“In the creation process of this work, I felt completely free.
I have explored opposing, radically different dance languages whilst working with the music of Julia Wolfe and simultaneously encouraging the dancers to give life to Hanna Kulenty’s GG Concerto. I challenged them to be rhythmically very strict, but at the same time impulsive and playful, so they could bring out all the beautiful textures and phrasing in the compositions.

As I was watching these dancers fool around in the studio, I observed my own pleasure of being surrounded by these extremely talented artists, and the saying “like a kid in a candy shop” came to mind.
One of its definitions is: “Someone feeling overwhelming joy, excitement, and unbridled enthusiasm, often leading to uncontrolled or silly behavior, due to being surrounded by many desirable choices or abundance.” This is exactly how I have felt these past weeks.

Dear audience, I hope this work will also awaken that kind of childlike feeling in you: offering so many beautiful, wild, funny and/or gorgeous movements, instant choices and people to look at; an abundance of life in these dark times.

I dedicate this work to Hans Van Manen, who taught me a lot, but above all, to remain playful.”
– Jan Martens

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