Project Archive
2011
Once Bitten
“It is refreshing to see a professional choreographer creating work of real integrity and not making a"Youth Group" piece!”
Pete Huggins (Associate Director: Education - Dance City)
Premiered November 2011
Artists
Concept - Jen Wren
Choreography - Jen Wren & Originating Cast
Music - Stateless
Costumes - Dame Allans Dance Dept
Lighting - Dance City Technical staff in collaboration with Jen Wren
Originating Cast - Vizavis Youth Dance Company
Photography - Pete Huggins "Aperture Dance" © "Once Bitten"
Commissioned for Vizavis Youth Dance Company, Once Bitten draws its pulse from the shadow-soaked world of the American series The Vampire Diaries, capturing its themes of desire, danger, and the pull between light and darkness.
Wren brings her signature focus on the human condition, using visceral movement and expressive ensemble work to explore longing, loyalty, and the choices that shape who we become.
Rather than retelling the story, the piece distils the emotional intensity of the series into a bold, atmospheric experience performed with power and sensitivity by the young company.
“Once Bitten is a dramatic blend of physical prowess, athleticism and visceral characterization. The movement material was expertly crafted into complex contact work with imaginative and skillfully executed lifts.”
Chair of PULSE
“The young company stunned the audience with their performance commitment within an outstanding choreography by Jen Wren of Slanjayvah Danza”
Chair, Youth Dance England.
Performances and Accolades
The 6th form performance group (Vizavis) premiered Once Bitten at Dance City to sell-out audiences and went on to be performed at various venues, including South Bank Centre (The Royal Festival Hall - London). It was the winner of Pulse – (Youth Dance England (YDE)- Regional Youth Dance Choreographies) and selected as the closing performance for YDE U.Dance; a showcasing of the best Youth Dance Choreographies from around the UK, and was the Winner of YDE 2012 (North East region).
