Luke Jessop
JOSE AGUDO
Attack Release
Class:
Jose's technique class is fast-paced and aims to improve stamina through precise and simple movement patterns. The principles of the class are influenced by a diversity of traditional forms such as Kathak, Flamenco, and martial arts, which are brought into a contemporary dance context.
The initial warm-up is followed by more complex movement material with a dynamic focus on the concept of “attack and release”. The technique allows joints to relax and energy to flow with maximum efficiency. Jose often uses counts to influence the dynamic of the movement and spinning to engage the core.
All of this work prepares the body to travel, exploring the broadest movement in space, whilst making fast, clean transitions from large to detailed movement. This is an energetic class, focusing on intention, clarity, and extreme physicality.
Bio:
Jose started his career in Andalusia where he began performing as a Flamenco dancer. Slowly the world of contemporary dance became more visible as he worked throughout Europe performing with Charleroi/Danses, Ballet de Marseille, T.R.A.S.H, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, and Akram Khan Company.
As a rehearsal director and assistant choreographer Jose has worked on several creations for Akram Khan Company, including DESH, iTMOi, TOROBAKA, Until the Lions, Chotto Desh, London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony, and Sylvie Guillem’s farewell tour Life in Progress.
In 2011, Jose started to study Kathak under Akram’s guidance. Finding many parallels between this training and his early studies of Flamenco, Jose reconnected with his roots and began to explore traditional forms in a contemporary context. As a result, he created Silk Road (2017), which has toured in 6 countries to date, and Carmen (2020).
Jose’s independent choreographic commissions include Ki for Phoenix Dance Theatre and English National Ballet School; Selah for ZfinMalta Dance Ensemble; A Thousand Shepherds for ACE Dance and Music, later restaged with Cape Dance Company; Arctic for LCDS; Regnum for Festival International de Music y Danza de Granada; Glansvit for Norrdans; Bhaj for SEAD/Bodhi Project; SAM for Area Jeune Ballet; and For You – a film collaboration with London Mozart Players.
In 2019, Jose choreographed the opening ceremony of the Davis Cup by Rakuten in Madrid. He is listed in the new edition of 50 Contemporary Choreographers, an international publication by Routledge. His new production of Carmen will tour in autumn 2021. He is developing a new full-length solo base in The Hero With A Thousand Faces.
During 2022 and 2023 Jose embarked on a new adventure diving into the world of musical theatre. First as an Associate Choreographer for Cabaret at the Kit Kat club. Then choreographing the flamenco scene and performing as the character of Rico at Strictly Ballroom the musical by Baz Lurhmann.