York. In 2016 she graduated with a Master in Performance Studies from NYU Tisch School of Arts where she was awarded the coveted Performance Studies Award upon graduation.
Steinunn has worked internationally throughout her career both independently and in collaboration with other artists, creating a number of works that have been shown at various venues and festivals in Iceland and across Europe and US. She has been nominated for the Icelandic Theater Awards for her works and collaborations and in 2010 she received awards for both performance and choreography for her solo Superhero.
Steinunn has been a teacher at the Performing Arts Department of the Iceland Academy of the Arts since 2007 where she was recently granted a research fellow position. Throughout her career she has been an active member of the independent dance scene in Iceland and involved
in the development of Reykjavík Dance Festival and the Reykjavík Dance Atelier.
Steinunn continues to develop and present her ongoing solo project, OVERSTATEMENT/OVERSTEINUNN: Expressions of Expectations and is currently working on the choreographic research project EXPRESSIONS: the power and politics of expectations in dance, alongside other collaborative projects.