DCO X EKIN BERNAY: ON DANCE MOVEMENT PSYCHOTHERAPY, ATLAS & MORE
Interview: Deniz Akkaya
Photography: Hydar Dewachi & Burcin Ergunt
Here’s our special interview with Ekin Bernay on her new performance, dance movement psychotherapy and more…
International performance art platform Performistanbul’s represented artist Ekin Bernay‘s new 33-minute performance titled Atlas, commissioned by V&A Museum and actualised in partnership with Performistanbul, met with the audience on the 26th of November in the iconic Raphael Court of the museum in London as part of V&A Friday Late. Inspired by the oldest surviving complete musical composition by Seikilos Epitaph, the performance’s journey hinged upon February 2021. Here’s our special interview with Ekin Bernay on her new performance and dance movement:
Can you give us the basic summary of what Dance Movement Psychotherapy is?
Dance therapy is a method developed in Europe and America, but dance is a therapeutic method and its transformative power has been used for centuries in many different parts of the world. In DMP the individual and the therapist use the body and movement as a means of communication through music, movement, art and sometimes play.We create a space based on trust. DMP can be for the individual or the group. Long or short-term studies can be done. In order to be a dance therapist in this field, undergraduate/graduate and certain level of supervision is required.
What are the healing properties of your performance art. How does it work?
It is not my place to say my performance practice has healing qualities for others, however I know for me personally it does. Through my practice I digest life. And look for questions that make me feel more alive and vibrant. Hopefully through my transformation in the work, others can find some doors inside themselves. In most of the work I invite the audience to participate in the work itself, that holds some power of transformation.
When was the first time you realized there’s a dancer in you?
Very difficult to remember the first moment, but I felt the power of the dancer in me when I did my first solo choreographed by my dance teacher Tunc Ozsakar, where I was a cat. I should have been 9.
What do you think is the essence of a performance?
Truth.
What do you believe is missing from the mental health community with regard to movement?
Enough spaces/funding to provide the support and arts can really help in this. Maybe us artists can take more responsibility in offering our services to other marginalized communities as well.
What does dance therapy do for you personally?
It gives me a sense of service. It is very important for me to feel like I am serving Earth while my time here lasts, and the DMP work gives me incomparable love and joy. This work is challenging and exhausting at times but it is so special.
What’s your source of inspiration while producing a work?
Anything can be. I try to stay inspired. Sometimes I need to cocoon, sometimes research, sometimes let go… But I am inspired and in awe of life itself and its layers. Its a way of looking at this experience. Through this lens, all is material. I choose to be the outsider.
Why do you think dance and movement are such effective tools in helping people overcome both physical and mental health issues?
Movement is a healer. For centuries it has been a method for healing and connection. This connection is with another, but also with self and Earth. I love that I am dancing through life. Imagine what the world would be like if we all did. Not solely for art, or work, but in life. When we dance we are kind, we feel love and that is our savior. Love and kindness… But on a DMP level movement also gives us information on the wellbeing of the person. The lack of it, the quality of it, the space it takes or how group dynamics work.
We are rapidly moving towards a world where virtual reality will overtake our physical reality. What kind of results do you think the inactivity that this brings will have on people mentally?
Disconnection and sadness… I feel less alive everyday, don’t you?
Can you tell us a little bit about your latest performance Atlas?
Atlas was commissioned by V&A Museum in London and actualised in partnership with Performistanbul. I worked on this piece for 9 months and discovered many things along the way. It is inspired by multiple layers life and death cycles, the oldest surviving musical composition Seikilos Epitaph, the human spine… It ultimately tells you we are one. I am you. So “while you live, shine!”. As I shine for you, now.
What are your hopes for the future?
One day as a race, to find peace. And live in harmony with the planet we inhibit, along with all other sacred life, loving and respecting all.
