The boy who never grows old
The boy who never grows old - a dance production featuring the freshest new dance talent in Britain today!
Created in the East Midlands in autumn 2006, The boy who never grows old was created as part of Retina’s PAGE1 project for graduate dancers. Supported by Arts Council England, this project enabled six dancers selected from a national audition to kick-start their careers under the artistic direction of Filip Van Huffel. The creation of the new production was part of a project that also incorporated teacher training, technical training and working with collaborators.
After teaching and performing to over 1000 participants and audiences in the East Midlands with an overwhelming response, Retina have decided to continue to offer this production nationally. Created specifically for smaller spaces and with low technical demands, Retina felt that it is an ideal work for small scale and rural touring schemes.
The Boy Who Never Grows Old is a reflection of growing up, coming of age in a world where life, love and work are driven by speed. Journeying from the unknown cushion of childhood into the new world of decisions and responsibility, these dancers explore, manipulate and challenge their physicality to define their futures. Incredibly agile performers, exciting unisons contrasted with bizarre solos and breathtaking contact work.
Alongside the 30-minute performance work there are two additional options, either a lecture demonstration that opens up the choreographic process to an audience through the audience choreographing a short dance work, and/or an audience participation event where a very simple dance is taught to a whole group as a social event. Both fun and educational, engaging the audience in a light-hearted interaction with the company.
Workshops for all ages and abilities are available to accompany the performance. Encouraging people to participate in dance activity that is fun, fitness and artistically rewarding.
The boy who never grows old is touring from October 2007. Promoters click here for more information.
See the The boy who never grows old video.
Dancers
Hannah Shakti Buhler
Hannah, originally from Germany grew up in Italy. She discovered contemporary dance in Italy at Opus Ballet in Florence where she was taking regular workshops.
Laure Bachelot
Originally from France, Laure started dancing when she was three years old. She got her diplome d'études choréographiques from the conservatoire national de region d'Angers.
Matthew Slater
Matt first started dancing at the age of 17 as part of his performing arts A-level, he then went on to study a BPA(hons) in contemporary dance at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Leeds.
Rohanna Halls
Rohanna completed her BA Honours at the London Contemporary Dance School, before joining their postgraduate company Edge. As a member of Edge she worked with Charles Linehan, Hofesh Shector, Maresa Von Stockert, Jonathan Lunn and Martin Lawrence.
Stephen Moynihan
Stephen is originally from Cork, Ireland where he began dancing on a foundation course at the Firkin Crane with Colaiste Stiofain Naofa under Alan Foley. He then completed his BA Honours degree at London Contemporary Dance School.
Tory East
Tory is from Southampton where she originally trained in Latin American and Ballroom, competing for the South of England. She started contemporary dance at the age of 16 and went on to train at London Contemporary Dance School.
