Metamorphosis International Residency, Shanghai 2017 was a great success for all involved. We had a super team this year, where everyone worked particularly well together. We had many interesting discussions, exchanged opinions, fun and laughter and really went for it with enthusiasm and dedication. Definitely very satisfying finishing a project off on such a high note. Iratxe and Igor’s method of working gives opportunity for enriching personal, technical, artistic, physical

The last day of Metamorphosis International Residency, Shanghai 2017 has arrived. Tonight’s performance concludes the project. These are always bitter sweet moments. Having been together as a group for a month has been a uniquely creative experience. Many new friendships have formed across the variety of cultures, while art was exchanged with art. Iratxe and Igor are warriors! They are such a big inspiration for everyone they work with: they never give up; always aiming for t

Today was our last day in the studio, so it had to be especially thoughtful work in order that tomorrow goes as smoothly as possible on stage. It is easier to rehearse in the comfort of a studio compared to a stage. The past few days have given opportunity for all involved to discuss and talk about their thoughts after the day’s work. These are always great learning and sharing sessions. Here are a few points of discussion that arose: Aiming for the strongest, most precise “h

Iratxe and Igor are not the kind of choreographers who tell their dancers exactly what to think during a particular step or section of choreography. They prefer to guide the dancers with clear images and then let the individual’s creativity and intelligence complete the work. A sense of freedom and maturity can be supported in this way. “Listen with your left ear..suspicious..eyes in the back, move solid air….say something with your own story,” is what Iratxe and Igor would a

Only a few more days left before we head into the theatre next Monday. This afternoon was dedicated to running the work from beginning to end to get an overall look. Early evening, the cleaning up process was the next priority. With group work it is always the challenge that everyone does the exact version of a step. Whether it is corps de ballet in Swan Lake or sections from this year’s Metamorphosis in Shanghai, the skills that need to be applied for good teamwork are the s