Blindly Following Matisse - Sarah Houbolt and Tempo Dance

Dance artist Sarah Houbolt introduces choreography inspired by audio describing visual art, and her unique experience of blindness. She is assisted through collaboration with cinematographer Jamie Gray and choreographer Amy Mauvan to implement her creative vision. Reflecting years of dance research and practice, the frame captures the essence of her unique body weaving through light and shadow, dream and memory. Inspired by Matisse, who made his Jazz series masterpiece from his bed, Sarah celebrates what is found when you really use what you’ve got. This dance film plays with what is possible when you consider audio description and the visceral elements of dance on film.

Performer and writer: Sarah Houbolt

Cinematographer/editor: Jamie Gray

Choreographic consultant: Amy Mauvan

Composer: HC Clifford

Gaffer: Matt Willis

Make Up: Marion Neri Amoudru

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Sarah is a Paralympian turned award-winning, internationally acclaimed actor / dancer, who has worked with Extant (UK), Coney Island (USA), Heidi Latsky Dance (USA), The Dust Palace (NZ), Touch Compass Dance Co (NZ), and most recently in ‘Emilia’ at Pop Up Globe Auckland, directed by Miriama McDowell. She also recently created a work for Biennale of Sydney podcast series, and for Museum of Contemporary Art Australia’s ArtBar.