Paper Dance presents freestanding sculpture and wall-based works by Hats Aston, inspired by movement and dance. The exhibition is accompanied by a participatory evening of fusion dance, where the imaginations of the artist and the dancers interact to create a playful, joyous celebration.
Sculptor and filmmaker Hats Aston explores and responds to the materials she works with to create original forms. She uses recycled industrial paper to construct sculpture, costume, and sets, enhanced with hand-dyed silk and tissue paper to add colour, softness, and movement. Over the past twelve years she has collaborated with dancers and actors, using these works in performances and short films.
Fusion is a form of partner dance combining styles such as tango, blues, lindy, and zouk. With a focus on improvisation and connection, fusion challenges traditional gender roles and welcomes participants from a variety of dance backgrounds, including newcomers. Aston first collaborated with the Bristol fusion community in 2017. For this exhibition, her sculptural works create interactive spaces that dancers can touch, wear, and move through, encouraging exploration of how material affects movement and connection.
Curated Exhibition: Paper Dance
Private View & Opening Event > Saturday 31 January 2026
Private view: 5:00–7:00pm (free)
Fusion dance class & social dance: 7:00pm–late
(Sliding-scale tickets available via Headfirst)
Exhibition Dates:
31 January – 4 February 2026
10:00am – 5:00pm daily
Evening Programme:
Entry from 6:00pm
7:00–8:00pm - Fusion class with Hazel Crimmins: Clown Dance
8:00pm–midnight - Social dance
Artist: Hats Aston
Sculptor and filmmaker Hats Aston creates original forms from industrial paper, costume, and sets, often collaborating with dancers and actors for performances and short films. Her exhibition provides spaces for interaction, encouraging audiences to touch, wear, and move through the sculptures to explore how material influences movement and connection.
YouTube: @harrietaston51
Instagram: @hatsaston
Website: harrietaston.com
Teacher: Hazel Crimmins
“Dancing begins on the inside. In the heart and the imagination.”
Hazel has been teaching in the physical arts for over 15 years and has been immersed in social partner dancing since 2010. Her teaching blends contemporary dance, yoga, and clowning, emphasizing presence, spontaneity, and vulnerability.
Class Description:
Hazel uses clowning to help participants develop spontaneity, connection, and presence with their partner. Attendees are encouraged to make mistakes, break rules, and explore playful movement, while considering boundaries and consent to safely expand the sphere of connection.
Exhibition: Free entry
Dance evening: Sliding-scale tickets via Headfirst
Accessibility
The gallery offers step-free access and an accessible toilet. Visitors with specific access needs are welcome to contact the gallery in advance.
Hats Aston
Hats Aston