A festival of improvised music and dance in February 17-19th 2009 

This unique festival is at the cutting edge of improvisational practice, over three days with a diverse showcase of music and dance performed by international guest artists, staff & alumni of Trinity Laban and present-day students in two stunning architectural spaces. The Viewfinder Gallery in Greenwich presents a photographic exhibition developed alongside the festival.

‘Improvisation requires different styles of thought at different moments…a dialogue is needed between wildness and order…’

Body Space Image by Miranda Tufnell & Chris Crickmay

Excerpt from the In the Moment Festival catalogue, a dialogue between Artistic Directors, Douglas and Lizzi

 L What do you think are the key attributes for any aspiring improvisor?

D Well, speaking as a musician, I think the main thing is openness. If you are working with others you have to be empathetic without losing your own identity. But also, in developing your own playing, you must be open to possibilities, not too quick to judge what is good or bad, but rather to be able to quickly and boldly ascertain the potential in everything. What about with dance?

L Being present- in yourself. If you are comfortable and focused in your own being, you somehow give permission to others to be themselves. Listening is a lost art, whether it is in conversations or improvising, I think. Too often, we are thinking of what to say rather than really listening to the other person. In auditions, I always choose the people who do less rather than more, and who understand the power of stillness – and it’s how to get to that stillness that counts isn’t it!