01Profile
A Saori Hala Photo
Saori Hala
Choreographer / Dancer — Tokyo
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Saori Hala, Tokyo.
What do you do?
Choreographer/dancer.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
It's a short film rather than a gig, but 'Anima' (2019) by Paul Thomas Anderson and scored by Thom Yorke was fantastic. Thom released an album with the same title. Damien Jalet — my favourite choreographer who was also involved in the film 'Suspira' (2018) by Luca Guadagnino — worked on the production. 'Anima' is an exceptional example of the democratic relationship between music and dance. I feel Thom and Damien have created a modern rendering of the first successful example of this type of collaboration, John Cage's music and Merce Cunningham's choreography. Seeing this work offered me hope because I watched it at a time when serious questions were being asked about the feasibility of dance expression in films due to the coronavirus pandemic. I would love to see a collaboration between the two of them in the theatre someday.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I would say Christopher Nolan’s science fiction films have influenced me — or at least, I’ve seen his films and followed their development. I’ve also always been a fan of dystopian films and novels and many seem to be set in England. I’m interested in viewing society through this kind of lens because these kinds of works conjure up many unique institutions and perspectives. The word "dystopia" was born from an antonym for "utopia", a term coined by British thinker Thomas More. And on that note, I remember being pretty shocked watching the film 'A Clockwork Orange' when I was a student. That was also set in a dystopian England in the near future. The director, Stanley Kubrick, is an American, though.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Sogetsu Hall is a historic theatre in the Akasaka area of Tokyo. I was lucky enough to perform my own work there at the end of 2021. Many of my favourite performance artists have graced that stage and the 1984 concert by Joseph Beuys and Nam June Paik is legendary among the theatre community. I regret not being in the audience for that performance — I was yet to be born! However, having the opportunity to dance there allowed me to create my own small slice of history. It is humbling to share the same stage as many great people, including Shuji Terayama, John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Toru Takemitsu, Yoko Ono, and Tatsumi Hijikata.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
I apologise for the lack of originality, but I’d like to dance with Thom Yorke on stage in a large, empty theatre. It would be in 2020 when the doors of the world’s theatres were closed due to the pandemic.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d like to have tea with John Lennon and Yoko Ono on future planet Earth. I don’t know whether it would be a utopia or dystopia, but I’d love to listen in on their conversation while they surveyed the new planet.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I racked my brain about this one but in the end, I could only come up with myself. When it comes down to it, there is only one person on earth who will protect me and my work. And I think it's appropriate to say that I am “unsung” (lol).
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Atomic Heart Mother' by Pink Floyd. It’s from the album with the same name. Growing up, my family wasn’t particularly into art or music. However, as a child, I’d often find myself home alone, and during those times, I’d rifle through my mum’s CD rack and choose some albums to play. I vividly remember two of her CDs — a King Crimson album and Pink Floyd. I was too scared to put on 'In The Court Of The Crimson King' because the CD cover was terrifying (lol), but I chose 'Atomic Heart Mother' because of the cute cow on the front — it was a case of “I’ll listen to the cow CD!” Thinking about it now, I was doing ballet around that time, so I probably found the shift from classical-style music to rock quite interesting.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' by The Beatles. I remember playing that song a lot during my sixth-form years. I was always in a bit of a daze as a teenager — a head full of fantasy and not really keeping up with the real world. So in that way, this fantastic song fits me to a tee.
One record you would keep forever?
If we are talking about choosing a record to take to a deserted island, then it will have to be the Pink Floyd “cow” album ('Atomic Heart Mother'). I’ve known and loved that album cover since I was a child, so it would calm me down (lol).
A song lyric that has inspired you?
“Love is not enough”
From 'L.I.N.E' by Kelly Lee Owens. I’m not a native English speaker, so I don’t intuitively understand the lyrics of western music. However, I like the way she rejects the concept of “love for love's sake” with a transparent and ethereal voice. It’s not an inspiration for my work as such. More a way of life.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen. After seeing the film, I locked into that mode for a while. I’ll sing in all sorts of places — doing the washing up, in the bath, or when I’m around water.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Wannabe' by Spice Girls. The song and the music video are just brilliant. I’m secretly ashamed that I never went through a “feisty gal” kind of phase, so I’m in awe of that no-holds-barred girl power.
New music you are listening to now?
Courtney Hadwin, a female singer who rose to fame through the audition show 'America’s Got Talent'. She was thirteen when she did her first audition and she sang the Otis Redding track 'Hard To Handle'. It blew my mind and I still go back to watch the video on YouTube. I feel that the current art and dance world seems to be shifting away from an era of strong solo artists and dancers to focus on groups and collectives. However, personally, I don’t want to stop being fascinated by charisma and the concept of absolute existence. I’m happy that music is still producing "stars". Courtney Hadwin appears to be extremely shy, but she is the type of chameleon artist who completely changes when on stage. She covers 'Sucker' by the Jonas Brothers — a pop track that she sings with real grit and gusto. She was a finalist of the 2018 edition of 'America’s Got Talent' but I only discovered her on YouTube a couple of years ago, and I've been following her ever since.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Saori Hala, Tokyo.
What do you do?
Choreographer/dancer.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
It's a short film rather than a gig, but 'Anima' (2019) by Paul Thomas Anderson and scored by Thom Yorke was fantastic. Thom released an album with the same title. Damien Jalet — my favourite choreographer who was also involved in the film 'Suspira' (2018) by Luca Guadagnino — worked on the production. 'Anima' is an exceptional example of the democratic relationship between music and dance. I feel Thom and Damien have created a modern rendering of the first successful example of this type of collaboration, John Cage's music and Merce Cunningham's choreography. Seeing this work offered me hope because I watched it at a time when serious questions were being asked about the feasibility of dance expression in films due to the coronavirus pandemic. I would love to see a collaboration between the two of them in the theatre someday.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I would say Christopher Nolan’s science fiction films have influenced me — or at least, I’ve seen his films and followed their development. I’ve also always been a fan of dystopian films and novels and many seem to be set in England. I’m interested in viewing society through this kind of lens because these kinds of works conjure up many unique institutions and perspectives. The word "dystopia" was born from an antonym for "utopia", a term coined by British thinker Thomas More. And on that note, I remember being pretty shocked watching the film 'A Clockwork Orange' when I was a student. That was also set in a dystopian England in the near future. The director, Stanley Kubrick, is an American, though.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Sogetsu Hall is a historic theatre in the Akasaka area of Tokyo. I was lucky enough to perform my own work there at the end of 2021. Many of my favourite performance artists have graced that stage and the 1984 concert by Joseph Beuys and Nam June Paik is legendary among the theatre community. I regret not being in the audience for that performance — I was yet to be born! However, having the opportunity to dance there allowed me to create my own small slice of history. It is humbling to share the same stage as many great people, including Shuji Terayama, John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Toru Takemitsu, Yoko Ono, and Tatsumi Hijikata.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
I apologise for the lack of originality, but I’d like to dance with Thom Yorke on stage in a large, empty theatre. It would be in 2020 when the doors of the world’s theatres were closed due to the pandemic.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d like to have tea with John Lennon and Yoko Ono on future planet Earth. I don’t know whether it would be a utopia or dystopia, but I’d love to listen in on their conversation while they surveyed the new planet.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I racked my brain about this one but in the end, I could only come up with myself. When it comes down to it, there is only one person on earth who will protect me and my work. And I think it's appropriate to say that I am “unsung” (lol).
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Atomic Heart Mother' by Pink Floyd. It’s from the album with the same name. Growing up, my family wasn’t particularly into art or music. However, as a child, I’d often find myself home alone, and during those times, I’d rifle through my mum’s CD rack and choose some albums to play. I vividly remember two of her CDs — a King Crimson album and Pink Floyd. I was too scared to put on 'In The Court Of The Crimson King' because the CD cover was terrifying (lol), but I chose 'Atomic Heart Mother' because of the cute cow on the front — it was a case of “I’ll listen to the cow CD!” Thinking about it now, I was doing ballet around that time, so I probably found the shift from classical-style music to rock quite interesting.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' by The Beatles. I remember playing that song a lot during my sixth-form years. I was always in a bit of a daze as a teenager — a head full of fantasy and not really keeping up with the real world. So in that way, this fantastic song fits me to a tee.
One record you would keep forever?
If we are talking about choosing a record to take to a deserted island, then it will have to be the Pink Floyd “cow” album ('Atomic Heart Mother'). I’ve known and loved that album cover since I was a child, so it would calm me down (lol).
A song lyric that has inspired you?
“Love is not enough”
From 'L.I.N.E' by Kelly Lee Owens. I’m not a native English speaker, so I don’t intuitively understand the lyrics of western music. However, I like the way she rejects the concept of “love for love's sake” with a transparent and ethereal voice. It’s not an inspiration for my work as such. More a way of life.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen. After seeing the film, I locked into that mode for a while. I’ll sing in all sorts of places — doing the washing up, in the bath, or when I’m around water.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Wannabe' by Spice Girls. The song and the music video are just brilliant. I’m secretly ashamed that I never went through a “feisty gal” kind of phase, so I’m in awe of that no-holds-barred girl power.
New music you are listening to now?
Courtney Hadwin, a female singer who rose to fame through the audition show 'America’s Got Talent'. She was thirteen when she did her first audition and she sang the Otis Redding track 'Hard To Handle'. It blew my mind and I still go back to watch the video on YouTube. I feel that the current art and dance world seems to be shifting away from an era of strong solo artists and dancers to focus on groups and collectives. However, personally, I don’t want to stop being fascinated by charisma and the concept of absolute existence. I’m happy that music is still producing "stars". Courtney Hadwin appears to be extremely shy, but she is the type of chameleon artist who completely changes when on stage. She covers 'Sucker' by the Jonas Brothers — a pop track that she sings with real grit and gusto. She was a finalist of the 2018 edition of 'America’s Got Talent' but I only discovered her on YouTube a couple of years ago, and I've been following her ever since.