Another Project On The Go: Alice In Wonderland Ballet

The beginning of the dream scene, where Alice has "had enough"
The end section of Alice in Wonderland where Alice is ending her adventure.

I am currently choreographing my first ever ballet for YEM Theatre School with around 40 children. You may remember my Alice in Wonderland posts from a while back, when I was in the research of ideas and themes and characters. Rehearsals are now well under way but still have a long way to go.

The music was my first starting point. So, iTunes was an absolute must to download music, but also Spotify to test it out and listen to it first. Of course being me, I didn't just look for classical music, I searched through a few themes and ideas to collect my final play list. I have incorporated tracks from Madonna, De Bussy, Hartly and Eurythmics so as you can tell; quite a diverse range. I integrated tracks to create my story line and cut the music accordingly. I now have a two act ballet of four minutes per act. From past shows ballet has always been the slow down for a fast paced show, but not this year I hope. Especially since this is the first ballet to include "street ballet"!

I took some photos of rehearsals in action (with permission) just to document the work taking place. I am working with five different classes. Each group meanders around the choreography I just hope it will work once all dancers are put together. Not only have I got the five ballet classes, but also three jazz groups to build up numbers (as we lost some students after the last unethical teacher).

Attempt Two; Easter School

So after agreeing to run my own Easter school for The YEM Theatre School I now realise why they don't do it!

I started organising a timetable and how much to charge and where to go. I then found that none of this matters if you have no children attending. Advertising is the key!

I need ten pupils at least to attend. I've sorted out an assistant. The hall hire is done, with how much and covering costs.

It is worrying when you start a project like this on your own. I think it takes a lot of nerve. Luckily I have the YEM School behind me. It will be beneficial to them as it promotes the school and could potentially give the main school more students.

I think though, as it nears Easter I should hopefully get more interest.....

Panicking As Usual

This, I think, happens every time we start a new module, but it's all so overwhelming and there's so much to do and think about, that naturally I just panic. I think I just need to take each day at a time and do the best I can, as that's all you can do!

After the Ballet Technique Course I am now on board for the beginning preparations for The YEM's first ever Easter School run by me..... so timetables, studio bookings, lesson material, age requirements and posters are being worked out and created. I have also been hired to work for another Easter school the week before. Much work to be done, but this is all good experience. I have worked for this other school a few times on holiday courses, it's mine I'm fretting about. Time is the issue.

Money is another big factor, having none helps no one, so I am working as much as I can right now; taking on more shifts and covering 5 different dance school classes next week alone. Sacrifices will have to be made. Two of my schools have shows coming up and the pressure is piling on, especially as for one school it will be the first set being put forward by me from my own musical theatre class and the first musical theatre set they've ever had in their shows, so I'm sure they will be expecting something pretty spectacular.

I's working hard for my diploma exam coming up in July in musical theatre, which is mainly a hobby I've had since I started all this madness, but just two more exams until I complete the whole series, and will then have a fellowship. I am beginning to work towards my next keyboard grade exam too. Lovely.

After signing with a new agent, the dust has settled on that change in my career and I'd quite like a job now, so auditions please? It's nice to know you have someone else routing for your team.

Plus the cabaret group and rock choir I'm in, are performing at a wedding in two months time. So rehearsals are taking place for that. The principal at YEM would like me to put forward one of my choreographies in a Spanish competition. Plus I'm about to start rehearsals for a band.

I'd like some more to do please, because I'm clearly not busy enough.

Teaching Diary 19/02/10

Friday 19th February 2010

I have been teaching ballet now for five months and it's been hard but much better than dancing it myself. One of my older students recently suggested or rather requested a ballet technique class for in the half term, which I agreed might be beneficial for them. Though ballet and especially technique is not my forte; I always knew what I was supposed to be doing technique-wise, just my body would have a hard time doing it. With my limitations and injuries I decided to concentrate my career on musical theatre and dance styles I could do. So I organised this class through the school for which I already teach the ballet classes, but I would pay the hall hire and be paid from those who attended. This would be my first taste of running my own class.

I looked at a few different sources to help me create a lesson plan that focused purely on technique, strengthening and conditioning. My initial idea was to start with a floor barre, which I've known students have done at my college. I looked on youtube for any exercises, inspiration and ideas. I drew on relevant pilates and yoga exercises I knew that may be useful for a dancer's body. I followed this up by researching related websites. I recently purchased "Ballet For Dummies" on Amazon, and looked for "back to basics" ideas for adults. I chose more relaxing music so they would be able to concentrate on their bodies working rather than the exercise and timing. So I used iTunes to pick my playlist. Basically most of the girls I expected to attend I already teach ballet to, so I wanted to give them a completely different ballet class to what they are used to. As online social networking is the way forward I used Facebook to set up an event and to invite dancers to attend. I put all information on the site including cost, venue, what they need to bring and what they'll be doing during the class. I also added that it would only go ahead if I have enough people attending. Six people said they would attend.

The hardest part I found was the reliability of everyone. The class took place yesterday evening. I had five girls, four of which said they were coming originally, so two didn't attend). Both explained why. The Principal of the school said they should pay anyway, as in terms of expenses covered I made a loss. I haven't asked either to pay and won't do as I think I'll be clearer about attendance. This is all practise though for when I attempt to organise an Easter School in April. I hope this will be more successful. I'm going to send a facebook message out now to see who might be interested initially. We'll see how this goes.

This is one of the videos I watched to gather ideas to improve ballet technique.

References and Bibliography

Ballet For Dummies

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ballet-Dummies-Scott-Speck/dp/0764525689/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266691666&sr=8-1 available at Amazon.co.uk

Pilates Foundation

http://www.pilatesfoundation.com/newsite/what-is-pilates.php (date unknown) Uses of pilates (Online) (Accessed 15th February 2010)

Yoga

(Date unknown) http://yoga.about.com/ Uses (Online) (Accessed 15th February 2010)

The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique

(30th December 2009) Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPSKFJjbscU (Online) (Accessed 15th February 2010)

iTunes http://www.apple.com/itunes/

The New YEM Theatre School Website

http://www.yemtheatreschool.co.uk/index.html

Since November last year, I have been gathering and organising information for the new website for the theatre school I teach at. Since moving house and living next door to a web designer, I soon realised for professional purposes a business needs to be kept modern and up to date for it to succeed. So since initiating a new website for the school, myself and our web designer have been working hard to put forward a brand new design.

The old site was out of date and the principals would receive enquiries asking "are you still running as a school?" rather than "when can my child start?".

The new site has videos, recent photos, news, tutors, events, maps and more. We also looked at appealing more to our target audience, i.e children, so colours and an easy design were taken into consideration. The site is filled with images and colour portraying the school as fun and friendly.

Home

Welcome to the Young Entertainers Musical Theatre School website.

Please have a look and let me know what you think..... http://www.yemtheatreschool.co.uk/index.html

Why Is Jazz Choreography Performed in the School's Musical Theatre Solo Show?

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

Please Evacuate The Dancefloor

Midnight. A silhouetted party emerges from the darkness. A pretence of slow motion. A sea of silver, black and white comes to life as the commotion begins. Meeting and greeting eventuates until the beat kicks in and a dance floor naturally forms in the centre of the stage. At first, just three young girls brave the crowded dance floor. Chords burst from speakers through the hot air; thick with the taste of sweat and hard work. More and more indecipherable shapes start to join in their flow, until eventually everyone embraces the DJ to enjoy a fabulous party.

Upon the dusty stage “Evacuate the Dancefloor” by Cascada is transformed into the YEM Theatre School's latest street jazz choreography. With the dance it brings their most recent show of musical theatre solo performances to an outstanding finale. The show is a mixture and variety of musical theatre and pop songs with finished performances behind a taster of the school's work from the recent term. An outlook to some of the school's most talented pupils in a display and showcase of their current work for close friends and family.

The attitude and style that is brought from the dance is just one small demonstration of the skills taught to the students. Not to mention the jazz technique, spacial awareness and professionalism they also practise. The routine conveys a strength and passion whilst acting-through-dance, to deliver a modern and intensive choreography to a small and personal audience.

This uplifting dance entails some inspired and creative costumes, allowing the students to express themselves within the coloured realms of black, white and silver. Flowers, sequins, stripes, and fishnets all masquerade a group of confident young women whom are coming of age. Mixed with strobe and flickering rainbow lights the atmosphere is sharp yet fun and care-free. The dancers are at ease in their own costume creations and can consequently perform to their best ability and enjoy the show they have worked so incredibly hard on.

Performing this dance to an attentive and supportive audience is what the hard-working students need to up their confidence and support them into further training within the school. It will help with a sense of achievement from the last terms hard but creative work in order to look forward what they in store for them next term, in which they will be challenged with different styles and choreography. The show is also a beautifully intended way to document each students success at the YEM Theatre school and for the students and their families to look back and share the memories.

From this performance, the dancers will have earned another string to their bow by adding another show and choreography to the YEM repertoire amongst the solo performances. Yet this dance is the perfect way to end another accomplished term.

For One Night Only!!

For One Night Only

The YEM Theatre School

proudly presents

The 2009 Family Floor Show

with songs from the musicals

Featuring YEM Senior's latest street jazz; “Evacuate the Dancefloor”

7pm 22nd November

Ancells Farm Studios

Tickets are only £3.00!

Ticket money raised will go towards new microphones for The YEM Rock Choir

All money raised in the raffle will be donated to South Wood Nursery School

The floorshow is a biennial event showcasing the latest musical theatre works of the senior end of the school. The show takes place to give the students experience through performing a song of their choice that they've been working on for the last term. Some students will have recently taken musical theatre exams with the London College of Music or are currently working towards them. In either case, the show is a great learning experience for all students and one where every student needs all the support and encouragement you can give! So please spare your Sunday evening to support your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, cousin, sibling or friend. The bigger the audience; the better the experience!

The show starts Sunday evening and includes 40 performers including 13 of the school's best dancers. The latest street jazz choreographed by Lucy Clark; Evacuate the Dancefloor. This'll be their best performance yet and will be showcased as a finale to the student’s latest solo singing work. The dance shall be included to give the students further performing experience, not only in the realm on musical theatre but also in the aspects of dance. Teaching them about performing with a group and as a team, but also spatial awareness, different styles, spacing and professionalism. The costumes will also unleash a certain confidence amongst the dancers, as they will be wearing what they like within a theme, allowing them to choose something they feel comfortable wearing and which also expresses individual personalities. We hope it will inspire them with the confidence to progress in their dance performance and ability to continue with their training. Not only this but gives the dancers a sense of achievement for the terms work, in which they've worked extremely hard; on technique as well as this dance in particular.

Please come and support the dancers and the school in their latest attributes. The money raised will go to the school's fund, which is raising money for new lead-less microphones for the YEM Rock Choir. The choir is recently gaining much success and respect in the professional world. There will also be a raffle where money raised will be donated to the local nursery; South Wood Nursery.
The junior students of the school (ages 4-14) will be performing at 2pm the same day, with their own selection of songs and featuring their jazz dance “Hit the Road Jack”.

On behalf the YEM Theatre School we hope to see you there!

Dates for your diary

Christmas Carols

Aldershot

23rd December

YEM Rock Choir

Musical Dreams 2010

Princes Hall

4th and 5th October

YEM Theatre School

The Said Dance My 3 Writing Pieces Are About

Evacuate the Dancefloor

My dancers unfortunately never got to complete their performance due to the CD skipping, luckily it was near the end, however we will be using the dance again in a show this Summer, so we'll get another chance!!

This is the show and dance I am referring to in my three pieces of writing.

The dancers range from 13 to 19 with little of some training and experience. I think they all did rather well.

Academic View of My Show

Why Is Jazz Choreography Performed in the School's Musical Theatre Solo Show?

After a recent discussion and debate; the parents and teachers of the students at the YEM Theatre School in Hampshire came to an agreement. They decided a group choreography would be suitable to be included in the up and coming family show. The show is to be held at Ancells Farm Studios in November 2009 and a choreography will now be produced for all following family shows directed and created by the school.

The family shows originally and traditionally embraced the singing, vocal and harmonic threat of the students' part time training, in the construct of a semi-formal production . These shows allow the young people to show off their talent and what they have accomplished and learnt throughout their training. 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 mainly for the benefit of the child's family. The shows welcome a personally invited audience to witness and enjoy the training endured at the school. It is also beneficial for the child to show their supporters what they have learnt to date. The shows stand as useful practise and rehearsal for the more formal variety shows, which are almost certain to follow.

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.

Our 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 and confident time in the dancer's life. The choreography has amalgamated an eclectic combination of steps with original and unique movements. Not only this but the routine includes different spacing ideas allowing each dancer time perform at the front in full focus of the audience, creating a fair and equal performance. This aspect is extremely important in the early stages of a hobby such as dance, where the teachers ensure they encourage every individual to perform at the best of their abilities.

In juxtaposition to this view; the minority against including the choreography within the next theatre show, argued that it would detract from the main subject currently in focus and detract from the students solo singing performances.

In conclusion, the featured choreography will be included in the future performance as part of a massive learning curve to the students' training. The dancers have also thoroughly enjoyed previous jazz choreography and this will once be beneficial to their learning experience as a whole.

Describing My Show

Why Is Jazz Choreography Performed in the School's Musical Theatre Solo Show?

Midnight. A silhouetted party emerges from the darkness. A pretence of slow motion. A sea of silver, black and white comes to life as the commotion begins. Meeting and greeting eventuates until the beat kicks in and a dance floor naturally forms in the centre of the stage. At first, just three young girls brave the crowded dance floor. More and more indecipherable shapes start to join in their flow, until eventually everyone embraces the DJ and joins together to enjoy a fabulous party.

“Evacuate the Dancefloor” by Cascada transformed into the YEM Theatre School's latest street jazz choreography brings their most recent show of musical theatre solo performances to an outstanding finale. The show is a mixture and variety of musical theatre and pop songs with finished performances behind a taster of the school's work from the recent term. An outlook to some of the school's most talented pupils in a display and showcase of their recent work for close friends and family.

The attitude and style that is brought from the dance is just one small demonstration of the skills taught to the students. Not to mention the jazz technique, spacial awareness and professionalism they also practise. The routine conveys a strength and passion whilst acting-through-dance, to deliver a modern and intensive choreography to a small and personal audience.

This uplifting dance entails some inspired and creative costumes, allowing the students to express themselves within the coloured realms of black, white and silver. Flowers, sequins, stripes, and fishnets all masquerade a group of confident young women whom are coming of age. Mixed with strobe and flickering rainbow lights the atmosphere is sharp yet fun and care-free. The dancers are at ease in their own costume creations and can consequently perform to their best ability and enjoy the show they have worked so incredibly hard on.

Performing this dance to an attentive and supportive audience is what the hard-working students need to up their confidence and support them into further training within the school. It will help with a sense of achievement from the last terms hard but creative work in order to look forward what they in store for them next term, in which they will be challenged with different styles and choreography. The show is also a beautifully intended way to document each students success at the YEM Theatre school and for the students and their families to look back and share the memories.

From this performance, the dancers will have earned another string to their bow by adding another show and choreography to the YEM repertoire amongst the solo performances. Yet this dance is the perfect way to end another accomplished term.

Marketing My Show

Why Is Jazz Choreography Performed in the School's Musical Theatre Solo Show?

The YEM Theatre School

proudly presents

The 2009 Family Floor Show

with songs from the musicals

Featuring YEM's Senior's latest street jazz; Evacuate the Dancefloor

7pm 22nd November

Ancells Farm Studios

Tickets are only £3.00!

Ticket money raised will go towards new microphones for The YEM Rock Choir

All money raised in the raffle will be donated to South Wood Nursery School

The floor show is a biennial event showcasing the latest musical theatre works of the senior end of the school. The show takes place to give the students experience through performing a song of their choice that they've been working on for the last term. Some students will have recently taken musical theatre exams with the London College of Music or are currently working towards them. In either case, the show is a great learning experience for all students and one where every student needs all the support and encouragement you can give! So please spare your Sunday evening to support your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, cousin, sibling or friend. The bigger the audience; the better the experience!

The show starts Sunday evening and includes 40 performers including 13 of the school's best dancers. The latest street jazz choreographed by Lucy Clark; Evacuate the Dancefloor. This'll be their best performance yet and will be showcased as a finale to the students latest solo singing work. The dance shall be included to give the students further performing experience, not only in the realm on musical theatre but also in the aspects of dance. Teaching them about performing with a group and as a team, but also spacial awareness, different styles, spacing and professionalism. The costumes will also unleash a certain confidence amongst the dancers, as they will be wearing what they like within a theme, allowing them to choose something they feel comfortable wearing and which also expresses individual personalities. We hope it will inspire them with the confidence to progress in their dance performance and ability to continue with their training. Not only this but gives the dancers a sense of achievement for the terms work, in which they've worked extremely hard; on technique as well as this dance in particular.

Please come and support the dancers and the school in their latest attributes. The money raised will go to the school's fund, which is raising money for new lead-less microphones for the YEM Rock Choir. The choir is recently gaining much success and respect in the professional world. There will also be a raffle where money raised will be donated to the local nursery; South Wood Nursery.

The junior students of the school (ages 4-14) will be performing at 2pm the same day, with their own selection of songs and featuring their jazz dance “Hit the Road Jack”.

On behalf the YEM Theatre School we hope to see you there!

Dates for your diary

Christmas Carols

Aldershot

23rd December

YEM Rock Choir

Musical Dreams 2010

Princes Hall

4th October

YEM Theatre School

My Choreography Radar

This is a video from a show we did last year. I choreographed a street jazz number for ages 9 to 15 to the Britney song Radar. This is two separate classes merged together, so I actually taught the dance to them separately as their two classes until the week before when we actually pieced the dance together. They have one 45 minute class a week, including a warm up, technique and then dance rehearsal, so I think they did pretty well considering.

My challenges with the choreography included the wide age range of dancers and not having them rehearsing together, but we got there in the end. Unfortunately the lighting ruined the beginning and end of the dance, so you can't actually see what they're doing, but you get the idea. If you scroll across the youtube screen at the bottom, I also choreographed Fame for the whole school, including ballet, street jazz, jazz and singers. That was fun!