Q&A with Harrison Ritchie-Jones: Exploring the Absurd and Extraordinary in Dance

Q: How would you describe your choreographic style? 

Harrison: It’s a blend of techniques from a wide range of physical practices. I love to create spaces for absurdity, humor and physicality to come together. It’s about creating surreal and expressive explorations of storytelling through movement. I want to push boundaries and challenge traditional dance narratives to explore dance in unconventional ways. 

 Q: What are some of the major influences in your work? 

Harrison: I drew inspiration from all over – martial arts, figure skating, rodeo barnyard dance and more abstract inspirations. My work investigates movement, obsession and risk. I’m fascinated by how these diverse influences can come together to create something unique and surprising. 

• 

  CUDDLE by Harrison Ritchie-Jones. Image by Jo Duck.

Q: Your latest work, CUDDLE, is part of the upcoming INDance season. What can audiences expect from this performance?

Harrison: CUDDLE is a duel between two partners in crime, performed by Michaela Tancheff and me. Performed in the round, it has surreal sonic and visual surprises, weaving contemporary dance with a variety of elements. There is opera, a dangerous club banger and an epic emotional Rocky Balboa track, all spread over different points in the show. It’s strange and novel and dives into the complexities of our lived experience.

Q: How did you and Michaela prepare for CUDDLE?

Harrison: We dedicated ourselves to all sorts of partner work, inspired by movement from ice skating, martial arts like jujitsu and judo, and contact improv and wrestling. We practiced wearing heavy-duty gear in public spaces like car parks, building ourselves up mentally and physically to be ready for what we call “the dance of our lives.”

Q: What experience do you hope to convey to the audience with CUDDLE?

Harrison: CUDDLE uses humor and absurdity mixed with hardcore technique to strike a unique balance between making you laugh, making you uncomfortable and offering you something that is emotionally resonant. It’s about embracing the absurd and extraordinary in life and art.

INDance 2024 is on sale now.