What is the idea of your "dance editing"?

When I choreograph, I do not create all the materials. First, I ask dancers including me to create their own movement and then I arrange the materials by changing speed, combining with other materials and etc. Finally I compose a dance piece with those collected materials. I thought this way of working is similar with film or magazine editing rather than choreography. That is why I call my creation "dance editing". I can say that this idea is influenced by Seigo Matsuoka's concept of "Editorial Engineering". He supposes that "editing" can be utilized for game, sports, cooking and everything.
Creation takes much time for rehearsals and training. I always try to keep my free time for doing things that have completely nothing to do with dance such as seeing other art works and just going for a walk, so that I would not fall into "dance nuts". I think this effort gives me a new vision for my creation.

Do your dancers take much part in your creation?

Because I do a choreography in the way I mentioned above, each dancer definitely plays an important role. If a dancer is exchanged, it is not possible to present the same piece again. The choreography changes if a dancer is replaced. Ability to enjoy brainstorming, developing movement together is required for dancers. In future I would like to work with non-dancers and actors besides dancers.

I think spatial layout and various use of space is impressive in your group work.

I am not interested in dancing in unison where all the dancers cover the whole stage and follow the same choreography. I always try to use the space three-dimensionally. For example, if you position multiple dancers in one small place, "blank space" of the stage shows up. You can make a spatial contrast by using lift or some kind of stage set to extend height, and emphasizing low level with movement very close to the floor.
Talking of contrast, I use a lot of very small choreography such as finger movements to make a contrast with dynamic movement like lifts. These minor forms sometimes create lovely atmosphere and admire me.■

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