The Breath of Time

Timothy’s new ballet for the SDT,'The Breath of Time' once again reflects the choreographer’s affinity for the East. "The dancers have become stronger technically and because of the Company’s exotic look, I have created 'The Breath of Time' which is a sort of an extension from 'Rainbow River'," said Timothy.

Timothy’s new ballet is set to a unique score by the Australian group Sirocco. It synthesizes traditional Eastern instruments with contemporary electronic sounds. The result is a hauntingly Oriental yet modern composition which has inspired the movements in the ballet. A major consideration for Timothy whilst choreographing this piece was the capabilities and personalities of the dancers. "When you choreograph, you have to know the tools that you are working with and the dancers are the choreographer’s tools. The SDT has an interesting mix of dancers who are able to do contemporary works as well as demanding classical numbers" said Timothy. This duality which he put to good use in his new work makes the SDT dancers unique and versatile, qualities which any dance company would be proud of.

Timothy is putting in a little more of his artistic personality in this new choreography by helping in the costume design, something which he admits he has never done before. His dedication to the piece saw him scouring the back alleys of Little India for that right material to be used for costumes in the ballet whilst Tai Chi sessions in the evenings have given the creative process that extra impetus.

"The Breath of Time" will be premiered on 29 November 1991 at Victoria Theatre as part of Festival of Dance 1991.