Shifting Sites: an outdoor sharing by Yanaëlle Ritter
About this Event
During her hometown residency in Eastbourne this summer, Yanaëlle Ritter is developing her interests in outdoor practice and site-specific performance while revisiting her 2021 solo Surfaces, originally created on sand.
Moving between an indoor studio and nearby beaches that are revealed only at low tide, she is creating new movement “scores” — instructions and prompts for movement — inspired by shifting sands, hourglasses, and her current experience of pregnancy. Her research draws on Cunningham Technique* to deepen her connection to place and environment.
Yanaëlle is working alongside mentor Sue MacLennan, choreographer, dancer, and former Head of Choreography at London Contemporary Dance School. For outdoor sessions, she is accompanied by fellow Eastbourne artist Loupe Couper.
This informal event begins with a one-mile accompanied walk along a rugged coastal path to Falling Sands beach in the South Downs National Park, just outside Eastbourne. Timed to coincide with low tide, the walk will take us to the beach, where Yanaëlle will share a 20-minute structured movement improvisation. Drawing inspiration from sand as a marker of space and time, this improvisation will also respond to shadows and landscape features including cliffs and rocks.
As the tide will be rising, we will ask all attendees to return to the meeting point together rather than stay on the beach. The walk back offers an opportunity to share reflections on the dance and the landscape.
You are welcome to bring earphones and a playlist if you would like to listen to music of your choice while watching, or simply enjoy the performance accompanied by the natural sounds of the wind, waves, and birds.
Further information:
Meeting point
The Kiosk
Foyle Way
Eastbourne
BN20 7XL
The walking route
The distance between our meeting point at the Kiosk in Eastbourne and Falling Sands beach is 1 mile. The walking route there and back will be guided. It includes uneven terrain and steep inclines and declines as well as steps. We will cross a pebble beach before reaching a sandy beach. Seating on the beach itself will be on sand or on boulders.
This walk is moderate to difficult and is not suitable for small children or for buggies or wheelchairs. If you would like to discuss access requirements in advance of booking, please feel very welcome to contact the organizer.
We acknowledge that this outdoor event is not accessible to all. Please note that we are also hosting an indoor sharing in an accessible venue at Eastbourne College on 24 July.
What to bring
Please wear clothing and supportive shoes such as trainers or walking boots that you feel comfortable walking in. You will also need to bring a water bottle, and sun and wind protection.
Weather
This event is weather-permitting; if it is too hot or wet, we will postpone it. We will contact all audiences by phone if we do need to postpone.
Toilets
There are public toilets at Helen’s Gardens, 20m from the meeting point at the Kiosk. There are no toilets on the walking route itself.
Water
There is a water fountain at Helen’s Gardens. There is no water source on the walking route itself.
*Cunningham Technique®: Created by legendary American dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham, this is an abstract dance technique designed to create strength and flexibility of the body and mind, foster spatial awareness, and help dancers gain rhythmic precision and dynamic movement.
Shifting Sites is part of LIVE EDITIONS, a new programme of movement, sound and performance in Eastbourne and the South Downs, supported by Arts Council England. LIVE EDITIONS is led by Nikki Tomlinson, an independent curator and producer.
Images
Above: Yanaëlle Ritter, Surfaces (2023), photo Steven Cropper
Below: The route to Falling Sands (2026), photo Nikki Tomlinson
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
