To Suit

Directed by Lizzie J Klotz
Director of Photography Paul Williams
Choreographer Lizzie J Klotz
Dancers Alys North & Charlie Dearnley
Composer Roma Yagnik

These forests are home to some of nature’s most flamboyant show offs. The need to impress is key. In an attempt of courtship, the male performs his finest moves to attract his potential mate, but will the female accept?

To Suit is an exploration of the relationship between man and woman, created by dance and theatre artist Lizzie J Klotz, working in collaboration with performers Alys North and Charlie Dearnley and veteran natural history cameraman Paul Williams. Developed through an investigation into human communication, the work draws comparisons to animal courtship rituals, specifically exploring the behaviour of birds.

To Suit has been selected for Channel 4’s online Random Acts showcase.

Interview with Director Lizzie J Klotz

Describe, in as many or as few words as you see fit, the genesis of or inspiration behind To Suit?
To Suit is an exploration of the relationship between man and woman, created by dance and theatre artist Lizzie J Klotz, working in collaboration with performers Alys North and Charlie Dearnley and veteran natural history cameraman Paul Williams. Developed through an investigation into human communication, the work draws comparisons to animal courtship rituals, specifically exploring the behaviour of birds.

How long did To Suit take to film? How long was post-production?
Commissioned by Dance City and supported by Arts Council England, To Suit premiered as a live dance performance in September 2015, and has since been touring to platforms and festivals throughout the UK, including Dance City, Yorkshire Dance, The Place, Contact, South Hill Park Arts Centre and The Lowry.

In April 2016, I was commissioned by Random Acts to create a three-minute film adaptation of the original live dance performance of To Suit, supported by Tyneside Cinema, True North and HOME and funded by Arts Council England.

Random Acts is a programme supporting 16-25 year old filmmakers to create 90 second to 3 minute short films. Over the course of two months, Random Acts provided support through a weekend residential, ongoing mentoring, a one day shoot and a two day edit. Following the production of To Suit, Random Acts have continued to support the dissemination of the film.

Are there any projects, dance film or otherwise, that you are working on currently that you would like to share with our audience? 
I am currently working on a new dance film called Dancing with My Dad, exploring the relationship between a father and a daughter through the use of non-verbal communication. For more information on my work, please visit www.lizziejklotz.co.uk.