relational cello with movement and dance
“the music from the cello encouraged me to take risks and be playful”
Bela makes music for people to move to, for self-expression, connection, and wellbeing, in solo workshops, for and with Contact Improvisation, and for 5 Rhythms (with Paul Smith).
This 5-minute video is about Shape and Surrender: Bela’s Making Space residency and public event at Fabrica, Brighton, 17th-21st June ’24. The residency was the culmination of Bela’s 12-month funded period to explore creative sustainability via an Arts Council England (ACE) DYCP grant, July ’23-June ’24.
Through the DYCP, she explored movement, embodiment, listening, and sound, with Contact Improvisation (CI) and other movement practitioners throughout England – as well as her own artistic processes.
The DYCP enabled an expansive exploration and development of her relational cello and movement practice with:
- Lee Bolton (embodiment and CI practitioner)
- Asher Levin (CI teacher)
- Julia Samel (Moving Connections – relational movement)
It also supported research and development: solo and collaborative responsive acoustic and electric/fx cello in workshops for and with:
- Asher Levin (Totnes & Bristol)
- Paul Smith (5Rhythms, Brighton)
- CI at Goldsmiths
- Julia Samel (Moving Connections, London)
- SOMA at Buddhafield ’23 & ’24
- Lee Bolton, Jamus Wood
upcoming events
Artist Tereza Buskova’s public procession is part of the larger Mothers Without Hands (MWH) international project. It celebrates women, telling their stories of resilience and strength in the face of abuse and domestic violence, raising their visibility within the community. This event brings together nine international performers plus choir, and will be part of Tereza Buskova’s Mothers Without Hands film.
This builds on the three preceding MWH processions.
Meet at: New Art Gallery, Walsall
feedback
“the playing led tremendous weight to the emotional expression”
“the instrument’s versatility in your hands is remarkable”
“very intuitive playing – Bela read the room beautifully”
“the depth of the sound of the cello helps me to deeply relax and feel grounded in my body”
“the cello is a deep, holding, soothing sound. I think it’s very healing. The fact it’s live also adds to the feeling of being held”
“The dancing felt very connected with the cello – the way you interacted with us and the music and vice versa”
“the music from the cello encouraged me to take risks and be playful”