Magpie Music Dance Co.

After studying dance and dance education at Ochanomizu University in Tokyo, Makiko Ito has been working
in Tokyo as freelance artist and a founder member of C.I.co., which focuses on
performance improvisation and Contact Improvisation. Performing and teaching in Japan, and abroad (Netherlands,
England, Germany, Sweden). Since Oct 2006 she moved to Amsterdam, working with Magpie Music Dance Company.

Makiko Ito teaches release based dance technique and Improvisation for dance
performances & contact improvisation with either professional or
non-professional dancers. She is centering on the concerns which can occur while
working with improvisation within ensemble situations. The key phrase she uses
for her work is “something created behind”. She uses exercises, games and
structures which help guide the dancer toward a creative, spatial vocabulary
while maintaining a focus on group work. Her concern is for the dancer to be
able to since the space in a way which allows for the ensemble to merge
creatively without compromising individual integrity.
Makiko Ito choreography’s are including structured improvisations. The
structures can be either of choreographed movements, sound or objects. These
pieces are flexible to the amounts of artists involved, sound score and space.
Typhoon (1997-2005) – Labo award 2003 from the ST Spot (theater in
Yokohama). Selected Solo at Yokohama Dance Collection 2005.

AKA PRO (English) means “Also Known As”
AKA PRO
(Japanese) means “Red”
Since 2004 Makiko Ito has been producing a series of dance performances in Tokyo
called Aka-Pro. These performances included invited artists from Japan
and abroad who improvise together. The aim for Makiko has been to create a forum
to learn about how the performing arts can interact with society. Makiko has
produced 7 performances with a total of 23 artists participating in Japan, and 3
performances in Amsterdam (OT 301, Zaal 100, and Muiderporttheater).