ELLIE GOULDING – ‘BREAK THE ROUTINE’ (2016)

Directed by Naom Murro and Choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Choreographer, said: “With Eastman dancers Jason and Jennifer, and Noam’s directorial vision, I sought a way to reflect this struggle through dance and movement. It means a lot to me to support these organisations, which try to stop domestic violence by giving victims immediate ways to keep themselves safe.”

With figures showing that, on average, high-risk victims live with domestic abuse for over two years before getting specialist help, a new online film based on a disturbingly captivating and physically intense dance. Backed by a haunting original composition by Ellie Goulding the film lets victims of domestic abuse know that help and support is available to #breaktheroutine.

Created by J. Walter Thompson London, with LA’s Biscuit Filmworks, for the National Centre for Domestic Violence and independent charity Victim Support, the dance is physically hard and emotionally intense. The dancers, real-life couple Jennifer White and Jason Kittelberger, mimic the savage physicality of domestic abuse in a bare house. At the end the man is finally stopped by an invisible barrier and although it is not the end of her struggle, the woman knows she is safe.

A live performance of the dance took place on Wednesday 12 October at Regent’s Place – driving awareness of the campaign, and specifically the hashtag #breaktheroutine. Specially trained Victim Support trainees were on hand to give information and support to anyone who needed it.