Dancer and choreographer makes return to stage Gunnister Man piece

Dancer and choreographer Martin Robinson has returned to Shetland to put on a new piece that compliments the Gunnister Man exhibition.

Invited to return by Shetland Arts, he has been working with local young dancers James Watt, Kara Manson, Chris Wright and Mhairi Coutts.

The piece is inspired by the exhibition and based on the dancers’ interpretations of the Gunnister Man mystery. It is set to contemporary Shetland music from artists including Bongshang and Fiddlers’ Bid. Performances are free and will take place in the auditorium of the museum on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October at 2pm and 4pm and on Friday 30th October at 7.30pm.

Martin was in Shetland last November with his dance company Martial Dance, performing the critically acclaimed The Other and Yin + Yan at the Garrison theatre and working with local young dancers.

He trained professionally in dance at the London Contemporary Dance School and began his professional career in 1991 with the Phoenix Dance company. In 2002 he set up Martial Dance which integrates elements from formal dance techniques and social dance styles with a variety of martial arts disciplines. He also teaches and leads workshops all over the UK.
Martin said: “It is wonderful to be back in Shetland and it’s good to be working on something that’s special to the people of Shetland.”

Dancer James Watt said: “I am very excited to be involved in a project exploring the ideas behind possibly the largest mystery in Shetland History and folklore. It is fantastic to be working with a dancer of Martin’s calibre again. I believe everyone who sees the performance will be very enthused about the subject matter and will thoroughly enjoy it.”

While in Shetland Martin will also be leading dance workshops with members of the Bridges project and in local schools.