Multisensory movement and sound workshop – Blip | inclusive multisensory project
b(l)alloon
Multisensory movement and sound workshop for people with visual or hearing disabilities and non-disabled people
b(l)alloon explores kinesthetic, visual and sound modes of communication, shaping a non-verbal, fun and accessible artistic language for mixed groups of people with or without visual or hearing disabilities
The tools we use are embodied/multisensory experience, circular/horizontal interaction layout, silent and audible movements [body percussion], various materialities through manual practice and pulse/rhythm. From rhythmic body strikes and vocalization to the representation of a movement through the palpation of a body or a material, participants explore the diverse ways in which stimuli are perceived and discover the importance of corporeality as a means of communication and collaborative practice. In how many different ways can I feel a sound, perceive a movement and shake a rhythm without the group becoming disjointed? What does it mean to be a group?
Ages: 16+
Levels: All
Photo credit:
Yiota Peklari
Versatile dancer with MS and choreographer with interdisciplinary vocabulary who delves into the sonic and social dimension of the moving body. Co-founder of PLAYGROUND for the arts, a cultural organization based in Athens, Greece dedicated to fostering an international community of artists, students and audiences who share a deep interest in the performing arts, with a particular emphasis on the exploration and study of rhythm. Since 2018 she has taken on a pioneering role leading mixed groups of people with or without hearing and visual disabilities in the design and implementation of CONNECTING BODY workshops.
www.yiotapeklari.com
Vassia Zorbali
Interdisciplinary artist, performer, practice-based researcher and educator in the field of movement. She holds a master’s degree with distinction in Visual Arts (Athens School of Fine Arts), a graduate with distinction from Rallou Manou Professional School of Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is active in the field of Culture as a performer since 2008 and as a creator and facilitator since 2014. She participates in exhibitions, conferences & workshops, textbook writing, as well as residencies in Greece and abroad.
https://vassiazorbali.wixsite.com/vassiazorbali
Natasha Chantas-Martin
Choreographic assistant – Performer
Percussive dance artist and dance anthropologist whose main interest is combining sociocultural research with performance and vice versa. She holds a degree in Sociology from Panteion University, a master’s degree in Dance Anthropology and Ethnochorology and is the 1st Greek graduate and scholar of Choreomundus: International Master in Dance Knowledge, Practice, and Heritage from a consortium of four Universities: NTNU (Norway), Universite Auvergne (France), University of Szeged (Hungary), and Roehampton University (London). She has dedicated the last decade teaching and performing with and for vulnerable communities, such as unaccompanied minors, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Olga Dalekou
Deaf performer
Born in Athens. Graduated from the Department of Theatre Studies of the School of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has been working as an actress since 2009. She is a founding member of the Deaf Theatre Group “Crazy Colors”. She has been working as a Greek Sign Language teacher since 2019. As a Deaf interpreter, she collaborates with professional interpreters at accessible concerts and festivals. Since 2023, she has been collaborating with Eurobank as an accessibility consultant for people with hearing loss.
Christos Koutsovasilis
Blind performer
Born in Athens and raised in Thebes. Studied at Panteion University, Department of Public Administration. Has attended traditional dance classes, Argentine tango and is involved in Tandem cycling. Since 2018, has been attending Connecting Body workshops. He is the first blind Greek performer to participate in a professional dance group.