Ian Johnston – Dancer

A performance art work created by Ian Johnston, Gary Gardiner and Adrian Howells, Dancer was a gentle provocation on what it is to be a ‘dancer’. Ian and Gary both love to dance in public. Neither are trained dancers. Artists Ian and Gary asked questions about visibility, opportunity and experiences; as well as sharing a few of their dances. ‘Dancer’ was developed with the support of The Arches and Sense Scotland, and Unlimited will support a tour of the work: £24,524 (Creative Scotland).

2 Minutes with Ian and Gary (captioned)

2 Minutes with Ian and Gary (audio-described)

Ian Johnston is a dancer, actor and performer, who over the last few years has held a number of leading roles in contemporary performances presented by Sense Scotland, as well as collaborating widely with organisations such as Dance Ihayami, Artform and Indepen-Dance. Gary Gardiner is a performer, director, producer and creative learning practitioner, working across a range of local and international contexts. He is the Artistic Director of 21 Century Challenges which pioneers arts education practice and contemporary performance work. Lucy Gaizely is a producer and artist of New Work encompassing live art practice, participation and hybrid art forms with a particular focus on diversity asking ‘who is and can be an artist’ and using this question to motivate her practice. Adrian Howells was a collaborator on ‘Dancer’ and passed away in March 2014. He was a performance-maker creating work that often promoted intimacy, vulnerability, mutual nurturing and genuine exchange with an audience.

Intimate performance that gently questions who is ‘allowed’ to dance; for smaller venues. Available for touring now.

Press quotes

“This is such a lovely piece of work: simple, generous-spirited, vulnerable and entirely without side.” ★★★★ Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

“a complex and sometimes beautiful show” ★★★★ The Scotsman

“their repertoire throws off inhibitions and goes hell for leather” – AcrossTheArts

“displays the sheer joy that dance can bring to an individual” –The Public Reviews

“An absolute joy to watch, the production successfully leaves the audience with a renewed love for the medium of dance.” – The Public Reviews