Leila McMillan

shadow dancing

In this workshop, we will work with duality and how two truths can occupy the same space at the same time. We will work with shadow as a metaphor (Carl Jung) and use tools from solo/duo improvisation, jiu jitsu drills/concepts, and passing through (DZ) specific partner tools, for our physical approach. We will build a system where movement and jiu jitsu intersect through engaging and disengaging in physical contact and distance. Our shadow never leaves us, it can be shaped through light within us and our understanding of who we are. It changes, transforms, and morphs through time. The shadow can be a place where we hide characteristics of ourselves. it can be a place where we try on a desire of a different self. Duality is present in how two elements can coexist, whether this be abstract or tangible, opposite or complementary, working to form a dynamic system.

You will be led through different improvisation tasks, game and goal based structures, working with physical states, immediate change, invading and escaping one’s space, and restrictions to create freedom. We will work with hands as grips, feet as hooks, pushing and pulling, different ways to carry the body, to float on top. How to interlock limbs forming different body entanglements, how to go under and over, moving through states of tension and asserting physicality. We will work in pairs, creating a space for a witness, a support, a director, an instigator, a shadow…

This practice has been developing through the choreographic processes linked to 3 fingers at arm’s length (2017), Curl of Hair (2021), and Chasing Ghosts (2023/25).

Leila McMillan’s biography:

Leila McMillan (UK/US) is an international choreographer, teacher and performer. She creates work that is high-energy, yet nuanced and abstract in its choreography, drawing on personal experiences focusing on themes of identity, gender, and the cultural interface. She was artist in residence at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) in 2017, creating new work, 3 fingers at arms length. She’s a twice nominee for ‘outstanding choreography’ at Hong Kong Dance Alliance awards in 2018 and 2024. Her full-length work Family Portrait, 2015, was presented throughout the UK; digital work Curl of Hair, 2021, is an intimate duet stemming from personal trauma working with a multidisciplinary team; new work Chasing Ghosts works with duality and intimacy through the lens of jiu jitsu. She was a Wild Card artist of Sadler’s Wells in 2015.

As a performer, she worked with artists including David Zambrano, Crystal Pite, Thomas Lehmen, Jasmina Krizaj, and Nina Fajdiga. She received a place for Zambrano’s 50 days Flying Low and Passing Through in Costa Rica in 2010 and since then she has been teaching these techniques intensively in the UK and Hong Kong. She is currently Senior Lecturer of contemporary dance at HKAPA, lecturer at London Contemporary Dance School 2014-2020, and has taught throughout Europe, Middle East, Asia, New Zealand, United States, and South America. In 2012-2020, she was co-founder & director of Muxima, an independent cafe in Bow, East London, awarded best cafe in East London several times, bringing art and culture to the local community. She’s currently a blue belt in jiu jitsu, training under Fabio Lim/Tempo Jiu Jitsu in Hong Kong and regularly competes in Asia.

July 14 – 18
Monday to Friday
14:30 – 17:30

Price:
50 € registration fee
150 € total

Location:
Tictac’s small studio

Photo by © To Wing