It is time for our biennial weekend of performances, discussion and workshops. This year our focus is exploring effects of ageing on artists’ work, and whether greater diversity in the age of artists making and performing work gives audiences a richer dance experience. The theme has developed organically through conversations between dance artists and members of the public. I always find it amazing how the same thoughts flow through our minds and we just don’t share them! Transgressions2023 – Who We Are gives us the chance to do just that – to mingle, watch and talk dance with a few workshops as well.

This year, because life never goes to plan, we have a ‘teaser’ weekend Friday 12 May -Sunday 14 May with a month for us all to ‘ponder’ (or just get on with living!) before coming together again on Friday 16 June – Sunday 18 June.

Confused? Here is an outline which hopefully will help:

Friday 12 May
Over Soon!  7.30 pm, outside Ask Italian Restaurant

Created by Holly Gibbs and performed by a cast of professional and community dancers the piece sets the scene for Transgressions2023 reflecting on the types of bodies that we see  performing dance.

No need to book as there is no limit on audience numbers. Just turn up outside Ask Italian Restaurant at about 7.30 pm

Saturday 13 May
Acting Our Age  6.30 pm, Jubilee Central, 62 King Edward Street, HU1 3SQ

Using the idea of beginnings and endings as a starting point, ‘Acting Our Age’ is an Israeli-UK co-production choreographed by Galit Liss & Yael Flexer with an intergenerational cast of professional performers between the ages of 24-77 using text by writer Wendy Houston.

Hull is excited to welcome the Israeli performers whose first stop in the UK is our wonderful city. This also means that we host the premier of ‘Acting Our Age’ at this our pre-Transgressions Weekend. The performance and post-show chat will raise further questions connected with the Transgressions2023 theme which other artists will explore in June

Entry by donation, numbers will be limited so please book a ticket here

Sunday 14 May
Intergenerational Workshop
10.30 am – noon, Feral Art School/Hull Dance Space, 22, Alfred Gelder Street, Hull HU1 2BS

The workshop will focus on movement and improvisation, grounded in ‘Gila Practice’ – a unique methodology developed by Galit to work with women over 60. It will also draw on some of the improvisational ideas present in Acting Our Age. If you are over 18 come along and join in.

Entry by donation, numbers will be limited so please book a ticket here

We don’t want to spoil all the fun so here is just a little preview of the June weekend to encourage you to put the date in your diary

Friday 16 June
A second chance to celebrate the talent of Hull-based dancer Holly Gibbs and community performers before continuing the evening at Thieving Harry’s

Saturday 17 June
10.30 am – 1.30 pm – Short Performances in the City Centre
2.30 pm – Feral Arts/Hull Dance Space, Informal conversation about the theme of the weekend
7.30 pm – An Evening with Liv Lorent

Sunday 18 June
Intergenerational Workshops

Look out for more information coming soon, or register your interest in Transgressions to receive information directly https://www.hulldance.com/home/events/transgressions/