On Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24^th June, Sol Picó Dance Company will perform their current work, El Llac de les Mosques (The Lake of the Flies) at Sadler's Wells. Beth Wood had the opportunity to put questions to the brilliant Sol Picó - choreographer and founder of the company ahead of their performance.

Beth Wood: As one of Spain’s leading contemporary dance makers, from the many accolades you have received over the years, which has meant the most to you and why?

Sol Pico: Each and every single award has had a special meaning at the time when it was given to me. They always feel like a strike of renewed belief and trust in your own work.

BW: Growing up, what inspired you and what effect has that had on your own creative process?

SP: My initial inspiration has always been my land, the people, the forms, the sayings and the ways of expressing oneself that have continually surprised me and have kept me company throughout the process.

BW: Furthermore, what continues to inspire your work today?

SP: Now it's still the same, the life I live each day, the people that surround me, the anonymous people; every single detail is a perfect excuse to find inspiration.

 
BW: In your current piece being shown at Sadler’s Wells you explore your own take on getting older, how important is it to you and your company to explore themes that have relevance to your own life experiences?

SP: Age and the passage of time is universal and affects us all...the theme is present in all the elements of this show and we use it to the extreme as a big catharsis!

 
BW: Humour tends to be a recurring theme in your work, as shown in your current piece, where does that come from and how has that found its place in this piece?

SP: Humour is essential to live; to laugh at oneself is fundamental and particularly in this case ....we're getting old, so what?

BW: What are you looking forward to next? and what new projects have you got lined up for 2012?

SP: My immediate future is a good holiday. In 2012 we will tour the two shows with the company and we'll continue creating new work.

 
BW: Finally, what would be the one piece of advice you could give to someone who is just starting out as a dancer/choreographer?

SP: True love to this profession, dedication and discipline.

Click here for more info on Sol Picó at Sadler's Wells, 23-24 June 2011.

'Sol Pico at Sadler's Wells' is supported by the Institut Ramon Llull.

For more details, visit the website: www.llull.cat/miro

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