Siobhan Davies

Siobhan Davies

1. Background info

   • originally an art student

2. Key dates

   • Started taking classes at LCDS in 1967
   • In 1975 went to America to take classes in Cunningham technique
   • In 1978 she took a years sabbatical to America
   • In 1989 became Associate Choreographer for Rambert
   • 1992 Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues
   • 1988 Embarqe

3. Style

   • Primarily trained in Graham
   • Can be described as a formalist
   • Aims to challenge audience by providing complex movement that requires concertration when watching and often more than one viewing

4. Career

   • Phase 1: 1972-75
     • The use of Graham based vocabulary
     • Semi-narrative subject matter
     • Worked with Alston and began to be influenced by Cunningham's formal style
   • Phase 2: 1976-87
     • Whilst study with Cunningham gained an interest in experimenting with the initiation and flow of movement
     • Allowing breath to determine rhythm
     • Swinging movement into off balanced tilts
   • Phase 3: 1988 onwards
     • Went to American to experience release technique and improvisation
     • Lyrical flow of energy, fluidity and continuity
     • Gestural starting points