BRUSHES

According to Virginia Satir, an American psychotherapist, we need four hugs a day to survive, eight to maintain well-being and twelve to thrive. Touch is the first sense to develop and provides us with a vast spectrum of sensations—from pleasure to pain. It reflects our emotional states and communicates unspoken messages. Through touch or the lightest brush, we establish personal boundaries and express our connection to others. Without words or even eye contact, touch conveys a full range of emotions. A simple brush of the hand is often our first physical encounter with another person, leaving a lasting impression. Humans need to touch and be touched—to communicate, to comfort, to give and to receive. Touch is at once profoundly simple and deeply intricate, making it essential to rediscover, understand and refine this physical language. Brushes (or Muśnięcia) enrich our emotional world and their infinity allows us to truly live and feel. ***“BRUSHES”/„MUŚNIĘCIA” by TEST Dance Theatre explores touch in all its forms—sensual, nurturing, emotional, boundary-pushing, sometimes painful and frustrating, yet always meaningful. This performance is a reflection on the connection between physicality and shame, love and power, tenderness and strength. It is a dance narrative of limitless touches, infused with a hint of eroticism to spark the imagination and awaken the senses. The sensual music inspires movement, while dynamic contrasts heighten the intensity of emotions and enhance the audience’s experience. Brush, touch, embrace, hold, scratch, cuddle!

Founded in 2006 at the Dorożkarnia Cultural Center in Warsaw’s Siekierki district, TEST Dance Theatre brings together artists who are deeply engaged with culture and the performing arts. Some have built professional careers around dance and movement, while for most, it remains a passionate pursuit. Over the years, the ensemble has evolved- members have changed, trends have shifted and new styles have emerged. Yet one thing has remained constant: the dedication, creativity, and talent of TEST Dance Theatre’s dancers, along with the unwavering support of their audience. Since its inception, TEST Dance Theatre has produced over 16 dance and outdoor performances, participating in numerous cultural and artistic events across Poland. The company has received awards at both national and international festivals, including GEF San Remo (Italy), New Prague Dance Festival, Barcelona Dance Awards, and the World Dance Cup in Austria. From the very beginning, the artistic and directorial vision of TEST Dance Theatre has been shaped by Izabella Borkowska and Darek Sikorski.