Thursday 16 April 2015

Kate Simmons School of Dance: La Creation, Dance of Life and Danse Macabre 2015

La Creation, Dance of Life and Danse Macabre gave Kate Simmons School's pupils a feast of dancing.  No sets and minimalistic backdrops exposed students and cried out for them to perform to their limits. Difficult scores performed by a live orchestra also meant the dancers had to listen and respond to the music.   Contemporary pieces were choreographed by Emma Briggs and the classical sections by Peter Parker in La Creation.  Dance of Life movement 1 choreographed by Gillian Hurst and the other 2 movements plus Danse Macabre by Kate Simmons. 
The energy and commitment shown by the dancers was at times electrifying.  The orchestra conducted by Daniel Parkinson was wonderful and not only inspired the dancers but also the audiences at the Brindley Theatre.  What a project for students! 
Jenny Hackwell excelled in her roles and has had an amazing year.  Her latest triumph is to secure a contract with Northern Ballet Theatre.  She will start in July.  Congratulations!
Also a mention to Samuel Jones who always gives  100%  on stage and is a composite artist.






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Dance Reviews

Reviews



Out now in Dance Dynamic February issue / The Nutcracker review of the Royal Ballet dancing at the Royal Opera House and The Snowman reviewed at the Peacock Theatre and performed by the Birmingham reportory company.




Previous Reviews Mayerling by the Royal Ballet, Cirkus Cirkor, Insane in the Brain, Interview of Dame Beryl Grey, Scottish Ballets 40th Anniversary performances, Paco Pena Flamenco Company





All the reviews with photographs will be posted on my web site soon in pdf format



Future Reviews



Matthew Bournes Swan Lake at Sadlers Wells



Below is a taster of the review which will be published in the March edition of Dance Dynamic.



The magazine is released on the 25th of February.



A Powerful Sinister Production danced with incredible energy


Out of the mist appears a swan danced by Richard Winsor. Instantly the whole drama of the production intensifies. The swan soars into the air. Christopher realises that this swan is his salvation and feverishly runs after it. He dances with energy and total conviction. The swan moves with fluid inverted actions of his arms and feet he poses with strong lines and evil eyes. All the swans arrive in groups of three and four. They jump and twist and turn their necks letting out hissing sounds producing a menacing and powerful dance. The moon on the set shines a steely grey light on the swans upper bodies accentuating their naked torsos and their beautiful syncopation



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Tales of Beatrix Potter and Les Patineurs






In progress





Reviews and photographs of the Flamenco Festival at the Sadlers Wells February 2010



Tips of the week for weddings

See todays blog 15th February 2010

Female Guests:

The shops are full of black clothes but don't succumb! Direct your eyes away and look in the colours. White with black trimmings look great. Red with black trimmings will be perfect for November/December Weddings. Why not try purple? No black hats, save those for funerals. If you are worried you will stray towards buying a black outfit take a friend with you to shop. Or go to a small boutique where you can get a personal service.



Snow on the ground very cold. Bring a warm shawl so that you can put this when you are walking in between shots. This will stop you looking blue.