'Anyone who does not believe in miracles is not a realist'

The concept I have chosen for my choreography is Audrey Hepburn, as not only have I always loved her films, but I also think she was an interesting woman who was far more than just a movie star. In this solo, I would like to explore what made her who she was by analysing her mannerism, the events which shaped her life, like the Nazi occupation of Holland, and by considering the struggles she faced, such as her need to be a mother. I want to leave the audience feeling like they’ve experienced the true essence of Hepburn, without having simply re-told the narrative of her life. I will achieve this through extensive research into Hepburn’s own story, utilising biographies, interviews, and accounts, and analysis her in films and footage, to gain a deeper understanding of her as a person. Existing works which have inspired me to move in this direction include the solo ‘Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan’ in which Ashton captured Duncan’s spirit without telling her story, and Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings, based on Frida Kahlo, which expertly dives between the narrative and abstract to create a cohesive and striking piece. I would like to look further into these pieces as to how their choreographic methods can inspire me, and also explore other works based on people’s lives.