Because We're Curious

‘Because We’re Curious’ is our community engagement project and an exciting collaboration with two former Michael Clark & Company dancers, Matthew Hawkins and Dawn Hartley. Developed in response to the current exhibition Michael Clark: Cosmic Dancer, the ongoing community event is named after two of Clark's major works, featured in the exhibition - Because We Must and I Am Curious, Orange.

'Because We're Curious’ - and because dancing is great to do as well as see - Matthew has created a unique ‘score’ or ‘code’ to create new dances in and around the museum. Throughout this year, Matthew and Dawn are collaborating with communities across Dundee, working with dancers and non-dancers alike to explore approaches to making performances and enjoy moving together.

Dancer and choreographer, Mathew Hawkins, joined the Royal Ballet School aged 10 and later joined the Royal Ballet. Matthew then chose a freelance career, performing with a range of exciting contemporary choreographers in addition to developing his own shows and an extensive teaching practice.

Dawn Hartley trained at London Contemporary Dance School and has been a prolific dancer, choreographer and teacher throughout her career, with a specific interest in growing participation and access to dance activity for everyone.

Project Highlights...

Coming soon...

Stay tuned to find out more about this summer’s Curious Cèilidh over on our What’s On!

Summer drop-in workshops:

Thank you to everyone who took part in our series of micro dance workshops with dancer/choreographers, Matthew Hawkins and Dawn Hartley across May and June 2022! In this special series of 15-minute dance workshops led by Matthew and Dawn, we shared an open invitation to get involved and try out some essential ‘Because We’re Curious’ moves. No previous dance experience was needed to join in, there's no dress code and all are welcome.

Third Thread:

Throughout May and June 2022 members of Dundee based theatre company: Third Thread worked with Dawn and Matthew to develop site specific improvisations inspired by the building and essential ‘Because We’re Curious’ moves. Third Thread shared live performances with visitors across V&A Dundee on 21st May.
With special thanks to Third Thread Artistic Director, Stephanie Arsoska and Third Thread members: Harris McRobert, Sam Johnston, Indigo Pearson, Jack Mailer, Euan Smith, Max Agnew.

Dundee & Angus College and Glasgow Clyde College:

Across early 2022, dance students from Dundee & Angus College and Glasgow Clyde College created and performed site-specific performances using the unique Because We're Curious ‘score’ as their starting point. Students developed this work with Matthew and Dawn, exploring the creative process and rehearsing in workshops held on campus and at V&A Dundee. The dancers shared their work with audiences across two public performance days, live in the museum in March 2022. The performances included pennants designed and created by artist Donald Urquhart, which added a striking visual element to the performances. Pennants moved with the dancers, and were climbed into, propelled, and taken banner-like across the museum.

With special thanks to dancers from Dundee and Angus College: Abbie Fish, Andi Brogan, Emma Dunsmore, Erin Makein, Emily Mann, Emma Smith, Kirsty Thomson, Laura Mackie, Lauren Smith, Morgan Gray, Sophie McKay and Glasgow Clyde College: Emma Blair, Aimee Clint, Chloe Edgar, Morgan Fehlberg, Keira Gilbert, Hayleigh Graham, Sophie Kerr, Rachel Low, Rebecca McDougall, Chloe McGreish, Ciara O'Brien, Jodie Robb, Gemma Whyte, Molly Williamson who shared their performances; and to Winifred Jamieson and Maxine Railton.