ANDROMEDA GRAZIANO
Movement Research & Choreography
Schumann
Schumann is a new choreographic work created by Andromeda Graziano in collaboration with concert pianist Raul Jimenez to Robert Schumann's 'Fantasiestücke Op.12'.
With three dancers, a pianist and a film crew on board we are now in rehearsals.
We are crowdfunding to raise the capital to shoot the dance film this August, and, with a portion of all raised going to Cancer Research UK,
your donations and support is truly and greatly appreciated.
Schumann is a contemporary dance piece. A love story in eight sections for three dancers,
it has an interplay of solos, duets, and trios with Schumann represented throughout by the piano and the pianist.
Based on Schumann's poem and diary entries, he introduces the duality of his personality
to Clara, his wife to be, and presents her with two characters: Eusebius the mild, and Florestan the wild. Each character shows opposing sides of Schumann's personality and in this story we follow Clara as she meets each version of Schumann and makes her choice as to whom to marry...
Read on and discover more about the project, the dancers and the film crew.
Andromeda Graziano
Producer/Director/Choreographer
With a foundation in classical ballet from the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates, Merle Park Studios, and Stella Mann, she earned a BA (Hons) Degree in Dance & Drama from Middlesex University and further honed her craft at L.C.D.S. with a One Year Special Certificate in Contemporary Dance and Choreography. Recognized for her artistic vision, she was awarded a grant from the Prince’s Trust and Pépinières Européennes pour Jeunes Artistes, leading to the creation of a full-length work for the Ballet de Zaragoza in Spain.
Continuing her journey into the world of movement and storytelling through contemporary dance, in London she co-founded White Monkey Trip, a dynamic dance company that toured the city’s leading contemporary dance venues. She later returned to Middlesex University’s Dance Department, taking on roles as a choreographer, dancer, and production manager for post-graduate performances at The Lilian Baylis Theatre.
Her short dance film, Leap of Faith, crafted in collaboration with Jack Elliott Hobbs, has captivated audiences, earning accolades, nominations, and selections at prestigious film festivals.
Raul Jimenez
Producer/Pianist Robert Schumann
Born in Tarragona, Spain, he began his musical journey at a very young age, studying with Christiane Lerouth before refining his craft under the Cuban maestro Cecilio Tieles at top conservatoires in Vila-seca and Barcelona. He earned his degree with high honours and a special prize, and in 1995, moved to London to train with Sulamita Aronovsky, obtaining a diploma from the Royal College of Music with honours and earning the prestigious ARCM piano performance title.
Throughout his career, he has received awards from competitions including Princess Christina (Madrid), Salou, and the Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Italy), and has performed worldwide as a soloist, accompanist, and teacher.
One of his career highlights was premiering Federico González Orduña’s Piano Concerto at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 2015 during the Year of Mexico in the UK celebrations.
With sublime ease and virtuosity, Raul portrays the role of Robert Schuman bringing intrinsic knowledge and artistry to the role.
Martin is the Founder and Technical Manager of i-OB. With over 30 years experience in the industry he has been a sound recordist, a cameraman, run a busy hire department and was employed by one of the best known OB companies for almost 15 years as an OB Unit Manager.
His credits include the BAFTAs, BRIT Awards, Glastonbury and the BST Hyde Park Concerts.
WHY CANCER RESEARCH UK
This project blends both: the creation of a powerful new dance piece, and a tangible contribution to cancer research.
In 2023, I was diagnosed with cancer. It changed my life, and fortified my desire to share my passion for dance and choreography. It also deepened my commitment to raising awareness and funding research to fight this devastating disease.
A portion of the funds raised will be donated, and we will perform sections of the film live in hospitals and public spaces, bringing art and comfort to those facing hardship.
SCHUMANN STORYLINE
The choreography for three dancers and a pianist is initially based on the original intentions of Robert Schumann.
'Fantasiestücke Op. 12' is a set of eight pieces for piano.
Written in 1837, Schumann composed the pieces with the characters Florestan and Eusebius in mind, representing the duality of his personality.
Shortly before Schumann’s marriage to Clara, he wrote a poem in which he identifies himself with ‘Florestan the wild’, and ‘Eusebius the mild’, urging Clara to take both together, thus uniting ‘joy’ and ‘sorrow’.
WHY MAKE A DANCE FILM?
Creating a dance film unlocks possibilities beyond live theatre. It allows precise storytelling through visual techniques like editing and scene-setting, ensuring emotional impact and accessibility.
Unlike live performances, films can reach a global audience via streaming platforms. Films are also permanent, enabling inclusion in international festivals and ensuring the work’s longevity.
Our history of award-winning projects, such as 'Leap of Faith' (2022), illustrates how dance films resonate deeply and endure.
SCHUMANN aims to blend movement and cinema to share our story widely and preserve its impact for years to come.
