MATT SHILCOCK As I prepare for two months of travel,
grander picture, the fulfilment I receive
first to Thailand for the 5th International
from dancing makes the pain worthwhile.
Interdisciplinary No Borders Project in
I would rather break a leg on stage doing
Chiang Mai, Thailand, and then onto
something innovative than at the shops
Nottingham, UK for an exchange program
reaching for the next purchase.
between Critical Path and Dance4, I would like to share my history, current practice
I call my practice ‘Osteogenuine’, a metho-
and works in development.
dology of movement that stays genuine or authentic to the needs and considerations
Diagnosed at birth with Osteogenesis
that living with OI places on my body. It’s
Imperfecta (OI), commonly known as
a continuous exploration and adaptation
‘brittle bone disorder’, I live with an
in choreography, reacting in real-time to
increased risk of skeletal fractures
what is happening inside and outside of
and injuries. My interest in dance lies
the ever-changing landscape of my body.
in the rehabilitative, empowering and
As I am at a higher risk of injury than
strengthening qualities dance has to offer.
an average, physio-typical dancer, it is important for me to find ways to engage
During my [dance] career, I’ve had some
with dance that is both safe to perform
really serious injuries, including breaking
and interesting to watch. I achieve this by
my pelvis in 2014. Although severe, in the
devising a catalogue of movement phrases
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