#GDLifeinLockdown
Life in Lockdown is a blog series initiated by Greenwich Dance which features community and professional artists close to the organisation sharing how they are staying creative during these isolating times.
Emily Robinson, creator of Emily Robinson Dance and co- creator of Rob Dance.
MONDAY
Routine has been key for me in lockdown. To say that I have nailed a routine is a different question, but I am constantly on a quest to refine a daily practice which supports and works for me. I have journeyed through many different practices including daily walks, yoga, exercise classes, evening improvisations, baking, gardening and more. It is worth mentioning here that I am so grateful for the many dance organisations who have persevered to support us artists through lockdown including Greenwich Dance, Towards Vivencia, Groundwork Pro and Rambert to name a few.
In June, I received a grant from Groundwork Pro Cardiff which supported a vision I had to combine my love for movement and my father’s love for gardening. I offered our daily insights on my Instagram page (@emilyrobinsondance) and created a short film available here
Today, I continued my research for how this project can continue growing and developing. I explored the research out there on the father and daughter dynamic in addition to engaging with other dance artists to get their advice on how this project might live in a workshop/ performance format. Shout out to all those who have supported this work!
TUESDAY
When I told my father that we have received funding for the ‘Seedlings of Time’ project, he initially thought that we were going to be on T.V. He is one of my biggest supporters and comes to many of my shows and performances, however, he had no idea how this project would work….and to be honest, neither did I.
A month down the line, after dancing together every day, it felt wrong for a day to go by where we didn’t go out the garden and move around.
When I spoke to my father about filming workshops covering the tasks and explorations that we had done together he was delighted. We both loved the idea of leading others through a journey of exploration similar to ours. After starting the filming today, we both confessed how much we had missed being together and moving; especially as my dad has returned to work as a carpenter, these moments together have become even more precious. We hope you enjoy this short snippet, follow @emilyrobinsondance on Instagram to find out when the first workshop is live!
WEDNESDAY
Among the ‘Seedlings of Time’ workshops, which are mostly focused on a connection and relationship between two people, I am launching a community dance and film project in partnership with Goldsmiths University Placement scheme. I am a proud Brockley resident and have launched a project called ‘Circle of Solidarity’ for the Brockley community. This project consists of free online workshops for individuals and families, with the option for participants to get involved in our film by sharing their version of the circle explored in the online workshops. For anyone reading this blog, who is a Brockley resident and wants to know more, please email emilyrobinsondancecompany@gmail.com or visit www.iamlewisham.uk/cultureathome
THURSDAY
Amongst these two projects, I am very proud to still be teaching my Age UK classes which are usually based in Fulham, London. My day started with an hour session with the group via zoom and a short catch up with everyone afterwards. It is very important to me to be still offering these classes and I am thankful to Age UK (Greyhound Road) for supporting me in transitioning to the online dance world.
Whilst this work supports the older adults taking part and we have received wonderful feedback from the group; it is no secret what delivering these classes does for us leaders as well. I leave every class with a huge smile on my face, loving what I do as a job… and despite these challenging times for artists, I am so grateful for days like these where I get to move and be with others.
FRIDAY
Recently, I joined the Creative Dance London team. A wonderful organisation usually based in Tottenham, London; they too have transitioned to online dance classes and I am delivering a weekly Friday session. These classes are available on their Facebook page ‘Creative Dance London’ where I am one of the two teachers who lead improvisation classes. The rest of my day today was filled with admin and plans for another very exciting project in the pipeline. In addition to this, I have been celebrating my mum’s 60th Birthday. Happy Birthday Mrs Robinson!
For anyone who wants to know more about the above classes, workshops and projects or just wants to chat, please connect via my Instagram @emilyrobinsondance or via email on emilyrobinsondancecompany@gmail.com.
Thank you, Greenwich Dance, for the support. Looking forward to getting back in your studio with you.
About Emily
Emily created Emily Robinson Dance in 2018 and has choreographed and produced work for Resolution Festival 2019 and 2020, Footprint Dance Festival, Westival and has been the commissioned artist/ teacher at the University of Roehampton, South Essex College and County Youth Dance Company, amongst others. Emily is co-creator of Rob Dance, alongside Harriet Roberts. Rob Dance has presented work and delivered workshops in Me’ever Israel, Westival Festival, BYOP at Space in addition to choreographing and performing in Ry Jones Music Video Frequency. Emily provides classes and workshops in contemporary technique in addition to improvisation classes. Emily has worked for organisations including Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Age UK, Creative Dance London, Ballet Boyz, County Youth Dance Company, National Youth Dance Wales, amongst others.
