Recently, BAJ brought movement and craftsmanship together for a special collaborative event with London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS) at The Place, one of Europe’s leading centres for contemporary dance, where the artistry of dance met the world of jewellery design.
Inspired by the concept of “Connection,” our jewellery students collaborated with nine contemporary dance students from The Place to create performance pieces. Through bespoke choreography, the dancers brought each piece to life, illustrating the theme through movement and performance. Over 70 guests attended the evening to witness the innovative exhibition in a live setting in Camden. The event was sponsored by CARR Garden Buildings.
With changeable jewellery designs influenced by concepts ranging from the dynamics of friendship to the frailty of emotional connection, each performance examined the relationship between jewellery and movement. To accompany the journey of movement and adornment, BAJ students also created ‘diffusion’ pieces – a secondary piece of wearable jewellery that continued the theme of their project. The show was a one-of-a-kind production that examined jewellery as a component of living artwork rather than just as an accessory.
Phoebe Coleman, Lecturer in Design and Professional Practice & Deputy Course Leader, provided some insight into the event, saying:
“The collaboration with London Contemporary Dance School proved exceptionally productive. Our students handled a demanding five-week schedule with consistency and focus, creating work while also organising the wider event, from sponsorship to meetings with dancers and planning the technical elements.
Engaging with practitioners from another discipline allowed the group to expand their creative thinking and understand the practical value of collaborative work. The theme of ‘Connection’ shaped their responses, inspiring pieces that attached to the body, generated sound, altered movement, or carried personal narratives such as shifting relationships and power dynamics.
This project plays a significant role in their development, giving them experience in teamwork and shared problem-solving while managing several components at once. It offers a realistic insight into the demands of professional practice.”
Ximena Zeron Ballesteros, LCDS Dance student, reflected on the transformative experience:
“As a performer, this collaboration was truly enriching, as ideas flowed perfectly with the jewellers. I feel immensely grateful to have worked alongside such exceptionally talented people and to have created enjoyable and meaningful pieces. It was incredibly inspiring to observe the jewellers’ design process and how it forged a beautiful connection with the world of dance.”
Ximena continued:
“The event was spectacular; everyone delivered an outstanding performance, featuring diverse and captivating structures expressed through a unique movement language. This insightful exploration left me with an unforgettable wealth of knowledge and had a profound, special impact on me as an artistic experience.”
BAJ student, Nadine McBurnie, shared:
“Being able to collaborate with the students from LCDS and seeing them bring our ideas surrounding connection to life has been such an amazing experience.
I was so lucky to work with Ximena, and together we were able to bring my concept to life, which was incredibly rewarding. I wanted my piece and the dance to revolve around the positive intangible mark that we leave behind on those around us, specifically focusing on how our friends shape who we are today.
A hug, a glance, a few words, can all leave a lasting imprint on us, especially from those we hold close. These gestures can often go unnoticed but can leave a lasting emotional imprint. It was a challenge to work with a material that is on the opposite spectrum to metal – using fabric and embroidery to bring the concept to life – but I believe it opened more avenues for how I can push my craft and approach briefs from a different perspective in the future.”
Another BAJ student, Rebecca Prenga, explored the emotional aftermath of friendsip’s ending:
“I wanted to express the loss of connection, confusion, and sense of ambiguous loss that overwhelms the soul. How a platonic relationship can become nothing after years of memories, laughter, supporting each other emotionally, knowing their favourite colour, deepest fears, and weak points; but then suddenly you’re strangers again.
I portrayed this with two black pearls as a symbol of grief, happy tears transformed into sad ones. The silver wire is textured to represent the scars left over the breakup with its shape inspired by the hero piece whose aluminium wire is entangled as the bonds of a friendship once so close and interconnected. Hematite beads reflect the appearance of black pearls and symbolise pain relief and courage. The piece transforms into a living, breathing story of strength and connection.”
The BAJ x The Place Showcase demonstrated the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting how jewellery, dance, and storytelling can intersect to create meaningful, immersive experiences. Explore more coverage of this event on BAJ’s Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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