Take a look at what's actually there

Take a look at what's actually there is a new publication by Janice Parker which examines dance and learning disability.

The publication is a result of Janice's Creative Scotland Award which she received in 2005. The Award allowed her to explore new depths to her work, collaborating with three international choreographers and various performers with learning disabilities to examine the movement qualities offered by the performers. Janice chose three international artists who each work in a unique way so that she could explore their different methods and approaches.

The choreographers

Cesc Gelabert from Barcelona spent six days working with one dancer from Edinburgh based company Traveller Dance. He had previously worked with dancers with learning disabilities and had been inspired by their movements. When he was approached by Janice to take part in this project, he already had a dancer in mind who he wanted to collaborate with and create a solo.

Martine Pisani from Paris did not meet any of the dancers from Traveller Dance, and worked entirely from video footage of the dancers performing and taking part in workshops.

She had never worked with a dancer with a learning disability before and Janice wanted her to work solely from what she saw in the movement. Martine is attracted by the simplicity of movements such as bending down, smiling, carrying and rising.

Rosemary Lee from London worked for two days with the dancers from Traveller Dance, as well as using the same film footage as Martine. To help her realise her ideas, Rosemary brought along visual artist Robin Whitmore. Robin created prototype drawings and Rosemary presented her ideas in written form.

The publication

Janice spent her year immersed in contemporary performance art, exploring the contribution of people with learning disabilities to the artform.

While writing was not her original plan, Take a Look at What is Actually There gave Janice the opportunity to share and exchange some of her experiences from her Creative Scotland year. The publication contains snippets of conversations, responses, viewpoints and observations as well as photos and prototype drawings. It allows the reader to glimpse some of the processes that took place throughout the year and reflects the potential of those with learning disabilities within the artform.

Excerpts from Take a look at what is actually there, along with film footage from the project, is available on Janice Parker's website.