What’s in a Name?
How Untellable Movement Theatre Got Its Name
Hilary Walsh, Four Parts, 2021, photo credit Ritche Perez
How Untellable Movement Theatre Got Its Name
The irony of writing about how “Untellable” got its name is not lost on us!
The Birth of a Vision
When we founded Untellable Movement Theatre, we envisioned a space where stories were told not just through words but through every fiber of the performers' beings. We wanted to create a place where movement was the primary language and not simply tagged on or decorative.
The Brainstorming Process
We tossed around various ideas, some focusing on the physicality of movement, others on the emotional impact of storytelling. We considered names that were playful, dramatic, and even enigmatic. But none seemed to quite capture the essence of what we were trying to achieve.
The Lightbulb Moment
How do you describe something ineffable? It’s beyond language, it’s untellable.
UNTELLABLE
Embracing the Name
With "Untellable" as the cornerstone, the name Untellable Movement Theatre was born. It reflects our commitment to exploring storytelling through movement in both dance and theatre spaces. It signifies our belief that some stories are too profound, too complex, and too beautiful to be contained within the confines of traditional narrative structures.
Living Up to the Name
The name Untellable Movement Theatre serves as a constant reminder of our mission: to explore the untellable, to move beyond the limitations of conventional storytelling. It's a name that inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries and to remain true to the essence of what makes our work unique.
As we move forward, we carry the spirit of the untellable with us, always seeking to discover new ways to tell stories that words alone cannot express.
Discover our Programming:
Our Story
Untellable Movement Theatre was born in 2020 with a bold vision: to make professional dance performances accessible to everyone. Founded by dance sector veteran, Lynn Panting, and supported by a dedicated founding board of directors—Kevin Woolridge, Leslie Pierce, Hilary Walsh, and Mark White—our journey began with a commitment to breaking down barriers and bringing the transformative power of dance to diverse audiences.
logo design by Lynn Panting
Untellable Movement Theatre was born in 2020 with a bold vision: to make professional dance and movement theatre performances accessible to everyone. Founded by dance sector veteran, Lynn Panting, and supported by a dedicated founding board of directors—Kevin Woolridge, Leslie Pierce, Hilary Walsh, and Mark White—our journey began with a commitment to breaking down barriers and bringing the transformative power of movement to diverse audiences.
From the very start, we have been driven by a passion for collaboration and community. Our partnerships with esteemed organizations such as Neighbourhood Dance Works, The Arts and Culture Centres of Newfoundland and Labrador, Strong Harbour String Collective, Provincial Historic Sites, Resource Centre for the Arts Theatre Company, Dance NL, Hold Fast Contemporary Arts Festival, and Business & Arts NL have been integral to our mission. Together, we have created a platform where art thrives and connections flourish.
Untellable Movement Theatre isn't just about performances; it's about creating experiences that resonate deeply with people from all walks of life. Each performance is a journey, an exploration of human emotion and experience, told through the universal language of movement. Our dedication to making dance accessible ensures that these stories are shared widely, touching hearts and minds across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our founding principles. We strive to innovate, to inspire, and to make a meaningful impact on the cultural landscape. Our story is one of passion, partnership, and the enduring belief that meaningful performances have the power to change lives.
Join us as we continue to explore the untellable, to celebrate the beauty of movement, and to make professional dance and movement theatre a shared treasure for all.