In this improvisation class, participants will engage with Bisola’s teaching method Root-Meter. We will use an improvisational approach with elements of somatic to guide us through the engagement process of Root-Meter. Focusing on the pelvis and spine to explore meters, using breath to flow and explore qualities of flow and undulation through space and Cuban afro and house music to stimulate polyrhythms.
In the practice of Root-Meter, we tap into the seven chakras which correspond to the directives of the Orisha; that assist us in the spiritual awaking of mind and body developed in West African Yoruba movement.
“Yoruba is an ethnic group from West Africa, mainly in Yorubaland in Nigeria, Beinni and Togo and the diaspora in Cuba, Brazil and other parts in the south and north America as well as the UK. As part of the Yoruba culture, the Yoruba religion IFA is a system of divination is a traditional religious and spiritual concept and practice of the Yoruba people. Along with the concept of Orisha. The Orishas are deities sent by Oludumare (God) to assist in the spiritual evolution of humankind.” Bisola Bello
For safety, we would like to encourage everyone to take a Covid-19 lateral flow test before attending. The studio will also be well-ventilated even in colder weather – please bring extra layers for warmth. Siobhan Davies Studios current risk assessment and policy is available to read here.
Bisola Bello is a Nigerian dance artist currently based in London. She is a movement practitioner, teacher, and performer, who gained her BA in contemporary dance at Northampton University and her MA in Movement directing and teaching at the Royal Central School of speech and drama. She is trained in contemporary, modern Horton, Afro Cuban, Brazilian, Bata and Acogny West African dance techniques. Bisola has worked with artists and companies such as Union dance, Eliot Smith dance, Anton Mirto, Paul Morris, Utopia Theatre, Kansaze Dance Company, Pascal Merighi & Sebastien Ramirez, Elcid Asaei, This is it theatre and others.
Bisola is also part of the Independent Dance Intergenerational Reciprocal Mentoring Scheme, through which she worked with ‘Funmi Adewole, supporting her to formulate her movement language.
Bisola formed Root Meter, a dance/movement approach based on 10 years’ experience in improvisation, contemporary and African dance. Bisola’s teaching method comes from the elements of Yoruba dance from Nigeria, Cuba, and Brazil, exerting qualities of vibration, undulation, contraction, and flow. Bisola’s inquiry is into the somatic nature and the spiritual essences of the Yoruba dance practice.