Pushing Boundaries of Contemporary Dancewear

Western Australia, 2011

Kwokka was asked to create concept dancewear for Ludwig’s ‘Fleck + Flecker’ contemporary dance and animation production to challenge traditional notions of representation.  The garments had to combine practicality; comfort, dynamic movement and temperature control, with aesthetics; creating a visual impression that went beyond usual costume solutions and captured audience imagination.

Through research on performativity, gesture and body narrative, and experimental studies to identify key signifiers on theme, we created prototypes that allowed for on stage conversion, manipulation and an element of improvisation.  The design process followed a co-creation strategy with the principle dancers, who were uniquely talented in their own field and embraced the spirit of participation.