Tandem Ballet is an outdoor dance performance by blind and partially sighted participants on, off and around tandems.

Subject to funding, there will be an R&D project in Wandsworth, in spring 2012.

The R&D will explore a range of ideas around the participants’ experiences of tandems/bicycles and cycling, for example, freedom, independence, fear and trust. The research process will be devised using contemporary dance and post modern dance techniques as a starting point, from which to evolve a unique form, of movement vocabulary and theatrical imagery, for participants and tandems.

The R&D also hopes to explore the potential for developing an innovative and intriguing soundscape. Current thoughts include interviews and directional sound, woven together in a main soundtrack; small iPod sound systems on two or more bikes to move sound around the space; woven together with a lyrical live audio description for the entire audience.

Amongst the outcomes, we are looking to create a model of best practise for working with this group, and to emerge with ideas for further developing the movement and soundscape.

We hope to be able to incorporate elements of the R&D into a routine as part of the Bicycle Ballet Mass Show, which will tour in 2012.

Tandem Ballet will be choreographed by Virginia Farman and is a collaboration with Karen Poley. The soundscape will be created by Oliver Aylmer. Project partners include the Thomas Pocklington Resource Centre, Roehampton University, Wandsworth Council, Linden Lodge School, Merton Sport and Social Club.

An affordable night-time spectacular based on ‘the dance of cycling’ show, with stunning lighting and amazing pyrotechnics.  The show’s joyful choreography, striking imagery and visual spectacle, with each routine punctuated by a show-stopping moments, makes the show ideal for such a development.

Arts Council England funding secured to develop lighting, rehearsals, costumes, health & safety etc.  Commissioning bookings required to finalise the show’s development with pyrotechnics.

Bicycle Ballet started as a participatory project, and this remains at the heart of what we do.  We run various workshops enabling local people to develop and showcase their bike skills, and to rehearse and perform with the company.

the dance of cycling workshops
Inspired by your bike stories, skills and tricks, and the geometric patterns of Busby Berkeley’s film choreography, up to 20 people can work with the company to create a stunning, yet simple, routine which is incorporated into the narrative and performed as part of the show.

You will need to wear a black top, trousers and shoes for performances.

Taster Workshop
A 2-3 hour workshop, for up to 20 participants at any one time. Participants can drop in or stay for the entire session.

Inspired by the film choreography of Busby Berkeley and the joy and freedom of cycling, the taster workshop will deepen participants’ relationships with their bikes, as a dance partner.

Participants will learn and explore a few basic moves and shapes, working on, off and around their bikes.  In small and large groups they will learn and create a series of routines set to music, incorporating choreographic patters with their own ideas and skills.

The emphasis is on safe experimentation, fun, exploration and remembering skills, moves or tricks from early cycling days.  All levels of skill, bravery and determination will be catered for.

Important Stuff
All ages welcome and no experience necessary, apart from a level of cycling proficiency – Bikeability / National Standard Level 2 recommended – ability to count!

Participants will need to bring their own bikes and wear comfortable clothes they can move in.

Technical Requirements
Workshops require hard standing space, minimum 10mx12m – a side stret, car park etc is ideal, and a small PA or loud music box for CD playback.

Performance Parking

Inspired by the lengths you sometimes have to take to securely park your bike!

Painted to highlight the perfection of their design, the bikes are sky blue and tree green; conspicuously hidden in the urban landscape.  They are dada-esque in nature, surprising, unexpected, surreal interventions.

‘Painting a bike lets you truly appreciate the perfection of its design‘   Karen Poley, Creative Producer

‘Everyday I open the curtains and my day brightens a little‘ one neighbour on the Alton Estate, Roehampton said of her bird’s eye view of one of the installations.

Further developments on the way.

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Following the evolving relationship of a brother and sister growing up on, off, over and around their bikes, ‘Where are the girls when the boys are learning to bunny hop? looks at differing male/female approaches to cycling.  Spectacular bike tricks, fast paced choreography and moments of comedy, chart the sibling’s journey, as they bicker, push, pull, giggle and wheel their way to adulthood.

‘a very well presented and innovative show, and the audience really enjoyed it’  Joe Mackintosh, Artistic Director, Out There Festival, Great Yarmouth

Featuring one of the UK’s finest trick cyclists, Paddy Waters, and contemporary dancer and clown, Mary Eddowes, the show is choreographed by Janine Fletcher, conceived and produced by Karen Poley.

‘Where are the girls when the boys are learning to bunny hop?’ is set to a soundtrack featuring music from the award winning Tru Thoughts label, with costume design by bicycle fashion house Cyclodelic, and is supported by Workspace and funded by Arts Council England.
Produced by: KP Projects

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‘the dance of cycling’ is choreographed by Janine Fletcher and the cast, with additional direction by David Bernstein of Strangelings, and a sumptuous soundtrack ranging from jazz and samba funk to the orchestral and elevatoresque by Ollie Aylmer, featuring tracks from the Tru Thoughts label.  Conceived and produced by Karen Poley.

A 2 hour workshop is available alongside the show, for up to 20 local people to work with the cast to develop a routine to perform as part of the show.  Click on the Workshops tab for further details.

‘I really liked it.  It was a charming, witty and refreshing piece of outdoor performance and I was gripped.’  Nicki Street, Fools Paradise

‘Highly original, visually beautiful and an intriguing narrative on our times.  It was a real hit with the audience.’ Dave Buxton, Artistic Director, Devizes International Street Festival.

‘The show is a joy, it attracted a huge crowd and captivated kids and adults alike, a great soundtrack and truly engaging performance – I watched it twice in a row’ Claire Teasdale, Joint Festivals & Event Manager, Bristol City Council

‘I thought it was a lovely show.  There were moments of genuine elegance and others of real absurdity and downright silliness – really nice contrasts.’  Stewart Collins, Artistic Director, Henley Festival

‘I really enjoyed it – my 9 year old son was completely memsmerised.’ Audience member

Supported by:  Arts Council England, London Cycling Campaign,Tru Thoughts
Produced by: KP Projects

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