Dance Tapes is a series of choreographies that combines speech and sound, amplifying the voices of Disabled dance artists. Devised by the renowned Stopgap Dance Company, this project offers audiences an intimate and immersive experience, delving into the rich lived experiences of these remarkable artists. 

Within My Own Bones is a sound work created by Zimbabwean choreographer and dance maker Shyne Phiri, who is now based in London. In this profound work, Shyne takes us into the heart of his home, where the tensions within his body harmonise with the immediate surroundings. With a heightened awareness of his sensations, Shyne’s words and movements gradually evolve into a stirring celebration of freedom. As he explores various manifestations of nature, he tunes into his body, seeking solace and a place to rest.

Shyne’s work as a freelance choreographer epitomises his commitment to crafting choreography deeply rooted in everyday life. As a disabled dance artist, he continually pushes boundaries, constantly exploring new avenues of movement. 

Digital Event

Premiere

  • Venue: Online
  • Date: 6-31 October 2023
  • Admission: Available to experience with a Digital Pass (Pay What You Can)
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Access: Transcript and creative transcript available

Language: English

Dance Umbrella Festival 2023 Across London & Online
6-31 October

Stop Gap Dance Company logo

About the artist +

Shyne Phiri is a freelance dance artist and a founder member of Zimbabwe’s first contemporary dance company, Tumbuka with whom he danced for 15 years before sustaining a spinal injury in 2004. Since then, he has been exploring different ways to move as a disabled dance artist and has choreographed and performed in short films for Stopgap and Dash Dot Dance. He is interested in choreography on subjects connected to everyday life. 

Credits +

  • Lucy Bennett
    Creative facilitator and concept for the Dance Tapes series
  • Hannah Moule & Oliver Austin (Moulettes)
    Composition and sound mixing
  • Lily Norton
    Access Artist (Creative Transcript, Audio Description assistance) & Graphic Design
  • James Greenhalgh
    Project Manager
  • Sho Shibata
    Executive Producer & translation assistance
  • Chris Parkes
    Artwork and photography

Commissioned by Pavilion Dance South West through Cultural Recovery Fund

Supported by International Collaboration Grant, British Council and through public funding from Arts Council England

Access +

Language: English 

Immersive audio experience, combining speech and sound, delving into the lived experiences of Disabled dance artists. 

Plain text and descriptive transcript available, which includes illustrations and detailed descriptions of the sound.

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