Yael Flexer is choreographer and co-artistic director of Flexer & Sandiland together with installation artist Nic Sandiland. Flexer & Sandiland create live and digital work for theatres, galleries, screens, and large outdoor spaces. Alongside the company runs an extensive programme of commissions and training for professionals, graduates, youth, and community groups. Since the beginning of lockdown in 2020 Yael has led ‘Acting Our Age’ online live classes for movers ages 55+ (and any interested adults). Classes continue to run online as well as more recently in the studio in Brighton.
Yael’s stage work is primarily concerned with interaction, connecting with an audience on a human and visceral level. The work has a subtlety and intimacy that is apparent in the movement choices, wry humour, and informal on-stage dialogue between performers. Works blend fast-paced intricate movement with digital technology, dry humour, and text.
Originally formed by Yael when she was Choreographer in Residence at The Place, London, to date Yael has created 14 full-length productions for the company, throughout the UK and internationally. The company has been commissioned to create live and/or interactive works for among others: Sadler’s Wells, Brighton Festival & Digital Festival, Southbank Centre, and The Barbican.
Commissions as an independent artist include, among others: E-Werk Tanz Festival (Germany), Edge, Scottish Dance Theatre, Motus Dance Festival, National Youth Dance Company Scotland, Ludus Dance, Lila & Freefall Dance Companies, Gravity & Levity & Trinity-Laban. Recent commissions include works for Hull Dance, Maslool (Israel), Stavanger University (Norway), Mapdance, Three Score & Encore East. Yael has created numerous works for youth companies and mentors other artists in the UK and internationally. Winner of The Jerwood Award, Yael is a reader in dance and holds a PhD from The University of Chichester where she is also co-directs mapdance, the University’s MA/postgraduate touring company.
“The physical proximity of the dancers – is quietly thrilling, and the discreetly-impressive tech and lighting and glorious soundscape culminate in a show that delivers a considered and subtle punch.” Thereviewhub.com
“The atmosphere is hypnotic. Limbs become parts of a full-scale puzzle in gravity-defying and plastic figures Props seem to have been designed purposely to fit the surreal environment and generate astonishment” Pocketsize Theatre
Inquiring Bodies is a full day event by dance artists, for dance artists in a mutually supportive environment for dance exploration and open dialogue.
At Cheshire Dance, we provide opportunities for older adults to live in the moment and to engage physically, socially and emotionally through movement and dance in community sessions across Cheshire West and Cheshire East.
Directed by award-winning choreographer Yael Flexer and installation artist Nic Sandiland, Flexer & Sandiland creates live dance and digital dance installations for stage as well as public spaces, site-specific locations and galleries.
