Kun-Yang returns to Gus’ studio in NYC in March to continue honing their tasks for one another.
Reviewing the list of verbs Gus’ provided to Kun-Yang last month, it took him another hour in order to perform the sequence without the paper in hand. Memorizing material was identified as a difficulty for both artists.
Screenshot from video of NYC videographer Caroline Haidet (Nel Shelby Productions)
Due to Gus’ hip issues, he described feeling bound to only certain movements. Kun-Yang suggested a new task to have both artists explore and play with just moving the upper body.
Screenshot from video of NYC videographer Caroline Haidet (Nel Shelby Productions)
Photo: Kun-Yang Lin
Both artists expanded the task into the space with a call and response structure. A stool served as a prop during on section, which slided as Gus tried to sit on it and thus fell, with Kun-Yang helping to protect him. The experiment revealed that Kun-Yang and Gus still have the capacity to lose themselves in the dance but are reminded of the limits imposed by their aging bodies. Everyone was fine, but bruised.
On the second day, Kun-Yang and Gus explore a task grown from the original verb prompt— now expanded to 16 verbs/actions to inspire creating movement.
Photo: Caroline Haidet (Nel Shelby Productions)
Support for the research and development of WHERE IS MY B-O-D-Y has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.