El-la

The dramatic performance El-la expresses the longing to share a feeling that is both personal and universal – at a time when the world is being shaken by the continuing pandemic, by crises and uncertainties. According to C.G. Jung, bodies are in search of their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance.

Inspired by this, Yansi Méndez examines her personal story in this autobiographical work. Born with a physical disability, in her early years she could barely walk and relied on orthopaedic aids. Today she has unrestricted movement and became a dancer despite her medical prognosis.

In El-la Yansi Méndez uses her old orthopaedic walking aids as a symbol of individual physicality, vulnerability and strong willpower. Her piece shows that even the loss of inner and outer balance can be a part of our existence. El-la is a declaration of love of the vulnerable body in all its facets.

Credits:

Choreography and Performance: Yansi Méndez Bautista