Lewis Robert Major

‘If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.’

Please help support the creation and performance of my first evening of work at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London.

I’m an Australian born choreographer and dancer living and working in Europe. Three years ago I left the sunny climes and recession-free shores of Australia and moved to debt-laden, snow-covered Europe. Living a haphazard existence out of my suitcase for the better part of that intervening time I eventually settled down in London, the UK. Between international tours as a dancer and rehearsal director, I began creating my own choreographies and have since been offered the incredible opportunity to present a new piece at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London at the end of October.

FALL RECOVER REPEAT is the somewhat-tentative title of that work.

While its all still early stages (hence this campaign) FALL RECOVER REPEAT will be a dance piece looking at the inherent human capacity for credulity and the consequences of what happens when that collides with cynical opportunism. We're going to be exploring ideas of group pressure, group energy, group mentality and group behavior. Of how fun it is to be part of something, to feel like you're standing up to someone – or something – bigger than yourself.

This will be my first major work and to have its premiere at the most prestigious dance house in Europe is a huge honour, not to mention absolutely, utterly terrifying. I've already found myself an contingent of incredible dancers and I will be guided through the entire process by the genius figure of award-winning lighting designer Michael Hulls. Composer, musician and member of the renowned Hofesh Shechter Company Joel Harries is also on board and will be creating the score for the work. 

Having received support from the Kevin Spacey Foundation, I am hoping to match that funding with help from this, the amazing crowdfunding platform called Pozible.

That’s where you come in.

Making a meaningful piece of artwork is hard. More often than not it takes a lot resources. Much more than many people realise. Studio rental, theatre hire, technicians, lighting hire, costumes, set construction, music recording fees, travel costs, insurance, press and marketing – not to even start on paying actual artists – are all essential elements that take up huge amounts of money in the creation of any piece worth its salt.

I am hoping to raise the equivalent of the Kevin Spacey Foundation’s contribution to my project. My goal is $4000.This is a huge sum already but essentially, it is still bargain-basement for what we are trying to do, and whatever money I can raise now would mean less begging, borrowing, and panic attacks in the future. Every cent raised will go towards offsetting the aforementioned costs of making and performing this work.

How does it all work?

You can pledge any amount and choose a reward that corresponds to that level of support. At the end of our Pozible campaign, if the combined total of all pledges for our project meets the goal, then the credit cards or Paypal accounts of those who have pledged are charged and we receive the funds to assist in making the work. If we don't meet our goal, then the money is not withdrawn from your account and no rewards are provided (and the panic attacks kick in). If we exceed our original goal then the extra funds will be used to make the work even better. You know, cotton trousers for the dancers instead of polyester bike shorts. Source-four profile lights instead of crusty old parcans etc. Aside from a 5% Pozible fee and minor Paypal charges, everything that is pledged towards the project goes towards making this work.

What’s in it for you?

Glad you asked. A few short years ago crowdfunding wasn’t even a word.

Today, thanks to social networking, an awesome shift in power has taken place. Crowdfunding sites like Pozible have become an avenue for creative individuals to generate project capital from non-traditional sources and hence achieve dreams that were previously out of reach. Making art has become about community. You pledge money towards a project and you become involved in it. No matter how far away you are from its final outcome, you are invested in it. Everyone is a winner.We get to make our work. You get a whole bunch of epic rewards and help support young artists make their mark on the international stage. Plus you'll live longer. 

How do I get in contact?

Again, glad you asked! You can contact me directly at [email protected]. I check it regularly. I will get back to you. I promise! 

Thank you for reading this far. Thank you for maybe thinking of pledging towards my project. Thank you for perhaps going through with it. I appreciate every single iota of support and I'm looking forward to keeping you all updated. 

Lewis x