our first dance about rehearsal and what a lovely group! we explored moving in and out of the floor working alone and with partners and then working with props. we had some incredibly moving moments, and lots and lots of fun. i'm really looking forward to shaping the wonderful dance work the group create into a beautiful and thought-provoking show.
Tuesday 15 December 2009
Flying School Poem
We've had this poem sent through from a poet who attended the aerial dance workshops run at Ashcraig School in Glasgow end of November. We thought we'd share it with you...
FLYING SCHOOL
Today in gym the class are learning to fly
They whoop. They’ve been let loose from double maths
for this afternoon’s workshop. Circus Skills.
They leave wheelchairs and a cobalt blue walking frame
in a corner. It’s time to wake muscles
that grimace if they’re touched. I watch a girl
migrate. She steps into a rope harness
I can scarcely see, then grins as the air
opens for her. I shiver as she swoops
past, caught by her draughts. She can do what she likes
now, powerful, so long as we’re convinced
she’s controlling the moves, shifting her weight
in this aerial dance so ropes will take
her where she wants to go. She does the twist,
then climbs ten feet to look down on her chair.
A new perspective. So often she’s looked up,
trying to catch an eye so she can talk,
or listened to doctors explaining no,
she’ll never tie shoelaces, walk or cook a meal….
Fill in this space. Afterwards she’s dizzy,
but amazed. She can’t wait to do it again.
Though these lessons will only last a week
and then it’s back to symmetry, exams,
I hope that she remembers how to soar.
When she has forgotten her times tables,
how flowers have sex or what some genius said,
she’ll still need to remember how to set
her own speed and direction. Flight’s a skill
she’ll practice daily for the rest of her life,
floating above a gobsmacked audience
who’re certain she must fall. Their hands outstretched.
they brace themselves, eyes wide, for her to lose
this impossible stance she’s taken up.
I hope she glides past their worried faces,
carried by a current of warm air, head
full of plans, still sure she can stay airborne.
Nuala Watt
13th December 2009.
FLYING SCHOOL
Today in gym the class are learning to fly
They whoop. They’ve been let loose from double maths
for this afternoon’s workshop. Circus Skills.
They leave wheelchairs and a cobalt blue walking frame
in a corner. It’s time to wake muscles
that grimace if they’re touched. I watch a girl
migrate. She steps into a rope harness
I can scarcely see, then grins as the air
opens for her. I shiver as she swoops
past, caught by her draughts. She can do what she likes
now, powerful, so long as we’re convinced
she’s controlling the moves, shifting her weight
in this aerial dance so ropes will take
her where she wants to go. She does the twist,
then climbs ten feet to look down on her chair.
A new perspective. So often she’s looked up,
trying to catch an eye so she can talk,
or listened to doctors explaining no,
she’ll never tie shoelaces, walk or cook a meal….
Fill in this space. Afterwards she’s dizzy,
but amazed. She can’t wait to do it again.
Though these lessons will only last a week
and then it’s back to symmetry, exams,
I hope that she remembers how to soar.
When she has forgotten her times tables,
how flowers have sex or what some genius said,
she’ll still need to remember how to set
her own speed and direction. Flight’s a skill
she’ll practice daily for the rest of her life,
floating above a gobsmacked audience
who’re certain she must fall. Their hands outstretched.
they brace themselves, eyes wide, for her to lose
this impossible stance she’s taken up.
I hope she glides past their worried faces,
carried by a current of warm air, head
full of plans, still sure she can stay airborne.
Nuala Watt
13th December 2009.
Wander rehearsal
Great day again. Rehearsed on an outdoor basket ball court last night and back in a community hall today. The dancers are doing a fantastic job, here are Kwok Wah, Maru, Hofan and Chu...
Sunday 13 December 2009
Light show spectacular - possibly
The weekend has flown by in rehearsls - we did a run though this afternoon, I can't believe we have put a show together in 5 days - very rough around the edges but we have another 4 whole days to go.
We took some time out last night for a bit of shopping and tourism including the 'Symphony of light' which claimed 'experinece light, experience life' We thought not... see what we mean?
We took some time out last night for a bit of shopping and tourism including the 'Symphony of light' which claimed 'experinece light, experience life' We thought not... see what we mean?
Thursday 10 December 2009
Hong Kong full on
Lovely people - so keen and able
Amazing place - Blade Runner meets Slumdog Millionaire.
Jockey Club Arts Centre is a massive concrete ex-wearhouse, full of studios and creative spaces, young people and light.
Dancing on a concrete floor but know one complains.
Eating noodle soup and drinking too much coffee.
The dancers have produced a huge amount of material in just 3 days - now a week to rehearse and put it all together...
Tuesday 8 December 2009
First day on Wander in Hong Kong
Well, today was the start of the Wander a human landscape project in Hong Kong with The Centre for Community Cultural Development.
Our Artistic Director Rachel Freeman leads the project alongside digital artist Arnim Friess and assisted by Tids Pickard who has worked on numerous projects with the Company. They were poised at the computer ready to post an update, but then found it had translated all the words into Chinese! So we're posting this note and images from Arnim on his behalf....
Our Artistic Director Rachel Freeman leads the project alongside digital artist Arnim Friess and assisted by Tids Pickard who has worked on numerous projects with the Company. They were poised at the computer ready to post an update, but then found it had translated all the words into Chinese! So we're posting this note and images from Arnim on his behalf....
"We've had a great first day with a large, enthusiastic group and friendly support from Mok and his team. Also the technical support is great and everyone is on board to make a beautiful show in a very short time.
We've learned three words in Cantonese and are quietly proud to have found our own way into town today, only slightly jetlagged. Interpreter and dancer Hofan helped us to order a snack - made easy by the fact that she was born in Edinburgh.
Hong Kong so far seems to me a mesmerising amalgamation of egg-box-design concrete high-risers, wire, neon signs and very friendly people - on the short way to buy a simcard three people tried unprompted to send me to the bus-station nearby..."
He's also done a short film edit from today's activities - take a look on the Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company YouTube account.
Where the wind blows tour-reflections and thoughts
This weekend was supposed to be time for me to rest and recover from the weeks tour of Where the Wind Blows in the east midlands. However I could not stop myself from talking to friends -thinking about various characters we met along the way, the fact I almost had no room on the final nights stay over due to an admin error, and being woken up on my day off on numerous occasions due to the fire alarm going off! I was later told that this was due to someones hair being set alight by their hair dryer and some over excited hair products. Oh the joys of the touring dancer!!
Every aspect of our working day was a joy to be a part of but I was particularly pleased with my ability to make choices about which workshop model was going to be suitable for each group. Most of the time this was not decided until we met the groups as they arrived to watch the show. Clare and I had a fifteen minute slot between the end of the performance and the start of the workshop. This was initially quite challenging for me but I became more confident as the project progressed. One group in particular were quite challenging so we decided to get everyone in chairs to work on the floor and we created tasks still based on the theme but with a different focus which could be done from the floor. A high percentage of the young people had one to one support from school staff which made it easier for us to really focus on getting the most out of each young person. It was a joy to perform each day. I liked the routine of this, and I feel I learned such a lot as a performer and workshop leader.
The feedback has been lovely - with an email this morning saying 'it's rare to find your combination of professional artistry and thoughtful, process-based workshop leading and communication with our young people. It seems everyone left the room feeling 'I can do...' surely the whole point of creativity in education'.
- 'Drama Becky' from Rowangate School in Wellingborough.
It's great to feel these young people will be inspired to keep dancing and working in an inclusive way. On reflection I feel it was a hugely successful week and I look forward to the next round which will take place in the southwest in the new year.
Every aspect of our working day was a joy to be a part of but I was particularly pleased with my ability to make choices about which workshop model was going to be suitable for each group. Most of the time this was not decided until we met the groups as they arrived to watch the show. Clare and I had a fifteen minute slot between the end of the performance and the start of the workshop. This was initially quite challenging for me but I became more confident as the project progressed. One group in particular were quite challenging so we decided to get everyone in chairs to work on the floor and we created tasks still based on the theme but with a different focus which could be done from the floor. A high percentage of the young people had one to one support from school staff which made it easier for us to really focus on getting the most out of each young person. It was a joy to perform each day. I liked the routine of this, and I feel I learned such a lot as a performer and workshop leader.
The feedback has been lovely - with an email this morning saying 'it's rare to find your combination of professional artistry and thoughtful, process-based workshop leading and communication with our young people. It seems everyone left the room feeling 'I can do...' surely the whole point of creativity in education'.
- 'Drama Becky' from Rowangate School in Wellingborough.
It's great to feel these young people will be inspired to keep dancing and working in an inclusive way. On reflection I feel it was a hugely successful week and I look forward to the next round which will take place in the southwest in the new year.
Thursday 3 December 2009
where the wind blows tour 3rd dec
Hi folks!!
Yesterday was a day off for me to sleep in and rest.However i kept busy by washing and ironing my costume in leu of the following two days shows.
today we were in a very lovely school in Loughborough. I was actually relieved to be performing again as I began to miss it on my day off...how strange?? Todays second show saw me have a breakthrough.I suddenly realised that I could use some makaton signing to project some of the feelings and events of the piece.This tour has been great for brushing up my makaton skills.
Ive really enjoyed working with Clare and Miriam I think we make a good team.Tomorrow will be our last day of this leg of the tour when we go to Chesterfield.I feel quite sad but will really enjoy sleeping in my own bed for once.
Yesterday was a day off for me to sleep in and rest.However i kept busy by washing and ironing my costume in leu of the following two days shows.
today we were in a very lovely school in Loughborough. I was actually relieved to be performing again as I began to miss it on my day off...how strange?? Todays second show saw me have a breakthrough.I suddenly realised that I could use some makaton signing to project some of the feelings and events of the piece.This tour has been great for brushing up my makaton skills.
Ive really enjoyed working with Clare and Miriam I think we make a good team.Tomorrow will be our last day of this leg of the tour when we go to Chesterfield.I feel quite sad but will really enjoy sleeping in my own bed for once.
where the wind blows tour 2 dec 2009
Sally Here… I’m really enjoying being back on the road I just wish travel lodges had room service!!. Seriously it has been wonderful performing everyday and Miriam and Clare are good fun to be on the road with. I’ve finally laid to rest my ghost of not knowing how to operate the sat nav I’m getting better at it every day.The reaction to the piece has been amazing I really feel that my character has come to life. It has also been wonderful seeing the children respond to the themes in each workshop. I look forward to meeting our next group.
where the wind blows tour- 3 dec 2009
Here we are on the penultimate eve of the Where the Wind Blows whirlwind tour in a little chef in Chesterfield. We had a delightful day at Ashmount School in Loughborough where the children and staff fully entered the magical world of Where the Wind Blows friendship. The morning group had particularly complex needs and we were thrilled at the way they engaged with the performance. This tour is great for me because as stage manager/ technical support I get to actually enjoy watching the changing expressions on the children's faces and at every performance my heart leaps- especially when the children shout out to warn Sally... 'she's coming!!!!', and when I feel the relief break in the room when they become friends again. As the children created the animal shapes with their hands we were told that 'this is the longest he has kept his hands out of his mouth'. I particularly enjoyed watching them explore the mini-husks. The afternoon group were a whirlwind of leaps and spins, swings, smiles, laughter and sparkly eyes... let's see what happens tomorrow...
Wednesday 2 December 2009
An evening at the panto
Oh yes I did...
after a busy day doing lots of wild and wonderful aerial tasks... the students are looking happy but exhausted!!!! Claire, Holly and I went to the faily alternative panto at the Tron, now I feel very much more in the Christmas spirit.
after a busy day doing lots of wild and wonderful aerial tasks... the students are looking happy but exhausted!!!! Claire, Holly and I went to the faily alternative panto at the Tron, now I feel very much more in the Christmas spirit.
Tuesday 1 December 2009
Teachers join in the fun and spin a lot.
Another fantastic day at Ashcraig School. Students worked on solo's and duets, in and out of contact, showing creativity and collaborative skill.
The after school session for some really enthusiastic teachers and physio's developed their appreciation of what the students were doing and produced much laughter and spinning.
The after school session for some really enthusiastic teachers and physio's developed their appreciation of what the students were doing and produced much laughter and spinning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)