Following a recent discussion and debate; the parents and teachers of the students at the YEM Theatre School in Hampshire reached an agreement that a group choreography would be suitable for the next family show. The show is to be held at Ancells Farm Studios in November 2009 and a choreography will now be produced for all subsequent family shows directed and created by the school.
The family shows traditionally embraced the vocal and harmonic threat of the students' part time training, constructed in a semi-formal production. By including dance, this allows students to share all what they have accomplished throughout their training. “Dance promotes agility, grace and physical fitness. Install these interests early to set them up for interest in these disciplines as they mature. Go to the dance performance at the end of the course, and your child will be happy to know that you support all their hard work. It means a lot for them to see that you approve of what they are doing.” (2007 Carolyn McFann). Consequently, it generates a brilliant learning curve of professionalism and showmanship within theatre productions, especially since the YEM company produces an immense arrangement of theatre productions in local theatres and areas throughout the year. These particular family shows are arranged primarily for the benefit of the child's family.
Humphrey (1951) said “The dancer with conviction has power; many a dance of poor quality has been “put across” just by the superb belief of the performer in the work.....if you believe in yourself, everybody else probably will, too”. A dancer needs to attain confidence in their work and a perfect solution in order to achieve confidence in dance is to gain as much performing experience as possible. Dance is an enjoyable hobby promoting health and well-being from a young age. “Tap, Jazz and Ballet all instill discipline and health conscious attitudes that will be beneficial tools as children grow and learn” (Janelle Inkens 2008).
The dance has been placed as the finale of the YEM Theatre School's latest showcase of musical theatre work. The dance; Evacuate the Dancefloor (2009) by Cascada, a commercial dance track and the latest tune to another of Lucy Clark's street jazz choreography. The piece explores the idea of parties, enjoyment and attitude, as well as involving street jazz, technical and contemporary dance styles, illustrating a positive time in the dancer's life. The choreography has amalgamated an eclectic combination of steps with original movements and various spacing ideas. The teachers ensure they encourage every individual to perform at the best of their abilities.
In juxtaposition to this view; a minority argued that including the dance would detract from the main subject currently in focus. “The children must learn to focus their time and energy on one subject at a time and giving 100%, rather than splitting their rehearsal time on other areas”. (Sue Hockney, 2009)
It has been argued that the song choice could be inappropriate. “ In 1975, the rage was "Boogie Fever" and it was really good. Nowadays, there are so few good and clean dancing songs.” (Tracey Hannam 2009) YEM are adamant that all show song choices go through a rigorous process in which the suitability of a song is tested. Swearing and inappropriate lyrics are considered unacceptable for the school regardless of the student's ages.
Another element of the debate involved complaints from parents that this was supposedly the “family” show, where students chose their song and costumes. This group dance demanded costumes of the choreographer's choice and style. “After forking out large amounts of money all year for the classes, plus the uniforms and shoes, now comes this end-of-year extravaganza, for which you will need to buy array of hideous costumes.” (Jillian Whiting 2009) The choreographer since informed parents, that YEM requested three colours (black, white and silver) and the dancers could bring any items of old clothing they wished from the selected colours.
In conclusion, the featured choreography will be included in the future performance as part of a massive learning curve to the students' training. It has been settled that song choice and choreography is appropriate for the ages of the students. In addition costumes should not be bought thus causing no extra cost to the parent. The dancers have also thoroughly enjoyed previous jazz choreography and this will once again be beneficial to their learning experience as a whole.
1.Carolyn McFann, 2007, An article within Associated Content, online, www.associatedcontent.com
2.Doris Humphrey, 1951, www.oprf.com/Humphrey/
3.Janelle Inkens, 2008 for Fitness Beginnings www.fitnessbeginnings.com
4.Sue Hockney, 2009 Parent of student attending YEM Theatre School
5.Tracey Hannam, Ipswich, November, Courier Mail Comments available online at http://www.news.com.au/couriermail
6.Jillian Whiting, 2009, Published article Courier Mail, available online at http://www.news.com.au/couriermail
