Paul Douglas at CandoCo

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This is some feedback from Stine Nilsen after a course that Paul Douglas did with the dance company CandoCo.

CandoCo Residency

As a member of CandoCo Dance Company I experienced a weeklong residency with Paul Douglas, where we were taught Aikido, technique classes and body management-skills. This structure was set up, I believe, 
in order to experience and discover how Aikido and the Eastern philosophy that it carries with it, can inform the professional dancer at work and in performance.

Firstly, as a member of an integrated dance-company, it was interesting to see how easily adaptable the Aikido-exercises were. The principles seem to be about moving with your own body and your partners 
body in order to stretch and generate energy rather than shape, hence the differences in physical bodyshape were less important than in a conventional dance-class.

The focus of the class was to increase articulation and self-control of body and mind, and this was achieved by everyone, regardless of difference in starting points. It was actually quite incredible to watch how quickly articulation, especially in the torso, arms and spine, was improved. This seems particularly appropriate and important for wheelchair users in the company, as the upper body is where they have the most movement. Because of detailed focus on articulation, the quality of the movement produced was
also improved.

Secondly, apart from physical differences, we were all challenged on a mental level, exercising and increasing mental will-power. The use of breath to increase movement-range as well as enhance 
concentration and relaxation was very interesting, and has informed my personal dancing immensely. Breathing-exercises used in Aikido helped me experience an inner calm and sense of stillness that informed my approach to movement within the technique class as well as in performance. 

Concentration-exercises also challenged all of us to manage more than we thought we could. The experience
of making the body do what the mind told it to, to keep going longer than physically comfortable, was an experience that boosted not only expectations of one self but also self-confidence in that most things are possible. And I do think this a very important experience within a field of work that does not regularly increase or encourage self-esteem!

Moving East Course

Before joining CandoCo I did another one of Paul Douglas's weeklong courses, combining Aikido, technique class and Shiatsu-principles. It was interesting to go through the same exercises again, with the knowledge that it would be physically uncomfortable and mentally challenging. But what I also had from this first course was a belief in that I would be able to do it by not doubting myself too much. This was the most important thing I took with me, both personally and as a performer.

The philosophy that Aikido carries with it can be transferred very readily to technique-classes, performance and everyday life. Hence I can not emphasise strongly enough the importance of the work Paul Douglas does and the impact it has on individuals as well as the dance profession in general.

Stine Nilsen is a member of CandoCo dance company.

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