In my work, I explore, how we are operating thanks to constant changes – movements inside us and in relation to the universe and how we are able to perceive these movements.
When I became more conscious about movement of my body and the surrounding world, it was a departure of my journey and inspiration for creative movement, dance and art.
I started to listen to and understand the wisdom of the body which leads to the vitality. So the moving body can be a source of pure joy. The movements can express what words can’t. Any gesture can become a dance. The movement of any range – and stillness – can be a piece of art. That’s what I share in my work.
The following systems became the landmarks on my journey; therefore I employ them in my work: New Dance, Contemporary Dance, Improvisation, Contact Improvisation, Experiential Anatomy in Movement, Ideokinesis, Shiatsu, Body Mind Centering, Yoga, Being with and in Nature.
I was born in Prague and currently I am living in Cornwall, leading open Contact Improvisation sessions at Falmouth University and organising workshops for public.
I completed my Master degree in Pedagogy of Contemporary Dance at Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava in Slovakia, where I studied in conducting under ones of the main personalities and funders of Slovak contemporary dance Anka Sedlačková (also Body-Mind Centering Practitioner) and Marta Poláková (also Laban Movement Analyst).
My professional interest in movement expression led me firstly to study Dance Research at Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, making my BA based on theoretical analyses and dance history. I continued my education focusing more on exploration of the moving body and somatic techniques, being a student of Milan Kozánek and Zuna Kozánková (Artyci Dance Company and www.shiatsu-terapie.sk)
Subsequently I started to work internationally both in dance and other art forms, being a member of the Educational Department of Museum of Contemporary Art Mu-ZEE in Oostende (BE) and then I became an assistant in choreographic centre T.E.E.M. (FR). Meanwhile, I had an opportunity to meet in studios of such personalities of postmodern dance and improvisation such as Nancy Stark Smith, Lisa Nelson, Daniel Lepkoff, Ruth Zaporah, Julyen Hamilton, Stephanie Skura, K. J. Holmes, Malcolm Manning, Frey Faust and others. Their propositions are important sources of inspiration for my work.
One of her main interest lies in Contact improvisation, being a funder of Bratislava Contact improvisation and facilitating weekly Jams and now organising Wednesday Contact Improvisation Jams at Falmouth University. She enjoys connecting artistic work and introducing dance to people of all levels of experience; she led creative movement workshops for a range of participants from children (e.g. projects in primary schools) to people of an older generation.
More info about Jana and her activities: www.movementtouch.com