Physical Recall by Chris Nash
“This was from a shoot commissioned by Physical Recall (Jamie Watton and Fiona Edwards) to generate publicity pictures for a duet entitled ‘Blue’ and shot on the stage of the main hall. I had the camera on a tripod with a shutter speed of around ½ second + some blue gels on the lights to get this blurred effect.”
Chris Nash
“Seeing this photograph of Blue after many years, the duet that Jamie and I choreographed and danced in, conjured up many memories. Initially of sadness as Jamie is no longer with us, but then of all the great times and opportunities we had throughout our career together.
The Borough Hall was often the start to our day with Jamie teaching morning professional class and me accompanying him on the piano and then a quick break before going downstairs to rehearse.
Blue was a return to just the two of us after a period of time working with more dancers. An unspoken, instinctive way to create I have found with no one else. It wasn’t always easy, but it was special. My daughter, Ella was only a year old and my body and mind were in a different space.
Musicality was at the centre of the work but strangely I can’t remember which piece. Definitely Baroque. I think it was Bach. This was a big change for us and we loved it. Jamie had his notebook with the squares, covered in his small handwriting. Mine was a hardback with sketches, lines and swirls. He had his black coffee and I had my builder’s tea.
There was the usual attention to detail and the obsessive hours over one movement and what it could mean to an audience. Lucy Carter’s beautiful blue oblong in the space is a vivid memory for me and the atmosphere it created. I loved every performance of this piece, walking into the blue. It was one of our favourite works.
Greenwich Dance and all the people working there at the time allowed Jamie and I the creative space to develop our work in a very easy, friendly environment. We were both so grateful for the support and advice we received.
Also, I was able to work here for many years with my perfect, creative, dance partner. Not everyone gets that. Miss you JW and thanks again to GDA.”
Fiona Edwards
Akram Khan by Chris Nash
Within this work, to a score by Angie Atmadjaja, Akram Khan blended and merged Kathak with contemporary dance.
“This was from a shoot commissioned by Akram to generate publicity pictures for a very early solo (maybe his first piece of choreography?) entitled Loose In Flight and shot on the stage of the main hall.”
Chris Nash
“It felt like a very exciting time, it was a hub. There were dancers from different generations in the building and it felt like London. You know. Representative of London and the dancing community there. I had just finished college I think, I’d just left the conservatoire. And it felt so welcoming. I’m intimidated when I see only one kind of person, one section of the community. But it had everyone. Everyone was welcome. Maybe it was something about the space? It was huge. Most dance studios are so small. It was like…breath. The air was alive. You know it felt almost like a trade route…where people come to trade? Different people mingling with their creativity.”
Akram Khan
