International Festival
THEATRE METHODS 05
Between Tradition and Contemporaneity

Évora Contemporary Dance Company (Portugal)

During the festival Nélia Pinheiro and Rafael Leitao
will present the workshop and the work demonstration.

CDCE - Improvisation Method

Pinheiro from CDCE will offer deep insight into the unique methods and techniques of dance improvisation as developed in the work of the CDCE (Companhia de dança Contemporânea de Évora). Based on the pioneering work of Rudolf von Laban and his definition of spatial frames as “traceforms” the participants will generate movements. In group interactions they will learn to develop sensitivity to architectural surroundings and to music. The participants get chances to develop an awareness of the folding and tilting mechanics in the body and to sense their individual space. Trough Pinheiro coaching a clear form of the body writing may emerge. Finally Pinheiro will focus on the analysis and creation of movement while improvising.

CDCE – work demonstration

Pinheiro and Leitão with a dancer will be working and presenting a short development of the pieces "Faust Study" and “Olho Fogo”. From the pieces they will explore variations and phrases integrating elements of contemporary dance such as weight and flow with movements, which have been generated through task-oriented systems and a ballet-based language out of its normal syntax. The work is danced to ethnic music and will be open for full audience participation. There will be some improvisation work based on tasks and phrases material.

BIOGRAPHIES

Nélia Pinheiro

Starts studying Classical Ballet, and later on took a dance Diploma at London Contemporary Dance School, in London.

Over the past 18 years as a professional dancer, she had the opportunity to develop work and further studies: in Paris, USA/N.Y. - Martha Graham Dance School, Austria, and England.

Worked and studied under the direction of Chris Carter, Viola Farber, Gaye Andrews, Daniela Lorets, Richard Gain, Ramon Oller,
Benvindo Fonseca (Ballet Gulbenkian), Gagik Ismailian (Ballet Gulbenkian), António Carallo (Wupertal Tanztheater), Ludger Lamers, Dominique Mercy (Wupertal Tanztheater), Elizabeth Corbert (Frankfurt Ballet), Janet Panetta, Milton Myers. Developed movement for Theatre works such as G. Tabori and Michael Vinaver in CENDREV – Portugal, and for Television drama works.

In 1989 create Évora Contemporary Dance Company, a Professional Dance - Cultural Association, through which all the activity that in dance is performed in the community is directed. This activity combines the formation, the production, the diffusion and the choreographic creation as a working base element.

Since then is the artistic director of the Company and taught at CDCE Dance School. Portugal Ministry of Culture and Evora City Hall supports the dance company project and the professional school since 1994.

In 1990 started independently her choreographic work, for CDCE Dance Company create since 15 pieces, her work travel all over Europe.

In Évora – Portugal leads an annual dance program at CDCE Dance School based in Improvisation Technologies and Laban studies.

Since 2000, Pinheiro dance works are produced by CDCE, and by then started to developed a personal method of work inside of the CDCE.

In 2001 starts a close collaboration with Susanne Linke.

Since 2003 is a Pilates Teacher, and guest teacher at Gordon Thompson Rehabilitations Studios, in London.

Rafael Leitao

Has a degree Drama by EFTCCE from 1989 to 1992. Since 1992 participates in theatre, TV and Cinema projects. Since 1994, teaches drama and dance in Official Schools, private, workshops, and also in CDCE Dance School.

In 1995 worked in Sweden under the direction of Eugenio Barba, Nicola Savarese – ODIN Theatret, and participate in Theatre Mundi directed by Eugénio Barba.

His formation as a contemporary dancer made him travel to USA, Italy, Denmark, Austria and Poland. Worked under the direction of António Carallo, Ludger Lamers, Elizabeth Corbett, José Navas, Jennifer Lacey.

Started in 1997 working independently as dancer/performer, choreographer and organisation of transdisciplinary projects, collaborating with actors, dancers, musicians, visual artists, choreographers, performers, light designers, and since then presented his pieces in Spain, Poland, Italy, Denmark. Create and direct to Companhia de Dança Contemporânea de Évora, the pieces Rilkean Heart, Despertares, Azul Azul, Piece II, Perfilados de Medo, Azul Azul, Laboratorium Faust.

In 1996, 2002, developed a research project at Odin Theatret, and ISTA, and participate in the work of the Jerzy Grotowski and
Thomas Richards Research Centre in Italy. Later on was an active participant in the research project of Peter Brook, Peter Stein.

In 1999 Merit Award of Évora University, Portugal.