b12 summer | main event
research or die.
no credits
b12 summer main event
— // —location: eden***** studios
Leila McMillan
soft lock
in this workshop, we will work with duality and how two truths can occupy the same space at the same time. we will build a system where movement and jiu jitsu intersect through engaging and disengaging in physical contact and distance. we will practise tools from solo/duo improvisation, jiu jitsu drills/concepts and passing through (dz) specific partner tools for our physical approach. we will work with hands as grips, feet as hooks, pushing and pulling, looping arms and legs, different ways to carry the body, to float on top. how to interlock limbs forming different body entanglements, how to go under and over, moving through states of tension and asserting physicality. duality is present in how two elements can coexist, whether this be abstract or tangible, opposite or complementary, working to form a dynamic system. we will work with visible and invisible partners, entering a shadow system with the memory of our partner. you will be led through different improvisation tasks, game- and goal-based structures, working with physical states, submissive and dominant structures, change of tension, invading and escaping one's space, and restrictions to create freedom. we will work in pairs, creating a space for a witness, a support, a director, an instigator, a shadow. this practice has been developing through the choreographic processes linked to 3 fingers at arm’s length (2017), curl of hair (2021), chasing ghosts (2023) and in the shade (2025).
the description reflects an artist’s idea which was developed at the time it was submitted to b12. it may have changed by the time the workshop or the performance project is starting. please stay flexible. thank you!
biography
leila mcmillan is an international choreographer, teacher and performer. she creates work that is high-energy, yet nuanced and abstract in its choreography, drawing on personal experiences focusing on themes of identity, gender and the cultural interface. she was artist in residence at hong kong academy for performing arts (hkapa) in 2017, creating 3 fingers at arm’s length. twice nominee for outstanding choreography at hong kong dance alliance awards. full-length work family portrait, 2015, was presented throughout the uk; digital work curl of hair, 2021, an intimate duet stemming from personal trauma; in the shade, a duet of intimacy through jiu jitsu. she was supported under the sadler’s wells artist development programme. as a performer she worked with david zambrano, vicky amedume, jasmina krizaj and nina fajdiga. she developed collabasia, touring work to hong kong and korea; part of the creative team creating minimax at clockenflap music festival 2025. since receiving a place on zambrano’s 50 days flying low and passing through, 2010, she led the development of this approach in the uk and brought it to hong kong. currently head of contemporary dance at hkapa, senior lecturer 2020–2025, lecturer at london contemporary dance school 2014–2020, taught in europe, middle east, asia, new zealand, u.s.a and south america. 2012–2020, co-director of muxima, award-winning independent cafe in east london. current jiu jitsu blue belt under fabio lim/tempo jiu jitsu hong kong.
please be aware of our early bird special offer for this workshop! you can apply for this offer up until the 24th of march 2025. after the 24th the regular workshop fee applies. applications are accepted up until one day before the workshops starts.
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