Julie Cunningham & Company present two dances with music by Western classical composers. Jules Cunningham is interested in how we might relate to these works today; how we can disturb and rearrange hierarchy through a queer reading. How can we make this music make sense through our bodies? How does it change us?

m/y-kovsky is a response to Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 (first movement). Initially conceived as part of an exploratory evening of work for Art Night 2019, Cunningham draws on a traditional dance canon, playing with queer ways of relating to each other, the space, and the music.

fire bird is a queer and personal interpretation of the iconic Stravinsky musical score written and first performed over 100 years ago, beginning with the Ballet Russes. Cunningham acknowledges the part this score has played in Western dance history, and in their history – they hold within them the web of connections and people who have made this possible.

[Image description] With their back to us, a dancer balances on one hand and one foot, the other leg shooting straight up in a diagonal. Red fringes run up the outside of their white satin trousers, suggesting flames. In the background, red threads form a cats-cradle against a white-painted brick wall.

m/y-kovsky was part of a work commissioned by Art Night 2019. fire bird was commissioned by The Yard Theatre for NOW20 Festival and supported by Dance East. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Jules Cunningham is a Sadler’s Wells New Wave Associate.

Header image © Christa Holka