Forward Motion is a package of high quality screen dance featuring seminal, historic and groundbreaking films. This programme creates a moving snapshot of Britain’s prolific screen dance industry and a taste of the art form. Featuring historic, seminal and ground breaking films, Forward Motion creates a moving snapshot of Britain’s prolific screen dance output. A British Council project co-produced with South East Dance and supported by Arts Council England; the collection has been curated by an expert committee comprised of representatives from these three organisations alongside artists, producers and academics.

Forward Motion is designed for screenings and events in the UK and worldwide over the next three years, not only celebrating British screen dance talent but also engaging new artists, markets, audiences and participants in this exciting artform. A website with space for film galleries, competitions, and a unique education resource will launch in summer 2009.

Click here to watch the Forward Motion promo trailer

<Recent Events>
If you have any inquiries about our programme, please feel free to contact us: arts@britishcouncil.org.cn

<Guangzhou>
Screen+Dance - Forward Motion
Time: 15:00-16:30, 1 August 2010
Venue: E7, Redtory Art and Living District, No.128, the Fourth of Yuancun Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (Linjiang Avenue, Zhujiang New Town)
Price: RMB50/25(student)
Tickets available at Guangzhou Yunna Dance Company.
Ticket hotline: 020-87258080

The screening is part of the 2010 Breaking Art Festival presented by Guangzhou Yunna Dance Company. A crossover improvisation will also be brought to you on site by local renowned modern dance artists Long Yunna, director Chen Shi and video photographer Mai Yongxi through deconstruction, decomposition and recreation.

<Beijing> (Free!)
Time: 14:30 - 17:00, Sunday 9 May 2010
Venue: Press Release Hall, National Centre of Performing Arts, Beijing

<Shanghai> (Free!)
Time: 15:30 - 17:00, Sunday, 21 March 2010
Venue: 2/F Auditorium hall, Minsheng Art Museum (Bldg.F No.570 Huaihai(W) Rd, Shanghai)
Notice: Limited number of seats available (only 100). First come first served.

<Xi'An> (Free!)
Time: 19:00, Saturday 6 March, 2010
Venue: Academy Hall (Xueshu Ting), Xi’An Music Academy

The Forward Motion DVD collection includes:

1. FORWARD MOTION: INTROS
Professor Liz Aggiss introduces the genre of screen dance. This programme includes short dance films with artist interviews. Includes Touched by Wendy Houstoun and David Hinton, Tra La La by Magali Charrier and the rarely seen gems Basini by Liz Aggiss and Billy Cowie and Sardinas by Lea Anderson.

2. FORWARD MOTION: INSIGHTS
Dr. Vena Ramphal presents a programme of experimental films with artists discussing their work. Features the enchanting Hands by ex-Royal Ballet soloist Jonathan Burrows and filmmaker Adam Roberts, Vanishing Point by Rosemary Butcher and Horizon of Exile by Isabel Rocamora (winner IMZ best screen choreography 2007).

3. FORWARD MOTION: ARTISTS’ CHOICE
High profile dance makers introduce a film that has inspired their practice. Includes Akram Khan introducing Lloyd Newson’s multi-award winning The Cost of Living; Rosemary Butcher selecting an excerpt of Feature Film by visual artist Douglas Gordon; and Shobana Jeyasingh choosing Miranda Pennell’s Tattoo.

FORWARD MOTION: INTROS
Presented by Professor Liz Aggiss (University of Brighton)

1. Sardinas Director/Choreographer: Lea Anderson Composer: Steve Blake A LWT production; 1990 2. Tra La La Director: Magali Charrier Choreographer: Viv Moore A South East Dance and Moving Pictures Festival of Dance on Film and Video co-commission for Channel 4 and Bravo Fact; 2004 3. Line Dance Director/Choreographer: Alex Reuben Co-choreographer: Afua Awuku Production Company: MJW Productions A MJW Productions, Channel 4 and Arts Council England co-commission; 2003 4. Basini Director/Choreographer: Liz Aggiss and Billy Cowie Producer: Liz Aggiss and Billy Cowie; 1995 5. Motion Control Director: David Anderson Choreographer: Liz Aggiss and Billy Cowie Production Company: Zed Film Company An Arts Council England/BBC co-production; 2002 6. Gold Director: Rachel Davies Choreographer: Hanna Gilgren Production Company: Spectacle Productions A Capture commission; 2004 7. The Incomplete Autobiography Director/Choreographer: Rajyashree Ramamurthi A South East Dance production; 2004 8. Touched Director: David Hinton Choreographer: Wendy Houstoun Production Company: Airtight Films An Arts Council England/BBC co-production; 1994

The British Council and South East Dance worked with an expert committee to curate the programme. The committee includes (with their occupation at the time of consultation):

•Professor Liz Aggiss, University of Brighton and artist
•Vicky Bloor, Head of Screen Dance, South East Dance
•Steven Brett, Drama and Dance Adviser, British Council
•Morag Deyes, Artistic Director, Dance Base
•Emma Gladstone, Producer Live Screen, Sadler’s Wells
•Cathy Gomez, Drama and Dance Adviser, British Council
•Nicky Molloy, Director, Dance4
•Mairead Turner, Chief Executive, South East Dance
•Jamie Watton, Senior Dance Strategy Officer, Arts Council England
•Marisa Zanotti, University of Chichester and artist

The previous edition of Forward Motion toured to over 20 countries between 1999 and 2004. Contact forwardmotion@britishcouncil.org for more information.

<Previous Events>

<Shenzhen>
Forward Motion – Artists’ Choice premier screening in Shenzhen at Jumping Frames Outstanding Dance Video Showcase (Free Admission; First-come, first-served)
Time: 19:30,  9 January 2010
Venue: OCT Contemporary Art Terminal, Enping Road, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Following the resounding success of the screening of “Forward Motion – Artists’ Choice” in Guangzhou, Forward Motion, which is co-produced by the British Council and South East Dance, will be presented in Shenzhen. Forward Motion is a compilation of historic, seminal and groundbreaking dance videos that creates a stream of moving snapshots of the UK’s prolific screen dance output. It celebrates British screen dance talents as well as engaging new artists, audience and participants to this exciting niche art form. Shenzhen’s premiere screening, with post-screening discussion session, is part of the Jumping Frames Outstanding Dance Video Showcase presented by City Contemporary Dance Company of Hong Kong and OCT Contemporary Art Terminal. Programme Enquiries: +86 (0755) 26915007/ 26915100
www.jumpingframes.com

<Guangzhou>
Forward Motion Guangzhou Premier in Jumping Frames Dance Video Festival (12 December 2009)
Co-produced by the British Council and South East Dance, Forward Motion is a compilation of historic, seminal and groundbreaking dance videos that creates a stream of moving snapshots of the UK’s prolific screen dance output. It celebrates British screen dance talents as well as engaging new artists, audience and participants to this exciting niche art form. Guangzhou’s premiere screening, with post-screening discussion session, is part of the Jumping Frames Dance Video Festival: Guangzhou presented by City Contemporary Dance Company of Hong Kong and Guangdong Modern Dance Company.