Exploring Expression: body - mind - spirit
by Victoria Voreadi-Kontou - Producer, May 2007
http://www.paroslife.com/story.html?story=1834
Artistic Director, choreographer, dancer and Pilates practitioner, Rina Van de
Kamp (www.daughterofzion.net)
is an artist, a healer and an inspiration to those fortunate to experience
her work and positive energy. She considers her art, not as spectacle, but
as a form of interactive communication with many facets on many levels. Each
piece she creates is refreshingly original as well as poignantly demanding
of artist and audience alike. The juxtaposition of obstacle with hope, determination
with sensitivity, drama with humour is very reflective of Ms. Van de Kamp’s
personal as well as professional milestones.
At age 26, already an accomplished artist, she had to face an obstacle unthinkable
for an individual whose medium of expression is movement – paralysis.
She suffered a stroke.
Her inner strength and optimism assisted her in re-building her physical strength
and in overcoming the emotional barriers. Not only did she resume dancing but
she used that life changing experience to bring an entirely new dimension into
her work. She chose to become a Pilates practitioner as a means of sharing with
others the physical and spiritual dynamism that made her recovery possible.
EXPLORING EXPRESSION has been realized in collaboration with “Drama Dogs” Ken
Gilbert and E. Bonnie Lewis (www.dramadogs.org).
Partners in life as well as on stage, they founded their own theatre company
in 1999 after more than twenty years of very diverse individual performing arts
experience. They each bring a very unique perspective to their art which in combination
is truly disarming.
Ken Gilbert has received many awards from his peers as both a performer and
a director. His work has been acclaimed as “bold, innovative theatre – with
strong, compelling performances”. Along with a Masters Degree in Dramatic
Art from University of California Davis, Mr Gilbert is also a Pilates practitioner
and NIA master (black belt).
E. Bonnie Lewis is not only an accomplished dancer, actress and Pilates practitioner,
she is also a passionate educator. She has received grants from various organizations
in order to bring dance and theatre into public schools and made theatre and
dance accessible for the motion impaired.
The common denominator that brought “Daughter of Zion” and “DramaDogs” together
is the intrinsic desire of all three of these gifted artists to not merely
entertain but to contribute to the community. Their art is interactive, approachable,
challenging but not intimidating. They are warm, giving, and insightful individuals
who are concerned with their fellow human beings as far more than box office
statistics.
This dynamic trio first explored the combination of theatrical movement and
apparatus two years ago with the piece “Beyond the Ages”. A ground breaking
experience that offered invaluable insights to performers and audience alike.
I was particularly impressed by the performers’ candor – which continued
even after the house lights came up. The audience was invited to share their
impressions of the piece and ask the cast questions. There were no “divas”,
no “prima donnas”, just artists earnestly interested in sharing
with and learning from the recipients of their message.
Now having shared their vision with local audiences the trio is eager to embark
on a cultural exchange. Greece was a natural choice being not only the cradle
of all the arts but the crossroads of three continents. Performing artists
are constantly in search of new stimuli through which to enrich their art… new
and exciting perspectives, opportunities to teach and be taught. In collaboration
with local dancers, performing artists or simply inspired individuals, the group’s
aim is to create a unique living work of art.
Interested workshop participants will have the opportunity to perform in the
two benefit performances of the piece that will have evolved from the workshop
itself. Proceeds from the performances will be donated to AMEAI – the
Prototype Centre for Individuals with Special Needs and Abilities in Naoussa.
They will be with us in May 2007. For more information contact Victoria Voreadi
on tel/fax: 22840-24609, mob: 6936 368 818 or via email: genx @ otenet.gr (subject:
explore).
