Iris Tenge

Aren’t we fortunate to be engaged in an art form which, by its very nature, cannot be solidified into thing-ness, possessed, encased as dead stuff? Even if occasionally it is difficult to argue the content and validity of such sheer activity, the non-material productiveness of live experience and performance. Even if a budget-worried zeitgeist continues to challenge our resourcefulness and survival skills; to overlook artistic inspiration as an enduring active energy in our culture, working toward broader perspectives and scales of coherence.

I love watching people – and other species – when they are physically absorbed in an activity. Their focused attention adds grace to the movement, to the unfolding dynamics in space and time. Even the hesitations and double-takes are not without charm, the slips and the recoveries, revealing a kind of courage and dignity inherent to our struggles, quests, and coping endeavours. It seems, curiously, to be knowledge and innocence in motion at the same time. From purposeful physical activity to the heightened momentum of dance, the impulse is the same life-affirming and knowing innocence, the same embodied expression of joy and passionate interest ...