It’s not long to go until James Wilton joins us for the much-anticipated performance of LEVIATHAN at Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking. As part of our professional dance series this Spring, we invite you to learn more about James Wilton, his choreographic process and his thoughts on LEVIATHAN ahead of the performance…
Q: How did you get started in dance, and at what age?
A: I started to dance at 15, I chose it as an option for my GCSE’s. Things really started to move when I joined Cornwall Youth Dance Company and then I decided I wanted to pursue it as a career.
Q: You trained as a dancer, what makes you want to choreograph as opposed to performing other people’s work?
A: Even when I started at 15, I was interested in choreography more than just performing. I love the challenge of taking an idea that starts as just a seed of a thought and growing it in to a piece of art. I think what I prefer about choreography is that you start right at the genesis of the idea and see it through until the end whereas dancers usually come on board later on in the process.
Q: What are the signature trademarks in your choreographic style and do they differ from your peers?
A: I think the key signatures are the really raw, dynamic and almost aggressive movement quality as well as the introverted nature of the performance. I think the super-human physicality is what drives the work and what sets it apart from my peers. I also think that the martial arts/sport influence in the work makes it quite un-dance like, whilst still remaining deeply physical.
Q: When recruiting dancers, what skills or style do you look for?
A: I think ability to use the floor and partner-work skills are essential as well as an ability to be really clear with movement and intention. I think dancers I work with also have a desire to get underneath the skin of the movement and feel the intention of the movement.
Q: What approach do you take when making work? What point do you start from?
A: I always begin from a philosophical or political starting point. From there I like to work quite independently in growing the idea in to the finished product. I always have a physical goal I want to achieve but don’t always know exactly what it should look like. I think that is where the dancers come in in helping me realise exactly how it should look and what the work should “feel” like.
James Wilton on LEVIATHAN…
“I’ve always had a fascination with the relationship between man and nature. What interests me most is the way that we fear each other before we fear nature. We worry about other people and the dangers they can do more than we fear the awesome power of the planet.
For me, Moby Dick represents someone trying, and ultimately failing to conquer nature. The futility of the pursuit, combined with the maniacal obsession of Ahab make for a compelling story and one I am eager to re-create and re-imagine.
As an artist, I am not interested in small concepts. So far in my career, I have dealt with the nature of life and death (Last Man Standing), our perceptions of reality (Cave), and the concept of morality (Rite of Spring). LEVIATHAN, exploring nature and destiny, continues in this vein of big concepts and so offers me, huge amounts of intrigue and inspiration”
LEVIATHAN promises edge of your seat, ferocity of movement that James’ work is recognized for! Don’t miss out, book your tickets today!
LEVIATHAN – James Wilton Dance
When: Thursday 22nd March, 7:30pm
Where: Rhoda McGaw Theatre, The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, Woking, GU21 6GQ
Tickets Prices:
Standard – £16
Concession – £11
Book Tickets Here!
More information here and at www.jameswiltondance.org.uk
Follow James Wilton Dance on Twitter and Instagram @JWiltonDance and Facebook @jameswiltondance
