Vár Bech Árting

I am a dance artist from Faroe Islands currently in my 3rd year at Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds.

I would say that I draw inspiration from my environment and surroundings. My process often starts from a very visual place, from an image of some sort. Physically I am interested in the interactions between bodies through touch and giving weight. For the past two years I have been lucky to perform and choreograph for films and music videos as well as exploring my interest in photography. Instagram: @varbarting

Where would you like your work to take you?

I think that as long as I am able to dance for a living, as a part of a company or freelancer or a  maker, I don’t mind where it takes me.  

That being said, I hope it will create opportunities for exciting collaborations with other dancers and choreographers as well as across art forms from musicians, designers, filmmakers, photographers, visual artists etc. Simply being surrounded by inspiring people where I get to explore new ideas and projects.

If you could show your work, or preform anywhere - where would it be?

Uhh this is a difficult one. A dream of mine is to be able to tour my work and collaborate with people all over the world. 

On the other hand, there is also something drawing me back to my home in the Faroe Islands as I wish I had the access to experience contemporary dance growing up. Therefore, performing with a professional company in the Faroe Islands and helping build the dance community there is very much at heart. In recent years there has been a rise of dance in the Faroes and I would love to be able to help cultivate this activity.

What is it that drew you to dance?

I was introduced to contemporary dance in my late teens. What I really enjoyed was the atmosphere  and the freeness of the form. 

After college I told myself I would do one year of dance in Copenhagen - and now here I am, four years later, still pursuing dance. I felt like I still had so much to learn and  experience within contemporary dance, I wasn’t ready to let it go and I don’t think I ever will be. 

I guess I feel a sense of need to move and to move with other people, and a curiosity for what the body is able to do and say. 

Can you list a couple other creatives/friends/people you look to for inspiration?

I have lots of people near me that inspire and encourage me. My lovely housemates @mayaruthmarsh , @amberbosteels and @niamh_keady as well as my dear friend @anouk are always there to help me bounce ideas off of or to collaborate with. 

@Islahurst and @clara.grsj are two amazing uppingcoming makers that are definitely one to look out for. 

Dancer and choreographer @rannvagn and @volmarsdottir introduced me to dance and continue to make beautiful work and create possibilities within the Faroe Islands.

I’ve been lucky to work with @lfruml a couple of times now and her approach to detail and the bigger picture is really cool.

Do check out @elsba on IG she has a fantastic eye for visual composition and lighting.