Activity Report #2 of “Danstereportation

Interview with Kogure Kaho
(Interviewer: Kota Yamazaki)

Kota Yamazaki’s new project “Dance Teleportation,” based on the concept of “dialogue,” is underway. Mr. Yamazaki and 11 performers are literally groping their way through the creative process under the new coronavirus epidemic.

Basically, a choreographer and a dancer create a work by sharing a place and time. Now that this is no longer possible, how can a choreographer establish a relationship with a dancer to create a work? We have named this challenge “Dance Teleportation” in the sense of exploring a way of dancing that transcends place and time.”
(Excerpted from Kota Yamazaki, “Danstereportation,” Statements.)

In this issue, we present an interview with the performer by Mr. Yamazaki, conducted via video call as the first step in the creative process. The person on the other end of the call was Kaho Kogure. A wide range of questions were asked, including about the creative process of the dance piece and her thoughts on the new coronavirus epidemic.
(Text and editing by Taku Yoshida)

standing form of “mountain” character

Good morning. First, let me explain how this project will proceed. First, I will interview each of the performers and receive a variety of words from them. Next, I will weave words inspired by the words I have received. Then, I will return the words to the performers and proceed to the next stage of the creative process. Thank you very much.

nightfall

Good morning. Understood. I look forward to working with you.

standing form of “mountain” character

Then I would like to begin. How have you been dancing, Mr. Kogure?

nightfall

I started modern ballet at the age of 6. I discovered contemporary dance at university, and since graduating I have performed in works by various choreographers such as Akira Kasai, and I also give my own dance performances once every two years. I also have sessions with musicians and perform in video productions. The ratio of my own creation and performances as a dancer is about 50-50.
Akira-sensei’s training place was Tenshikan, and Kota-san also went there, right?

standing form of “mountain” character

I attended Tenshikan from the age of 18 to 20. Practice was three times a week and centered on improvisation. It was like moving my body from a state of introspection to a state of full energy. I danced inspired by the words that Mr. Kasai threw at me, and he would join in the dancing. Since that time, I think I have had a tendency to move in an emotional direction.
Mr. Kasai was my first dance teacher, so he was the biggest influence on me. It was quite a challenge for me to find a way to change direction from that influence.
As a little experiment, let me ask you a question. (Pointing to the center of the back of your hand) What do you imagine when you look here? I think about it too.

nightfall

(Thinking for a moment) “Smells like oranges.

standing form of “mountain” character

That’s nice. I was “a boat floating on the lake”.
What are your feelings about the current outbreak of the new coronavirus?

nightfall

I started walking to places I used to go by train, and my physical sense of time and distance has changed. Recently, I bought a bicycle and was surprised to find that my physical sensations are very different from when I walk. Performing arts are deeply related to changes in space and time, and I hope to use these experiences to create a dance piece about time someday.

standing form of “mountain” character

Please tell us about the creative process of your dance works.

nightfall

First, I often envision the landscape of the work from a distant perspective. As we bring that landscape into focus, we think about movement, sound, and lighting.
The movement is about 50-50 split between the part of the movement that is repeatedly improvised and the part that is decided upon.

standing form of “mountain” character

What do you want to do in the next few years or 10 years?

nightfall

I would like to tour abroad while performing my work and conducting workshops. I want to meet people and travel.
I have been dancing solo for some time and have developed a desire to create a piece with other performers. I don’t know if that means being a dancer or a musician, but I would like to try my hand at choreographing.
How about you, Kota?

standing form of “mountain” character

I wonder if what I am talking about now itself will lead to the next step. The other thing I want to do is to teach. I am gradually moving toward old age (laughs). I intend to be active.
Are there any expressive figures that have influenced you?

nightfall

Different from influences, I recently did some research on pianist Glenn Gould. I presented a solo dance piece using the entire “Goldberg Variations” five years ago, and I have performed it again several times. I also danced a short version at the “HOTPOT East Asia Dance Platform” in Yokohama this past February. In preparation for this, I did research by reading books and watching documentaries. I like Bach’s music.

standing form of “mountain” character

What is your favorite color?

nightfall

Blue.

standing form of “mountain” character

Where do you feel at home?

nightfall

This is the rooftop of my house. I hope one day to invite guests and hold a small event.

standing form of “mountain” character

Are you interested in dancing outdoors? And if you dance outdoors, how would you set up the dance?

nightfall

I have had the opportunity to perform in video productions, and I have probably danced in the outdoors more often than not. Among them, I seem to have a mysterious connection with water, and have danced around a waterfall in Izumo, at Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido, and in the mist.
In the open air, I often use my hearing to start dancing.

standing form of “mountain” character

That’s good. Speaking of “water,” I am also influenced by Noguchi Gymnastics, so I am sometimes aware of “water” as a physical sensation.
I received a lot of good words today. I will come up with some words that connect to this project on my end and will share them with you at a later date.
Thank you very much.

nightfall

Thank you very much.

How was the interview?
I am very much looking forward to seeing what kind of expression will emerge from this.
Our next report will be an interview with Teita Iwabuchi.
Please continue to enjoy the dialogue between the dancers, which you would not normally hear.

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