"Ballerinas are supposed to be beyond human: to evoke ethereal, otherworldly beings… To have noticeable breasts and hips is to interrupt this fantasy with grotesque sexuality, to remind the audience that you are indeed human." – The Guardian 2018. En de hors: (ballet term) moving outwards, out, outside. En Dewhre: a grotesque and sexual creature, an outsider. Whilst researching into why she couldn't do a perfect pirouette after years of ballet training, performance artist Rebecca Kenny unwittingly dived into a dark side of dance. Quotes like the one above, dancers seeking advice on how to disfigure themselves, enough shame for their bodies to stop them dancing. This solo performance piece is a response to these findings… A creature prowls the stage, a writhing mass of breasts covers its body, it is angry… it is the En Dewhre. Blending spoken word and dance, we explore movement in this new physical form. A visual representation of being dehumanised by patriarchy, and so providing then, an opportunity to reveal what's underneath - a vulnerable RE-presentation of a human body. En Dewhre creates a silliness around the idea of what a perfect dance body is, exploring themes of dysmorphia, fat phobia and toxic beauty standards in the dance world, providing unique commentary on the over sexualisation of the female form. This policing of bodies is a micro version of what happens in the world at large, and En Dewhre aims to challenge those norms, encouraging people to take up space, both on the dance floor and beyond. Over and above all, it is a celebration of ALL bodies, moving. A riotous, ridiculous and ferocious piece of dance theatre using Rebecca's signature clown style with a choreographed twist, incorporating burlesque, spoken word and, of course, ballet. A love letter to the human form, come and celebrate the glorious, fleshy, messy, beautiful place that is your true home - your body! Studio Event Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.