Luke teaches a dynamic release-based class which is informed by improvisation and somatic practices. The class will explore body patterns focused around energising the core of the body, and connecting to the ground with our weight. Usually beginning with improvisation/experiential anatomy, we will then explore set exercises and sequences to develop our bodily organisation and connectivity. As well as technical challenges, a sense of dynamic versatility, a playful questioning and finding both clarity and spontaneity are encouraged.
Luke Birch began his dance training at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and then went on to complete his BA Hons degree at Laban in 2008. In 2009 he joined post graduate dance company Edge at The Place/LCDS performing works by H2 Dance and Jeremy Nelson.
Professionally he has performed for Yael Flexer, Nic Sandiland, Dybwik Dans (Norway), Charles Linehan, Dog Kennel Hill Project, Rosemary Lee (Rehearsal Director/Performer), Punchdrunk, Florence Peake, Rahel Vonmoos and Janine Harrington.
He has also performed on visual art/gallery based projects with Pablo Bronstein, Martin Creed and Aya Kobayashi for Tate Modern and Tate Britain and a restaging of Yvonne Rainer’s Trio A and the Mirror City exhibition (Florence Peake and Nicola Conibere) both at The Hayward Gallery.
His choreographic work has been shown at Canterbury Festival, Sadler’s Wells (Damn Fine Dance at Elixir Festival), The Place, Siobhan Davies Studios, Move it 2016 and Arts Depot.
Luke also has a passion for teaching and has delivered classes and workshops with Greenwich Dance, Big Dance, The Place, Circus Space, Independant Dance, Laban, Surrey University, London Studio Centre, Salzburg Academy of Experimental Dance, Shobana Jeyasingh and Candoco.