Ki no nagare is a creation that draws inspiration from the techniques of aikido. Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art. Its essence revolves around taking over a partner's energy. This energy - which in aikido often means attack - is not blocked, but rather absorbed and redirected in a spiral movement. This makes aikido a very gentle martial art that strives to overpower a partner without using force.

This creation develops an encounter between aikido and acrobatics. A search for fusion between two techniques and two worlds where forces and presuppositions are reversed. An acrobatics resulting from the simple displacement of energy so that the up becomes the down and the down becomes the up.

This creation is a meeting and confrontation between two very different bodies. On one side you have a sturdy, colossal man weighing 115 kg and on the other side we find rather a fine, fragile guy weighing 59 kg. Through the avenues offered by aikido, we want to minimise the contrast between the two protagonists. We are so often confronted with the physical in this society. This physicality often accompanies our first impression. What does this do to us and what does it trigger? How do we act towards someone or ourselves after this impression? The “perfect” body impresses us.

Thermals such as “Body positivity” and “Body neutrality” are an inspiration for this creation. A taiko drummer (a large Japanese drum) will set the rhythm of the performance. The taiko produces a masterpiece of sound. An extraordinary and powerful echo that impresses the audience. With its intense sounds, it offers every listener an emotional experience. A journey of power and depth, a musical rhythmic dance full of energy and resonance.