Scottish Dance Theatre – Thin H/AS H/AIR & The Flock

“Aren’t trees the hair of the Earth?” This question was the seed from which the piece grew. While researching the resemblance between human hair and trees, we discovered two beautiful natural phenomena: Itla Okla (a South American air plant), and Hair Ice (ephemeral strands of ice that grow on fallen trees in Northern countries). Examining these two curiosities turned the studio into a laboratory, bringing a scientific lens to our creative space. Slowly, as the piece took root, a journey of a man evolved: from scientist to the spirit of a tree. Originally created for the National Dance Production of Catalonia, Roser Lopez Espinosa’s The Flock departs from the fascinating migrations of birds. It unfolds from the desire to fly. It is an adventure to move on together and reach a shared goal: to fly through immense landscapes, through the vast open sky. This mesmerising journey returns us to the animal nature of the body. To effort, tenacity, endurance, teamwork, beauty and the spirit of freedom. An imaginary world of birds and humankind unravels, full of light and vitality. A game of ingenuity to spread our own wings. Should we leave or should we put down roots? The Flock is the big formation of birds that crosses the sky moving as one. At dusk, the sky is full of murmurations