Fall lab 2017 Basel: impressions and evaluation

Empowering // Balanced // Generous // Inclusive.

These are some of the words used by lab participants to sum up their impressions after
Choreolab Europe – Basel 2017.

The four day program consisted of four labs (each guided by a choreographer with a specific creative question); a lecture on the poetics of contemporary dance in the present, changing frame of Post-modernism into something unknown; a workshop by the Basel-based Bufo Makmal Collective and several slots of playground time where the ideas brought to the fore by the participants could be addressed briefly in the form of debates or short sessions of movement research.

If we evaluate on the Basel – Lab as organizers, we go home with the positive affirmation of two aspects of our mission we are especially proud of:

• Balanced Schedule. After six labs, the schedule has more and more been refined to a good balance between reflective thought / debate / feedback and movement research and physical activity. The selection of the choreographers based on clarity and structure in the creative quest and methodology of the labs is key in this regard.
• Horizontality. Though structured, strictly time-bound and guided in some of its parts, the fostered inclusiveness and equality amongst all participants of Choreolab Europe is a model for success. The fact that all choreographers are asked to be a part of the full program as participants as well, and the existence of Playground time, for example, are very good examples of this idea.

Overall, the Fall lab in Basel was a success. It would be unjust not to acknowledge and thank the people present for it. The openness, curiosity and willingness to jump on board from all sixteen participants was there from the start. Also, we need to thank the choreographers Lillian Stillwell, Pablo San Salvador, Sandra Kramerova and Sanne Clifford for four well organized and well-timed labs; and Rosie Terry Toogood from Bufo Makmal Collective for her ability at creating a valid, personal cadre for Authentic Movement Research in only one hour and a half.

Regarding the specific content of the labs, please read more about them here.

If you want to see some pictures of how the Basel - lab went, check out our Facebook page and like it to always be up to date on our activities.