Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is set to host a unique opportunity for dancers and movement enthusiasts this April. Choreographer and performer Paula Quintana will lead an intensive workshop, ‘LABORATORIO_ Excavación y Cuerpo en Trance / movimiento y creación artística,’ in conjunction with a performance at the Teatro Guiniguada later in the month. The workshop offers a chance to delve into Quintana’s creative process and explore the intersection of body, movement, and artistic expression.
The workshop, scheduled for April 24th, will be held at the Gymnasium of the Aulario de Santa Teresa building on the Campus del Obelisco of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). It’s part of the ‘Bailar los campus’ project, a collaborative initiative between the ULPGC, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Peso Producciones, and Teatro Guiniguada. This project aims to infuse university life with novel forms of movement and creativity, bringing artistic experiences directly to students and the wider campus community.
Quintana’s workshop is designed for individuals aged 16 to 60 with an interest in dance and movement. Participants can expect a three-hour session, running from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a limited capacity of 30 attendees. The workshop description highlights a focus on research and artistic creation, drawing inspiration from collective dance sessions and improvisation techniques. The goal is to expand states of consciousness and explore the physical, emotional, and inherited layers that shape the body and artistic process. Interested individuals can register for the workshop through the ULPGC ticketing website.
Exploring Paula Quintana’s Artistic Vision
Paula Quintana is a Tenerife-born creator, performer, and choreographer known for her multidisciplinary approach to dance. Her work seeks to establish a communication with the audience on both intellectual and visceral levels, reflecting a commitment to contemporary issues and a search for authentic forms of expression. Quintana’s training encompasses theater, classical dance, contemporary dance, and flamenco, and she holds a degree in Dramatic Arts.
Quintana’s recent projects demonstrate a consistent exploration of the body and its potential. She began a trilogy on the elevation of the body in 2019 with “Las Alegrías,” which earned her the Réplica Award for Best Performer and received four nominations for the Max Awards in 2020. The trilogy continued with “LA CARNE” (2020) and culminated in “HUERTO” (2023), a project that integrated artists and researchers in science and new technologies. Her work has been presented internationally, including performances in Seoul, Düsseldorf, London, and across Spain. Her piece, “Atlas de anatomía humana,” exemplifies her exploration of the body as a site of both strength and vulnerability.
A Broader Engagement with the Arts
Beyond her performance work, Quintana actively engages in transdisciplinary research and cultural mediation. She has developed projects for educational centers and vulnerable communities in collaboration with various government and institutional bodies. She also choreographs for artists and festivals both domestically and internationally. Notably, she served as the choreographer for Blanca Paloma, Spain’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, demonstrating her versatility and ability to translate artistic vision into large-scale productions.
The workshop at ULPGC is presented alongside Quintana’s performance at the Teatro Guiniguada on April 26th. The Guiniguada will present “Amarga Dulce,” a dance and theater piece where Quintana embodies Dulcinea del Toboso, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic character from Cervantes’ Don Quixote. The performance, designed for audiences aged 12 and up, explores themes of abandonment, heroism, and the enduring power of ideals.
The ‘Bailar los campus’ project, which hosts Quintana’s workshop, reflects a broader commitment to integrating the arts into the university environment. The ULPGC, in collaboration with its partners, aims to create opportunities for students and the community to engage with innovative artistic practices. This initiative underscores the importance of movement and creativity as integral components of a well-rounded education and a vibrant cultural landscape.
As Paula Quintana prepares to share her expertise at ULPGC, the upcoming workshop and performance promise a stimulating experience for those interested in the power of dance and the exploration of the human body. The limited spaces available for the workshop encourage early registration for those eager to participate in this unique artistic opportunity.
What are your thoughts on the intersection of dance and academic life? Share your comments below and let us know if you plan to attend the workshop or performance!
