Dance and Screen

A course where dance meets film with Helena Franzén and Håkan Jelk.

Welcome to a course where dance and film converge to create new expressions and possibilities. Led by choreographer Helena Franzén and cinematographer Håkan Jelk, you will explore the interplay between movement, space, and the camera. This course is designed for dancers and provides you with the tools and inspiration to develop your ideas and create dance art for the screen.

The course is aimed at professional dancers and dance students who want to deepen their artistic work by exploring the connection between dance and film. It is ideal for those with a background in performing arts and a desire to understand how movement can be translated and enhanced through the possibilities of film.

Whether you are at the beginning of your career or already an established dancer, this course offers a unique opportunity to learn new techniques, experiment with choreography for the camera, and create works that extend beyond traditional stage boundaries. The focus is on strengthening your artistic expression and providing a platform for developing and realizing your ideas through dance film.

Course Content

This course is an in-depth exploration of the dance filmmaking process, offering a combination of theory, practice, and creative work. Below is an overview of the course components:

• Class and movement phrases with Helena Franzén: Each day begins with a movement class where you work on dance phrases and movement exploration. These sessions form the foundation for the choreographic material used in the film work during the course.
• Exploring space and movement: Gain insights into how physical space and camera space can interact to enhance the expression of choreography. Discussions include perspectives, locations, and the interplay between body and environment.
• Creating for the camera: Learn how to work with choreography and improvisation tailored for film. The focus is on how movement and image can collaborate in a creative and artistic process.
• Working with film techniques: Experiment with various camera techniques and tasks, such as close-ups, full-body shots, and perspectives that highlight the relationship between body and space.
• Independent work and creation: Participants work in small groups to rehearse, film, and develop their own ideas. These recording sessions provide a practical opportunity to explore the course’s theories and techniques.
• Group screenings and analysis: Each day concludes with a group screening of the filmed material. Together with the instructors, participants reflect on the day’s work and discuss improvements and insights.
• Film screenings and discussions: Evenings are dedicated to viewing dance films by Helena and Håkan, as well as other prominent works in the genre. These sessions are followed by discussions and reflections to provide inspiration and deeper understanding.
• Final film screening: The course concludes with a screening of participants’ completed films, followed by group discussions and individual feedback from the instructors.

About the Instructors

Helena Franzén is one of Sweden’s most prominent choreographers, active since the 1990s. With over 35 years of experience, she has created nearly 100 stage works that have toured both nationally and internationally. Her work is characterized by a distinctive movement language defined by physical intelligence and poetic presence. Helena is also an experienced teacher and mentor, regularly teaching at dance programs worldwide. Since 2011, she has collaborated with Håkan Jelk to create a dozen dance films that have been showcased at international festivals and celebrated for their intimate and powerful expression.

Håkan Jelk is an established cinematographer and artist with extensive experience working with some of Sweden’s leading dance institutions, such as Dansens Hus, Moderna Dansteatern, and Cullbergbaletten. His work is characterized by a subtle and sensitive aesthetic that captures the essence of dance movement. Since 2011, he has closely collaborated with Helena Franzén, resulting in successful dance films presented at international festivals. Håkan’s artistic contributions also include set design, lighting, and video projections, making him a versatile and inspiring creator in the fields of dance and film.

Let dance and film merge into an artistic journey that challenges, inspires, and renews. Welcome to join!