Why is Michel Casanova in Kochi?

• 04 Nov 2015
• Maria John
• Features

The acclaimed dancer arrives in the Queen of the Arabian Sea.
Courtesy: The Floor, Girinagar

Before we find out why Michel Casanova is in Kochi, let us know more about his area of expertise, the passion that drives him and how he intends to make the world a better place through dance. Michel, Etienne, Joseph, Casanovas is from Perpignan, south of France. He is Dancer, choreographer, teacher and practitioner in Feldenkrais Method (Awareness through Movement). Michel studied in ballet and contemporary dance (also Release Technique and Contact Improvisation). Since 1982, he has been engaged in different theatres and dance companies in Belgium, France, Canada and especially in Switzerland where since 1996, he was co-founder with Patrick Collaud of the Cie Morespace in Basel. His artistic work is based on strong themes about the human being condition, reveals a sensitive and creative approach of dance through specific movement research and improvisation.

Besides his artistic work and research, Michel’s interests are in teaching dance and in body-mind explorations in a functional and practical way.Michel also combines his dance experience and the Feldenkrais Method in workshops, to offer the participants a space of creativity and self-discovery. Through slow movement explorations from the Feldenkrais Method and variations of actions in a larger range, he leads people from functionality to a better quality of movement. This first step can then become a new foundation, for work in dance, in improvisation and in performing arts or, in general. Enabling people to be in an open state of being by increasing their sense of listening, to themselves and to the others and therefore finding more spontaneous responses in life’s demands and interactions.

Michel Casanova's practice and work is embedded in spirit of research and discovery induced by the use of the Feldenkrais method. This framework of research allows one to approach creativity in interesting, different and profound manners. He believes in a process oriented approach, beyond the act of performing yet without excluding it. The main concepts of explorations have been "the sense of space" and "the sense of presence". It is not only about using the body as a tool to express ourselves but to observe it as a living entity, as a source of knowledge or wisdom, to orientate ourselves, to make choice and to take decisions, to move forward in life, beyond mental or emotional reactions. Since 2006, he has been regularly teaching contemporary dance and Feldenkrais Method in India, working with young dancers, and nondancers, in Bangalore, Bombay and Calcutta. With other artists and performers from various fields, he has been sharing and organizing art residencies and performances. Michel Casanova will be in Kochi at The Floor for an exclusive workshop as part of his program in India.

For details on the workshop: http://www.wtzupcity.com/kochi/events/awareness-dance-integration