Understanding contemporary dance: an interview with Ros Warby

We chat to dancer/choreographer Ros Warby about contemporary dance and her upcoming show, Tower Suites. 

Tell us a bit about your background as a performer and choreographer. 

I trained in classical ballet in Europe and moved into contemporary dance in my early 20s. At that time, I spent time between New York and Europe studying new dance techniques. 

I began making solo dances 25 years ago, alongside working in dance companies. 

I now concentrate on my solo work, and also work with legendary US choreographer Deborah Hay. 

My focus is on how the performer can really make or break any performance. 

I've worked with the same creative team for nearly 20 years now and we tend to use film, sound and light to frame the dance in a theatrical context, but without moving away too much from the intimate and persdonal nature of a performance.

For those who are new to this type of work, how would you describe contemporary dance? 

I feel contemporary dance lends itself more to a musical reading than a theatrical one. 

Although, it really can be anything these days — highly theatrical even — I prefer dance that maintains a close relationship between the dancer and the other elements of the performance such as sound, film and lighting.

Dance allows all senses to be engaged and can be very stimulating. I do find allowing yourself to 'listen' to the dance, like you would listen to music, a more satisfying way to experience dance, than expecting a story or message to unfold.

If it's framed well, the audience can enter another world. 

What interests you about the work? As a solo performer, are there any subjects, themes or issues that recur in your work? 

The solo dances I create often involve characters that transcend archetypes by sliding between iconic figures and ideas, allowing the body to suggest the complex experience of a human being at any one moment. 

Teaching is always an opportunity for me to continue to practice and learn. 

What’s in store for the audience of Tower Suites? 

A rich, delicate and intimate performance by three experienced artists from different disciplines.

Simple, clear and resonant.

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ArtsHouse/Program/Pages/TowerSuites.aspx