Artist Statement Tracey West
As an inclusive community dance artist, somatic movement and gong practitioner, I work with people of all ages and abilities. I prioritise the interconnection between mind, body, and healing. My background at The Laban Centre for Movement and Dance (1989-91) and the College of Sound Healing with Sheila Whittaker (2015) informs my approach to movement and sound as powerful tools for transformation and healing. Everyone has the innate capacity for self-healing and growth; my practice is grounded in this belief.
I am pursuing a PhD in Dance at the University of Bedfordshire, Dancing my way home investigates women’s first-person lived experiences of participating in gong bathing, allowing them to share their authentic and sacred stories. The research is a practice-led, qualitative inquiry integrating a blend of portraiture, heuristics, autoethnography and performance methodologies. These women’s stories have yet to be documented, highlighting the importance of this research in giving voice to a community of women and their experiences. Through this research, I aim to shed light on the transformative power of gong bathing and how it can connect individuals to their bodies, minds, and souls. By engaging with these narratives and documenting the experiences of women who have participated in gong bathing, this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the practice, its healing potential, connection points for mindfulness and reflection on participants' health, well-being, and creativity.
In addition to my role as Co-director of Sacred Sounds CIC, I am a Co-Director of Braena CIC and Sunshine Cooperative, based in Sunderland.
My experiences of motherhood continue to influence my life and practice. Over time, I have created a series of moving, improvised portraits and collaborations related to pregnancy, birthing, and motherhood. Through this work, I discovered my need to embrace stillness, deepen my breath, and connect to my voice and the power of sound healing.
My role as a parent has aligned with my heart and life purpose. Forever curious and playful, it has opened doors to love that I never knew existed. I have found a way to balance my responsibilities as a Movement artist and Gong practitioner with parenthood through family support, dedication, discipline, and hard work.