‘Unknown Places’ is a commissioned ensemble piece choreographed by dance artist Joanna Young. The piece has been performed at The Hive Shrewsbury and The Arena Theatre Wolverhampton it is an evocative absorbing piece of work.

13 dancers from Contact Dance Company weave intricate layers of simple evocative movements throughout this 30 minute piece, often collecting, moving, replacing and shifting natural objects such as bamboo, rocks, sticks and plants.

‘A dancer moves slowly within a circle while delicate strands of lavender are precariously balanced on her. A male dancer moves and slides a large boulder through his arms, a ripple of bamboo poles balanced on dancers bodies provides a gentle rhythmic accompaniment

‘Joanna Young is an independent choreographer currently practicing in Wales, Bristol and Scotland. Described by Dancing Times as ‘an adventurous choreographic voice’ her work often involves a meditative and sensorial tone, intricate crafting and time to tune into the movements between people, places, and things.

Audience reaction
‘The new work was a wonderful piece of ensemble movement: focused, reflective, contemplative, infused with the presence not only of each dancer, but also the presence and energies of the natural world’

‘At times it felt like the piece was showing to me the ever moving qualities of the whole of humanity’

Promotion and Technical Information
Duration 28 minutes
Stage space needed 8m x 8m
Number of dancers 10 – 13
Matinee and evening performances available
Technical set up one day in advance.
Inclusive workshops and residencies focusing on this work with SiD directors, outreach team and dancers are available.