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Nova Bhattacharya and I were meeting up for coffee a few weeks ago, and I brought along a copy of the newly completed Sanctum notation score to show her. “Because you haven’t seen it yet,” I said, talking her through the opening sequence and explaining some of the symbols.
Peggy Baker reconstructed this solo on Nova Bhattacharya and Helen Jones in 2003 at which time it was partially documented. I completed the score from The Choreographer’s Trust package, Peter Ottmann’s notes, and a few emails from Peggy. Nova then told me that Sanctum would be included in one of her upcoming touring programmes, and Peggy would be coming in to coach her on March 14. Would I like to come by?
This special opportunity started with great austerity. I set up my usual work station of piano bench desk and sweater seat in a corner. Usually I like to be at the back of the studio to notate, since notation is read from the dancer’s perspective, but as I had already completed the score and would be only taking additional notes, I sat at the front. Peggy noticed me there and suggested that we use a beautiful, blonde wood table that was in the corner of the studio. I said no, it’s fine, but Peggy went and pulled it over for me anyways. She put it in the center of the front of the room, and I brought over two chairs. We both sat behind the table.
Ed Hanley, the musician in this piece, and Nova set up the stage. Hesitating before she started to dance, Nova cast a nervous glance over in the direction of our large table. “This feels like an examination,” she said. I laughed, thinking back over those torturous years of dance exams, and started a very poor impersonation of a dance examiner freshly imported from England for the occasion. Ed asked me where my gavel was. I reached into my bag to pull out my imaginary gavel, and Peggy carefully placed her chair away from the table. “So you won’t feel so examined,” she reassured Nova. In a very contradictory gesture, I pulled my pages towards me, grabbed my pencil and narrowed my eyes, watching Nova’s every move.
