A 4 day Clown, Movement and Dance Improvisation workshop.
An introductory course for beginners.
This welcoming workshop is an invitation to explore the joyful meeting place between Clown and dance. Designed for complete beginners in clowning and for those new to Mettler Dance, there are no steps to master, no routines to memorise. Simply come as you are, with an open mind and a willingness to be curious.
Together we’ll slow down, listen, move and discover what emerges in the moment.
Through playful improvisation, movement, breath, connection, and imagination, you’ll begin to uncover both the dancer and the clown that already live within you.
Later, you’ll explore how these two creative worlds can meet—allowing movement to inspire play, and play to awaken movement. Expect moments of laughter, surprise, freedom, and genuine connection, all within a supportive and encouraging environment.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your creativity, experience the delight of improvisation, or simply try something completely new, this workshop offers a space to explore without judgement and discover the joy of responding to the present moment. We will be working in a light filled studio with wooden sprung floor.
For those who wish to continue the journey, this introductory workshop is followed by a deeper exploration for participants with more experience in Clowning and Mettler Dance improvisation.
No previous movement, dance or clowning experience required.
THROUGH Clowning
We connect to our playful spirit. We develop and sustain in ourselves and each other the courage to be who we truly are, to trust life and ourselves. We befriend the fears that block us from being fully present in the here and now. The path of the Clown is simple, vulnerable and naive reminding us to dance lightly through life.
ABOUT Clowning
Clowning is a state of playfulness that brings us to experience a child-like, naïve and vulnerable state of being. Paradoxically we grow, learn and are strengthened through reconnecting playfully with what makes us most vulnerable. This approach to clowning is not a technique (tricks, gags and routines) but a personal journey towards finding one’s own unique way of being a clown, by listening and being receptive, essential skills for any creative and imaginative expression. It is only when we let go our control over things that we begin to be surprised by the depth of what reveals itself to us.
THROUGH Dance
Dance is for everybody: If you can move, you can dance!
Through dance improvisation, we learn to listen, and allow our dances to emerge organically from within ourselves. We never know what we are going to create, and that is precisely the point! There are no right or wrong ways to move and no steps to learn or remember – every dance is unique. Leaning on exercises developed by Barbara Mettler, we become more aware of the inner impulses that give rise to our movements. When we dance as individuals we listen to our bodies, giving form to what we feel inside. When we dance together, we surrender that individuality so we can listen to the ‘group body’, giving form to what we feel as a collective.
ABOUT Mettler based dance
Believing that dance is a basic human need, Barbara Mettler (1907 – 2002) explored new approaches to both the body as instrument and movement as the material of the dance. Her way of working emphasised individual and group improvisation as a means of cultivating the natural, creative movement resources which are in everyone. Mettler’s pioneering research, exploration and practice of large group dance improvisation is recognised as a ground breaking and unique contribution to contemporary dance. For more information on Mettler Based dance:https://dancecreative.org
Facilitators:
Ali Stockford – Clowning
Ali has been facilitating with Nose to Nose workshops for eight years and holds this work in high esteem as the perfect grounding for all creative work, developing our potential for full self-expression and the bigger picture of trusting ourselves and life and the power of fun! As a member of the Nose to Nose Team, UK, she has delivered clown training for the Giggle Doctors, Theodora Foundation, UK, Lis’n Tell Speech and Language practitioners and Quantum Marketing, London. Ali grew up dancing – ballet, modern and tap -appearing in lots of musicals and pantos . She worked as a tap dancer in France alongside studying for a French literature degree and co-produced a one woman clown show – The Princess and the Pea- for children. She is currently grappling with writing another clown piece which could transform into either a short story, film, or book or merely get left on the shelf until another time! Ali speaks both English and French.
Beth Maiden – Movement and Dance Improvisation
Beth has always enjoyed dancing, but fell in love with movement improvisation in her 30s. At first practicing solo and in secret (“what is this weird thing I love to do?”) and then finding the courage to move with others (“wow, it’s even better when we do it together!”)
She is fascinated by the the magic that happens when we allow our bodies to move and communicate without judgement. Sometimes silly, sometimes profound, often both, Beth believes dance and movement are powerful ways to listen to those parts of ourselves that don’t get heard in everyday life.
Beth now considers dance improvisation central to her life and wellbeing, and is continually seeking out new approaches to dance to deepen her understanding of this practice. Among others she has studied with Nose to Nose, the School of Disobedience and Cai Tomos, as well as teacher training with Mettler Studios in the US.
Course fee: £440 – Tuition only
Deposit: £150
Accommodation and meals:
Accommodation can be booked directly with the Peredur Centre on a first-com, first-served basis. There is both single room accommodation and camping available.
info@peredurcentre.org.uk
01342 312527
Please note that this course is self-catering. There is a pub serving food and a small shop at about 5 minutes on foot from Peredur Centre. The town of East Grinstead is about a mile away with its restaurants and supermarkets..
Date and times:
The course begins Tuesday 01st June– Gather at 6,45pm for a 7.30pm start
Ends Friday 04th June –12.45pm
Venue: https://www.peredurcentre.com
Click here to book or enquire
To book a course follow the link Click here to book… above. You will see on the form whether there are available places. Submit the form with your details and we will let you know how to proceed with payment of your deposit. Your deposit is REFUNDABLE MORE than 2 months before the start of the course. There is a £30 admin fee for refunds. If the course is cancelled your deposit will be refunded in full.
Deposits are paid online.
NOTE: Your place can only be confirmed after we have received your deposit.
Once your deposit has been accepted, we will notify you to confirm your place on the course.
You are booked on the course ONLY when Nose to Nose confirms your place.
If you have questions, email us at nosetonoseoffice@gmail.com
If the course is full you will automatically be added to our waiting list. We’ll let you know when a place becomes available.
MORE INFO CONCERNING COURSE FEE…
Q: Can I talk to someone? A: Yes, just send an email with your phone number to nosetonoseoffice@gmail.com and we’ll call you as soon as we are free to do so.
Q: Are there still spaces available on the course? A: Just click on the link Click here to book… above. You will see on the form whether there are available places.
Q: Can you put me on the waiting list? A: Sure, just click on the link Click here to enquire and fill the form. We will put you on our waiting list and let you know when a place becomes available.