In this talk, dance artist and researcher Lorraine Smith will introduce the history of dance and costume in relation to the performing body, and contextualise these connections in reference to her own professional performance, choreographic work and research. The discussion will particularly focus on performer embodiment and how costume, and more importantly specific design choices, can enhance and impede the performer’s engagement with the desired intent (i.e. character, image, etc.), as well as share 'playful' collaborative approaches for devising from costume as starting point.  Furthermore, the talk will demonstrate that costume is not merely a ‘decorative’ addition to a performance, but an essential element for both performer and audience engagement in a ‘total theatre’ experience.

Lorraine Smith is a dance artist and costume performance researcher currently working on new project You Can take Me Home Toni (Dance City Early-Stage Commission). Lorraine was artistic director / choreographer of Silversmith Dance Theatre (2006-2014) and member of UK Arab dance troupe Al Zaytouna (2007-2014), touring contemporary productions in the UK and internationally. Her passions include devising dance theatre and costume performance, which inform her research into the impact of costume on the performing body, costume as somatic tool, performance pedagogy, identity and ‘otherness’.