THE START
The metamorphosis method was initiated by Iratxe Ansa. Her vocational dance training and professional career has shaped her method and teaching philosophy. Having worked and learned from master teachers and choreographers in the dance world, she brought together through this method, excellence and fresh insight to shape a new generation of performing dancers.
In the last few years, Iratxe and Igor have been travelling internationally, working with both students and professional dancers workshopping their ideas, translating their movement language and passing it onto dancers of all artistic and creative backgrounds. Their method focuses deeply on the importance of process, working to pull individuals out of their comfort zone and reach their absolute maximum physical, emotional and artistic potential.
WHAT IT IS
Metamorphosis is a process of transformation and growth. It is a process of maturing, whereby dancers become artists. This method leads dancers on a path that calls for disciplined, focused and intelligent hard work. It encourages creativity through guided exploration - a nurtured and trusted environment where artistic knowledge is transferred and explored.
This aids dancers to demonstrate high quality movement skills with physical strength, aesthetic quality and aligned pathways. Technical skills become a vehicle to speak with the body and a means of expression to communicate dance at the highest level.
The method commences Starting on the floor with a series of exercises aimed to awaken the potential of the holistic body.
It follows a classical barre which provides an important gateway to fully understanding the extremely physically demanding work. However, it is a far cry from its traditional and practical form. Iratxe gives imagery to ignite the senses, and a powerful sense of breath is used to ‘contaminate’ the body, the skin, and the organs with energy. The goal is to be fully present and alert, and to keep this concentration throughout the entire process.
Immediately following the barre, dancers begin to explore different parts of the body in a guided improvisation. It is a multi sensory experience: sight, smell, touch, and sound.
These elements are built into the process from the very beginning, yet at this point , the body is warm and fuelled, stable yet agile, and ready to leave its being and transform itself. Although the improvisation is a highly individual exploration, Iratxe often encourages interactions within the group to increase awareness of the present moment which is being created.
A creation of personal choreographical material is then found based on the skills acquired during the improvisation. The process of personal investigation is then coached individually with the aim to visualize and work with the material from another perspective and enrich it.
The use of breath is key in understanding this process. The body is woken up and made pliable through deep breath and is then used to show dynamisms. Dancers learn that breath is the initial impetus to give movements their desired quality. Through breath, musicality is intelligently understood and thus shown.
WHY WE DO IT
Working in this way over a period of time truly transforms dancers both physically and mentally. Barriers are broken through, limitations once set from a previous experience become none existent , and a deep inner self confidence ensues.
Through the metamorphosis method dancers are able to show refined technique, by incorporating subtle, sensitive movements of the feet, legs, spine and arms - right through to the fingertips. All areas of the body are thought of to give maximum effect. This physical sensitivity enables dancers to respond in a detailed manner, adding special nuances to the given material.
This method cultivates the desire to become thoughtful dancers; artists who reflect on knowledge of body and mind through their various experiences. It is a mentored process which leads dancers on a path of enrichment and great satisfaction. Reflection is facilitated throughout the process to give dancers a voice to express with words, what they felt and expressed through movement. This allows dancers to experience a sense of self-empowerment where they can make their own decisions and take risks with the skills they have acquired.
There is a strong focus on imagery, imagination and visualisation. Dancers are encouraged to express movements through multi-sensory experiences; sight, smell, touch and sound. All areas of the body are explored through these sensory channels.
The metamorphosis method compliments dance fundamentals by adding strong focus on introspection, leading to an original and creative expression of self.
Metamorphosis takes one on a positive journey of active learning. This approach allows dancers to find optimal individual paths to reach brilliant outcomes for themselves as well as the desired goal for the entire team. The intelligent dancer will thrive in this environment, and will be left feeling hungry to learn and explore further.
