forming my own company and they said “get real”,’ says Clark. ‘But there was a life outside dance that I was also passionate about. like the bands I was going to see. and I felt there must be a way of bringing those things together.’
In the years that followed. Clark submerged himself in the worlds of music. art and clubbing. But it was his friendship with club owner. costume designer and larger than life character. Leigh Bowery that was to prove pivotal. The relationship raised its head again last year. when Clark was rehearsing Mmm.
Originally created in 1992. Mmm and its companion piece. 0 (seen at last year’s New Territories) take the music of Stravinsky as their starting point. From there. however. Clark moves into the realm of the Sex Pistols, Wire and other blasting rock material. If 0 is anything to go by. Mmm will be the highlight of this year’s New Territories festival.
It was shortly after Clark choreographed 0 and Mmm that Bowery died of pneumonia. sending Clark into a downward spiral of depression and drug abuse. So revisiting those times, while staging the works with new dancers in 2006, proved challenging. ‘I was scared that I would go back to all the bad habits of that time.’ admits Clark. ‘Losing somebody you love is very painful. but when that person is intrinsic to what you do it’s even harder.’
In recent London performances of Mmm. Clark himself has stepped into the role played by Bowery. At the age of 44. Clark’s appearances on stage have steadily decreased, but he’s not quite ready to disappear behind the scenes just yet. “I would never ask myself to do what my dancers are doing now, because I’m not capable of it,’ says Clark. ‘But dancing is so satisfying. When it’s going well, nothing beats it.’ He pauses and laughs ironically before adding ‘It’s better than any drug.’
Mmm, Tramway, Glasgow, Tue 27 8. Wed 28 Feb.
Better known as Channel 4’s Ballet Boyz, George Piper Dances talk to Kelly Apter about making the most of their creative freedom.
ichael Clark’s arrival in Glasgow coincides with a return visit by George Piper Dances. Like Clark, the founder members of George Piper Dances trained at the Royal Ballet School. Unlike Clark, William Trevitt and Michael Nunn stuck to classical ballet for many years. performing in the Royal Ballet itself until 2001.
When they did finally make the transition from ballet to modern dance. their passage was eased considerably by Channel 4. Having carved a niche for themselves as photographers, while still dancing with the Royal Ballet. Trevitt and Nunn decided on the
pseudonym George Piper — an amalgam of i
their middle names. When Channel 4 came calling in 1999. however, they became known as the “Ballet Boyz’, documenting turbulent backstage life at the Royal Opera House. before going on to present The Rough Guide To Choreography.
Despite the confusing plethora of names. Trevitt and Nunn are determined to demystify the dance process itself. To that end. their stage work as George Piper Dances blends dynamic choreography with humorous and informative video footage. In Glasgow, they’ll be performing Encore. an evening of dance created by four choreographers including Rafael Bonachela (the man behind Kylie’s onstage moves). ‘We wanted to try as many different styles as possible.’ explains Trevitt. ‘So some of the work is very classical. one is much more folky and the piece by Rafael is punchy and contemporary.’
Michael Nunn (left) and William Trevitt
’Encore
DANCE
.
‘WE WANTED TO TRY AS MANY DIFFERENT STYLES AS POSSIBLE'
After years of toeing the Royal Ballet line. Trevitt and Nunn are clearly enjoying their new-found freedom. By interspersing the dance in Encore with interview footage. they give an illuminating account of what it’s like to run a company. “We’re in an unusual position as directors because we commission work.’ says Trevitt. “Normally dancers do what they’re told. but now we’re able to call the shots and choose which choreographers we want to work with.’
Encore, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 27 & Wed 28 Feb.
15 Feb — 1 Mar 2007 THE LIST 17