O brightening glance.

Instrumentation: variable.
Total number of performers: 2.
Duration: approximately 10 minutes.
Notation: modified Western notation.

Many of my works explore the relationship between performers. In Dancer from the Dance, the performers model the caring relationship found in Watsu Massage. My colleague at York St John University, Christina Kolaiti, introduced me to a Watsu practitioner named Cath Mater. Watsu massage ‘consists of moves and stretches done to the breath while being held and floated by a Watsu massage practitioner in body temperature water’. This creates a womb-like environment where the participant can relax and allow both their mind and body to release stress.

The three of us worked together to create a performance in a swimming pool as part of the Metafora research event. My contribution—this duet—mirrors the cyclical movements, resonant environment, and intimacy found within Watsu. It was premiered by Richard Bracknellin on clarinet and Kyle Sherwin on trumpet.