[artistic statement]
In my artistic practice, I explore the intricate connections between humanity and more-than-human world through dance. By weaving the patterns of kinaesthetic sensing and response, I delve into the realm of ‘ecokinetic knowledge’ (Kimerer L. LaMothe, 2015), viewing dance not merely as a means to sensually understand these connections, but also as a potential tool for re-patterning them.
Informed by embodied movement and a diverse array of dance and non-dance traditions, my practice places a strong emphasis on improvisation and a community-centered approach. I intentionally blur the lines between artistic expression and education, seeking to bridge the gap between artist and audience. Rooted in a quest for integrity between art and life, this approach addresses the alienation often experienced within artistic practice and cultivates inclusivity.
The significance of locality manifests in site-sensitivity of my projects and endeavors to embed the community it occurs in. Committed to environmental and social sustainability, I strive to minimize resource consumption by prioritizing the reuse and recycling of materials, while outdoor performances allow me to reduce energy usage and minimize my carbon footprint.
Nurtured by questioning and dismantling colonial systems of knowledge, my research interests intersect at the nexus of dance practice, indigenous studies, and new technologies. This interdisciplinary exploration holds the potential to reimagine and reshape power dynamics within human society and beyond, fostering versatility and response-ability.
LaMothe, K.L. (2015) Why we dance: A philosophy of bodily becoming. Columbia University Press.

photo credit: Alina Kochetova
Olga Merekina
A dance artist and educator of mixed ancestry. Olga approaches dance as a pathway to knowing, delving into the intricacies of perception and response within the tapestry of human and non-human interactions. In her artistic endeavors, increasingly focused on outdoor and site-sensitive projects, Olga emphasizes community, collaborative creativity, and ecological responsibility.
Having spent nearly two decades residing in China, Olga taught at esteemed institutions such as the China Academy of Art and Shanghai Normal University, as well as through her independent studio, Dakini Dance. Her works have been presented at renowned venues including the Museum of Contemporary Art (Shanghai), Duolun Museum of Modern Art, HOW Art Museum, and Shanghai Museum of Glass, in addition to local festivals.
Olga holds a degree in Chinese Studies and earned an MA in Intermedia Art (2014) from the China Academy of Art (China), as well as a recent MA in Professional Practice, Dance Technique Pedagogy (2024) from Middlesex University (UK).
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