Matthew Bourne

• Matthew Bourne Biography

  started dancing at age 22.

  Exposed through film and theatre.

  studied at Laban Centre in 1982-1985 (BA Dance and Theatre)

  created own company (Adventures in Motion Pictures) in 1987. Changed name to New Adventures in 2002.

  Making shows rather than ballet.

  West end choreographies.

  Knighted in 2016
• Bournes Characteristic Features

  Storytelling- existing stories and reworks them.

  Love stories- relationships between people

  References to film- Hitchcock and Disney

  Patterns and Formations

  Film techniques- split screen, close up, slow motion, flashback.

  Exploration of gender and sexuality
• Bournes movement style

  Ballet- classical, footwork, balletic parody, five positions of arms and legs.

  Contemporary- floor and contact work, flexion and relaxation.

  Gesture- literal actions, mime

  Social Dance- folk, tango, club.
• Bournes choreographic style

  Task setting- dancers asked to workshop material through a series of tasks. Improvisation and creativity.

  Direct Choreography- Specific idea to music or section, that will be given to dancers and won't change.
• Bournes collaborative approach

  Works alone as a choreographer. Use a group of recurring dancers he trusts.

  Scott Ambler- performed with Bourne in early years of AMP.

  Collaborates in other ways- Lez Brotherston, Terry Davies and Paul Groothius