Details:

Year of creation: 2025

Creation and performed by: Kevin Li. Mentors and outside eye: OURO Collective (Eric Cheung, Rina Pellerin, Christina Bucci). Music: “Break it Down – Jookin Metrics” by Zero Rivers (Jookin DP) and " (Karma Code)" by SKAI ISYOURGOD. Lighting: Kevin Li with support from Christian Ching

Audience Type: Youth (Gr. 8-12), Families, Young Adults, Adults, Seniors

Length of work: 12-18 minutes (current work in progress version)

Preparation time required on site: 30-60 minutes set up, 15-30 minutes strike

Technical requirements required on-site: Minimal technical requirements.

Preferred access to: portable speaker/sound system with audio input power access if amplification is required, adaptable audience seating configuration (floor cushions, chairs, or audience standing arrangements). The current work in progress structure includes a responsive low-stimulation section with variable duration determined in real time through performance and nervous system pacing. A stage manager, collaborator, or sound operator may be needed to manually cue the final audio track based on visual movement cues from the performer The work can also be adapted for low tech outdoor presentations using a portable battery powered speaker. Requirements for the presenter: Communication regarding site conditions, accessibility, and environmental factors. Access to performance area prior to showing for spatial adaptation and environmental sensing Basic sound support if available Support with audience gathering and orientation if needed. Flexibility regarding audience configuration and movement within the space.

Space required: Flexible performance space adaptable to outdoor and alternative venues. Preferred minimum performance area approximately 15’ x 15’ with additional surrounding space for audience placement and circulation. The work benefits from circular or radial spatial arrangements and is particularly suited to sites with circular architectural features, open floor patterns, plazas, courtyards, or gathering spaces. Suitable surfaces include smooth concrete, wood, or other flat surfaces that support sliding and footwork-based movement.

Availability: I am interested in developing Push the 3 Pull the 9 through site responsive performances, residencies, workshops, and community engagement opportunities across British Columbia. As a work in progress, the project is designed to evolve through adaptation to different environments, audience relationships, and spatial conditions.

My objective is to continue researching how principles from Memphis jookin and Jookin Metrics including rhythm, compression, timing, coordinates, and improvisational responsiveness transform across outdoor and alternative presentation contexts. Each site becomes part of the compositional process, influencing pacing, movement pathways, scale, attention, and audience interaction.

I am particularly interested in environments that support close audience proximity, circular or non-traditional viewing arrangements, and environmental listening practices. Touring this work would support the ongoing development of responsive compositional methods integrating freestyle dance, nervous system regulation, site-responsive improvisation, and cross-cultural movement research.

I am available for performances, workshops, artist talks, and movement- based community engagement activities throughout the project’s development.