Making Movement Speak

The Acosta Dance Centre is proud to launch its first-ever choreographic intensive course, led by the internationally acclaimed artist Javier De Frutos. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with one of the most innovative and prolific voices in contemporary choreography, gaining insight into his creative process and practical tools to develop your own artistic practice.

About Javier De Frutos
Javier De Frutos is a director, choreographer, designer, filmmaker, and one of the most influential and prolific Hispanic artists working today. His accolades include the 2007 Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography, the 2011 Evening Standard Award, 2005 Critics Circle Awards, the 2004 Time Out Award, the 1997 South Bank Show Award, the Prix de Auteur in the 1996 Concours de Seine-Saint Denis in Paris, and the 2017 Chita Rivera Award for Best Choreography in a Feature Film for the screen adaptation of London Road. Additionally, he received the 2024 Outstanding Career Achievement Award at the Dance Camera West Film Festival in Los Angeles and the 2024 Best Short Dance Film at the National Dance Awards.

In 2000, the South Bank Show dedicated a full feature to his work, which was nominated at the Royal Television Society Awards for Best Arts Documentary. De Frutos also became the first recipient of The Arts Council of England Fellowship, through which he studied extensively the works of Tennessee Williams.

In recent years, three of his films – The Burning Building (for Birmingham Royal Ballet), Whoever You Are, and The Sequestered Disc – have been celebrated in film festivals around the world. More recently, he oversaw the 10th anniversary of Thresh/Hold for Pilobolus Dance Company and the long-awaited revival of the musical London Road at the National Theatre.

Course Modules

Module 1 – FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE (2 days)
8 and 29 November, 10:00 am–4:30 pm
An in-depth exploration of the importance of research and preparation before heading to the studio. We will discuss, both physically and in theory, the practical use of “Quadrants,” finding the “hot spot,” patterns, entrances and exits, and attraction and tension to enhance and maximise productivity in the creative process.

Module 2 – CREATING YOUR OWN LANGUAGE (2 days)
6 and 20 December, 10:00 am–4:30 pm
These sessions focus on the use of composition and movement techniques that facilitate a prolific amount of movement material that is both personal and useful. We will explore a combination of physical approaches to movement, including “accumulation,” “retrogradation,” “motion caption,” “the one and a half,” and “speed test,” which challenge existing notions of movement creation.

Module 3 – FROM STUDIO TO STAGE (1 day)
Saturday 10 January, 10:00 am–4:30 pm
When the creator reaches a stage in which structure and movement are starting to take shape, important dialogues are required. This module addresses guiding dancers through “movement direction,” making editorial decisions, and collaborating with creative teams on design choices – all while navigating the challenges of budgeting and scheduling. This offers a candid, practical, and comprehensive look at one of the most overlooked aspects of dance education.

Module 4 – CHOREOGRAPHY FOR THE CAMERA (2 days)
31 January and 21 February, 10:00 am–4:30 pm
This module focuses on creating dance for the camera, exploring material that exists only through an intimate dialogue with film. Participants will investigate the use of framing, three-dimensionality, distance, and rhythm to expand narrative and movement possibilities. Topics include editing, pace, continuity, and rhythm, as well as the advantages of shooting out of sequence and developing individual approaches to planning and storyboarding.

Course Fees

• Full Course (4 Modules): £270

• Early Bird (before 18 October): £200

• Single Module: £100