Kristi-Leigh Gresse

Interdisciplinary Dance Artist

Body & Being

My artistic journey is a quest to explore the nuanced relationship between the human body and its environments, both physical and conceptual.

Central to my practice is the corporeal vessel, the body itself, which serves as both canvas and conduit for my artistic inquiries. Through rigorous exploration and experimentation, I delve into the depths of movement, seeking to unravel its intricate tapestry of expression, emotion, and meaning. It is within the sinew and bone, the breath and pulse, that I discover the raw materials for my practice.

In an age defined by rapid technological advancement and environmental uncertainty, my work serves as a meditation on the evolving nature of human existence. I am fascinated by the ways in which we navigate the ever-shifting terrain of modernity, grappling with questions of identity, agency, and belonging in a world that grows more interconnected and complex with each passing day.

Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to provoke thought, ignite dialogue, and inspire action. By inviting viewers to reconsider their relationship to their bodies, to one another, and to the world at large, I hope to foster a greater sense of empathy, understanding, and connection in an increasingly fragmented and polarized world.

Kristi-Leigh Gresse is a Durban-born dance artist and choreographer whose work delves into the intricacies of human nature and identity, employing a multidisciplinary approach to her artistic practice. She earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Honours from The University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College), focusing on Drama, Performance, and Media Studies. Currently, she is advancing her research through a master’s program at the HOME OF PERFORMANCE PRACTICE at ARTEZ University of the Arts in the Netherlands.

Her commitment to the field of dance has facilitated her professional engagement both regionally and internationally. Following her graduation, she was selected for The Playhouse Company’s Dance Residency in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, an experience that significantly informed her choreographic voice and aesthetic development. Throughout her career, Kristi-Leigh has performed in a multitude of productions while engaging in collaborative projects with various local choreographers and directors.

Gresse initiated her choreographic practice in 2016, presenting works at numerous esteemed festivals such as the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival, Dance Umbrella Africa, Brighton Fringe Festival, National Arts Festival, and Kucheza Dance Festival. In recognition of her innovative contributions to the field, she was awarded the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for dance in 2021, during which she showcased her piece “Purgatory: a working title…” at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, South Africa. Since receiving this honour, she has furthered her creative output, presenting works on various platforms both domestically and internationally. Currently, Kristi-Leigh is deepening her artistic inquiry in the Netherlands, where she continues to explore and expand her practice.

Standard Bank Young Artist for Dance 2021

Kristi-Leigh Gresse, named the 2021 Standard Bank Young Artist for Dance, has collaborated with various South African dancers and choreographers, honing her unique artistic voice. Her work delves into the politics of the body and expressions of identity.

The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards, established by the National Arts Festival in 1981, recognise artists under 35 across disciplines such as music, visual arts, and dance. Recipients selected by the NAF Artistic Committee receive a cash prize and production budget to showcase their work at the festival, thereby aiding their career development.

Since its inception, the awards have honoured over 170 artists, with Standard Bank proudly sponsoring the initiative since 1984, demonstrating a commitment to supporting exceptional talent in the community.