Sensing Bodies

English

Sensing Bodies is a high-tech audiovisual dance experience created by choreographers Jasper van Luijk and Ruben Chi.

Pushing Waves
How can a person, isolated from the outside world, rediscover who they are? In Pushing Waves, choreographer Jasper van Luijk explores the realm of isolation and imagination. Completely left to himself, a man drifts into his deepest thoughts. With unwavering determination, he clings to memories as the world around him slowly crumbles. What do you hold onto when everything is silent?

Solo dancer Niek Wagenaar directly influences the musical composition created live by sound artist Tom van Wee with his movements and body. A sigh transforms into a cool breeze, a scream becomes radio static, and a bouncing beat evolves into a stomping footstep. In Pushing Waves, the body speaks, even when deafening silence prevails.

Transcendance
In Transcendance by choreographer Ruben Chi and artist Bob Sizoo, dance and artificial intelligence challenge one another. Dancer Ibrah Silas Jackson performs alongside a digital, AI-optimized version of himself—a version that moves freely, beyond the physical and mental limitations of humanity. A dynamic interplay unfolds, questioning the essence of natural growth and evolution. Transcendance invites reflection: how can technology bring us closer to our innermost selves?

About the Creators
SHIFFT is the Utrecht-based dance company led by choreographer Jasper van Luijk. SHIFFT creates cross-disciplinary contemporary dance performances exploring the human being of the future. In 2025, SHIFFT proudly launches its first double bill in collaboration with SoulCypher, the dance company founded by artistic director and choreographer Ruben Chi.

In de pers over Pushing waves 

“Achteraf zou je de dynamiek van de voorstelling kunnen omschrijven als een afwisseling van verstilde en uitgelaten momenten. Maar terwijl je zit te kijken, valt nauwelijks aan te geven op welke momenten kalm en berustend overgaan in actie en reuring. Het organische samenvloeien van licht, geluid en muziek en beweging creëert een fysieke stream of consciousness, waarin ook je besef van tijd fluctueert.”

“De danser, […] is een magnetische podiumpersoonlijkheid. Niet alleen trekt hij al het licht uit de koepel naar zich toe, ook het oog van de(ze) kijker wil hem niet loslaten.”