Jen Wren is the founder and Artistic Director of Slanjayvah Danza, a dance theatre company which creates, produces and tours both traditional and contemporary works.
Slanjayvah Danza's aim is to reframe traditional dance, music and storytelling from Scotland and Spain in a contemporary context.
The company's work has been performed and/or screened across the UK, Spain, France, the Netherlands, USA, Qatar and Singapore. Commissions include KMA Productions, Cultural Olympiad 2012, Al Ryyan Qatar, Camera 2 New York, The CIC and National Congress of Dance Spain.
"Expressive, insatiable choreography" - Scottish Storytelling Centre
"Explosive and memorable work" - Hetty Blades, The Place
Born in Scotland but with strong Spanish links, Jen references both cultures in her work. She enjoys embedding traditional steps and music into contemporary productions and accenting these with emotion and a sense of adventure. As Artistic Director and Choreographer for Slanjayvah Danza, she is known for capturing audiences’ attention with a thought-provoking and versatile artistic voice.
Over the last three years, Jen’s research has involved exploring the similarities and contrasts in various traditional dances, and studying how the journey of people across the world over time links us in today’s societies.
Jen’s research has forged connections between experienced and emerging international performance artists. In her new works, she ventures between the high-octane and more intimate elements of dance.
Her most recent work is 6 Feet, 3 Shoes, an exhilarating multicultural performance about cross-border friendships and cultural exchange. The piece blends live music and storytelling, and is full of feisty percussive Flamenco, Contemporary and traditional Scottish dance. Based on the real friendship of three women, it re-imagines and celebrates traditional arts within a contemporary setting.
