The work I create revolves around dynamic dance theatre; exploring contemporary and highly physical contact dance techniques. It also develops the use of text and movement to promote storytelling and create narrative. The work always has a social relevance and is made to be enjoyed by everyone, for all ages, but also invests in challenging audiences and promoting discussion about the work. This work is made to engage wide spectrums of people and age groups.
I want to complete a six week intense tour in the UK for the work 'Close Distance', a trailer can be found on www.helenparlor.co.uk . The work is already completed and has already undergone a short tour of fourteen venues where the potential of this work became clear throughout audiences' engagement with the work. I am applying for additional Arts Council money but need 10% to invest into the project. The tour will take place from May 2014.
This project runs alongside a research and development piece I want to explore looking at the care system in the UK. The working title of this work is 'From Home to Home' and will be an evening of work divided into three pieces looking at different interpretations of this title: old age care and the span of someones' lifetime, disability care and social exclusion. The research and development period will take place over three weeks and will be part of a longer term project to tour this work in the autumn 2014.
Money raised will be invested into a larger Arts Council grant and will be spent on artists' wages, creating opportunities to share work with organisations, educational establlishments, arts venues and community groups as well as marketing the work on a wide spectrum.