The Metamorphosis Method arose from the experience of its two architects, Iratxe Ansa and Igor Bacovich. Together they have shaped and honed a work methodology brought about as a result of their particular needs and fuelled by their inquisitiveness. The chance to work and be in contact with dancers from many distinct cultures and nationalities has served them well to test and verify the effective scope of their personalized method. They have spent countless hours developing this methodology in the studio.
The methodology actually resulted as a need to devise their work tools. It emphasises physicality because the fundamental preoccupation of both creators is the physical potential of the dancers. This is why their dancers are required to be versatile and technically well-trained. However, to them physicality also comes to mean a philosophy, which requires total physical, intellectual, and even emotional immersion.
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In their methodology they consciously work with all the movable parts of the body. They strive to make these physical abilities transform into a vehicle expressing emotions and ideas, and even become a concise and effective means of communication with the spectator.
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They search for the emotional authenticity in the inner depth of the dancer. Through imaginary stories, visualisations of colours, or conscious sensory exploration, they evoke the performers’ genuine feelings.
Finally, the mental and corporeal agility that the method aims to bring to the surface also gives the performer the freedom to express sensitivity, make assertive decisions, and even calculate risks.
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The benefits of this innovative method did not take long to be noticed by dance groups, companies, teaching institutions, and choreographic centres around the world. Many have wanted to summon the Ansa/Bacovich team to teach this methodology to their dancers. In this manner, the Metamorphosis International Residency was established. Its fledgling dance project consists of an intensive workshop and the staging of a choreographic creation.
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Beijing (2014), Mexico City (2015), San Sebastian (2016), Shanghai (2017) and Lisbon (2018) are but some of the cities that have successfully organised these residencies.
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In turn, these enriching experiences and the proven efficiency of their method have spurred Ansa and Bacovich on to create their own company, and create choreographies wholly resting on these principles.
Metamorphosis International Residency is an itinerant dance project that consist in a intensive workshop and a choreographic creation.
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The results are presented in a theatre as a full evening performance.
