Frédérick Gravel
“Consciousness, Intentions, Jamming and Instant Composition”
August 10 – 14, 2026
12.00 – 16.30 H
Muffathalle Studios
Zellstraße 4
Studio E
Professionals
In English
How do we deal with what we are already doing – and with what has long been visible from the audience’s perspective?
This choreographic lab focuses precisely on this tension: consciously working with what is already present – on stage, in the body, in the performers’ minds, and in the immediate moment of the performance.
The focus is on improvisation as a living process of perception, decision-making, and composition. Participants explore how movements, impulses, and thoughts arise in real time and how performative presence can be developed from them. The aim is not to “add” something, but to uncover the potential of what is already happening.
One aspect of the lab is on awareness and decision-making within solo improvisation. How do decisions arise in the moment? Another part is devoted to exploring space, rhythm, and musicality. Participants examine how collective attention emerges and how collaborative “jamming” can function based on shared information. Special attention will also be given to duet improvisation. The focus is on listening, responsiveness, willingness to take risks, and spontaneous composition in interaction with a partner. In addition, Frédérick Gravel presents selected excerpts from his repertoire, which serve as practical examples of principles of writing, composition, and improvisation. In this way, the lab also offers insights into his artistic practice and working methods.
Frédérick Gravel is a choreographer, dancer, musician, lighting designer, and artistic director of De la Dance (DLD) in Montréal. He has created works for renowned companies such as Carte Blanche and tanzmainz and conducts ongoing artistic research together with long-time collaborators from the Montreal scene. The works resulting from this collaboration have been touring internationally since 2009 and are known for their raw energy, musical directness, and radical stage presence.