We recently returned home to New York after performing and teaching in Edinburgh, Scotland! We had a fantastic trip and are so thankful for all the opportunities we were able to experience. So many exciting things happened and we are more than happy to have our dancers share them with you.
“The Fringe Festival shows can be described in a simple analogue: Fringe shows in Edinburgh are similar to the population in New York City – there is so much diversity and so many shows they cannot all be accounted for. Watching aerial artists, jugglers, comedians, and dancers I began to realize how we all are performers painting a canvas in a three-dimensional space where there is no fourth wall. How commitment informs an audience – commitment to the work, the moment, the art, and to oneself.” -Nicole Kadar
“British Prime Minister David Cameron said “Scotland’s greatest asset and greatest export is its people.” I heard that line spoken proudly by more than one Scot I met in Edinburgh, and with good reason. Scotland is filled with wonderfully friendly people who share a distinctive generosity and openness, especially when it comes to creating and viewing art.” -Corey Bliss
Throughout the festival, we had seven performances encouraged by many supporters, presenters, and press. This gave us a chance to meet with some of the people that expressed an interest in our company, for example, writers from The Mumble, Huffington Post and Broadway Baby. We received a four star review from The Scotsman, which is known as the “New York Times” of Scotland, and were mentioned as a stand out company by Huffington Post, Broadway Baby and The Mumble.
“Through Booking Dance I discovered the light, fast, fluid work of the New York based Teresa Fellion Dance company, filled with wit and levity.” -Huffington Post
“BodyStories, under the careful artistic direction of Teresa Fellion, embody the raw experience of human encounters through the medium of dance. They offer an innovative expression of the difficult coming of age phase of adolescent life – exploring the mental and physical changes in this quirky routine.” -Emma Steedman (Broadway Baby Writer)
Besides these scheduled festival performances, our company was also selected to perform on The Royal Mile. Before the festival began, we performed on this popular stage in downtown Edinburgh and gave audiences a sneak peek of what was to come. We also collaborated with several talented European dancers during improvisational sessions hosted by Core Arts Complex. We held a photo shoot capturing the beautiful scenery in Princes St. Gardens as well! Check out 00:00-00:17 to see a glimpse of our Royal Mile Performance in Edinburgh, improvising from NOGOOHA. Click here to watch the video
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Artists’ Experiences in Edinburgh, Scotland
Going to Edinburgh was an amazing experience. The fringe festival proved to be a wonderful performance Mecca. There were so many artists and performers that I was guaranteed to find performance near by and a performer to stumble into, connect with, and exchange ideas with. Days were full of dancing, walking the beautiful city, watching inspired and new performances, and relaxing at a nice pub with other artists. I am particularly thankful for the opportunity to connect with the other dancers in the Booking Dance Festival and plan on keeping these friendships. -Daniel Chenoweth
What a lovely time in Edinburgh…there were overcasts with 80-90% chance of rain most days. The people are polite, friendly and helpful. The first few days I had to remind myself that the people were not putting on accents. When it was just about time to go home, no more shows, just one more class, I sat near the Elephant Café, where J.K. Rowling began to write Harry Potter, with a coffee in hand letting my mind unravel a bit… Career or personal stagnancy will not happen if I allow my energy and passion for my art to guide my journey as an artist. There may not be a discovery every time an artist creates, takes class or performs; but that is okay. One just needs to be responsive and aware. Understandings can be made without discoveries – and that is it’s own journey. I know these statements are not newly invented thoughts, but they gained new meaning for me in Edinburgh. -Nicole Kadar
My experience in Edinburgh was an extremely positive one. Every aspect of the trip was incredibly enjoyable, but I have to say my favorite part was walking around and exploring the city. Whether it was strolling across Princes Gardens, walking through the halls, dungeons, and rooms of Edinburgh Castle, or just reading in a small cafe with an Americano and croissant, I couldn’t get enough of that city. Even the times when I was lost just trying to find my way to a show were still great fun and more importantly an eye opening experience into the Scottish way of treating lost tourists. Their kindness and willingness to help has definitely made me more aware of how I treat the lost souls in NYC. During the Fringe Festival, there is an excitement and happiness in the air that is infectious. Edinburgh is a magical place during the Fringe Festival and I can’t wait to go back. -Julia Jurgilewicz
Wow – the experience of traveling to the fringe to perform with BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance was super fun… and a whirlwind of an experience. From my side, the first big accomplishment was getting all my gear packed into two suitcases and then making it to the venue… I was interrogated at the Scottish border by the police – they said “we ask more questions of those who appear more interesting, or more suspicious.” I really dig the scotch, and the city – full of caverns and comedy really – and this festival (the fringe) is just bonkers. absolutely bonkers. I wonder what Edinburgh is really like. The dance work we did was fun… and while in it we are just trying to listen, breathe and enjoy… but i can say after seeing stills and video of the performances – it was really hot! the work was strong, the dancers killed it and it looked really great. a blast overall and kudos to Ms. Fellion for steering the ship! -Ryan Edwards
One night, we participated in a contact improvisation “dance jam” that was open to members of the Edinburgh dance community. Anyone in the company will tell you that I have the least contact improv experience out of all of us – but, something about being in that fresh, open space (the jam was held in a brand new arts center) with dancers from all over the world made my insecurities melt away. After a while, my inquisitive fingers making shapes on the floor somehow found the fingers of Clyde, a slightly older gentleman who refused to identify himself as a professional dancer. He was an incredibly sensitive and receptive partner – we seamlessly morphed into and out of lifts, rolls, balances, and quiet moments for what must have been 15 or 20 minutes. It felt like I could dance forever with this perfect stranger – it was a rush, a release, and an ease of movement that I had never before experienced. From what the other dancers in the company said, he had a similar effect on everyone he danced with that evening. In sharing his special energy and awareness with us, and creating a memory that will last for many years to come, Clyde truly became that “greatest Scottish export.” -Corey Bliss
Check out the full photo album!! Posted soon on our website gallery and Facebook page.