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
Monday 23rd-Monday 30th June
Emerging Hearts Contact Improvisation Camp: 7 full days of Contact Improvisation, with live responsive music from Bela as part of an amazing musician team.
All levels welcomed.
Redwood Farm, Frome, Somerset
Thursday 10th July (date tbc): public event as part of Bela’s Brighton Dome Anita’s Room residency – more details soon
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”