FROM THE FLOOR
Rebecca McGowan & Jackie O'Riley
A collection devoted to the small beauty
of traditional Irish dancing
Eight Feet Tall approaches steps and tunes with both intense respect for tradition and keen sensitivity to the shared rhythmic experience of music and dance. Instruments, shoes, voices, and whole bodies enter into conversation with one another, creating complex sonic textures amid vibrant visual interplay.
FROM THE FLOOR
with Chris Stevens
& Nathan Gourley
Inspired by the music album format, From the Floor is a “visual album” – a collection of dances caught on film that are connected by being of the same moment in our creative process, rooted in a physical space that means something to us, and representing the style and repertoire that we practice.
ACORN FACTORY
with Maria Fong
Unlike most animations, this one was created after the soundtrack, rather than before. The soundtrack is an improvised meditation on the rhythms of traditional reel steps from Joe O'Donovan, Co. Cork, Ireland. We repeated and shifted phrases, in order to turn the focus away from the step and towards its essential rhythm. Drawn on paper with pen, ink, and watercolors, the factory and real acorns were animated under the camera using stop motion animation.
THANKSGIVING FRIDAY HORNPIPES
We’ve developed a bit of a tradition of dancing together after Thanksgiving, and this piece relates to the idea of coming full circle. In arranging favorite steps that are meaningful to us, we wanted to deepen and play with the musicality of these movements. Each transition is considered in terms of the rhythm leading from one step to the next, and we make choices to leave out or add specific sounds, in the way a musician ornaments music.
Drawn to the grace, musicality, and subtlety of old-style Irish dance, we create original choreography and interpret traditional steps. Our work magnifies intricate movements and small variations. We aim to honor the inherent musicality of the form and change the frame of what the audience sees and experiences.
Our recent projects explore sound textures, the immediacy of making music with the body, and the dynamic relationship of movement and music, placing particular value on the creative process. We are always seeking opportunities to create and collaborate - reach out to us!
UPCOMING
2025
March 29
deCordova Museum, Lincoln MA (Eight Feet Tall)
March 30
Imago, Warren RI (Eight Feet Tall)
April 19
Bangor Celtic Crossroads + workshop, Bangor ME (Eight Feet Tall)
CONTACT
For inquiries regarding bookings and workshops, email Jackie & Rebecca