Wednesday 25 October 2017

'DANCESCAPE' South Africa in Zolani a township in the Western Cape . A tribute to a exceptionally talented lady Fiona Sutton. All photographs copyright Elaine Mayson

 These are a few of the images I took on my recent trip to South Africa.  I visited the township Zolani and stayed with my friend Fiona Sutton and her husband, Mitiya. in the town of Montagu in the Western Cape.  It was wonderful to see Dancescape in action and to photograph all the young dancers.  Fiona has given these children hope to live a new and fulfilling life dancing.  They are all so musical and everyone of them works very hard.  This has come about through the dedication and talent of Fiona. The drive and determination she has wielded to form the company and set it on its path, is truly amazing!  She has now passed away after a short battle with cancer.  Her legacy continues and a new paid teacher is being found to fill the post but never replace Fiona and continue the productive work.  It was my privilege to spend time with Fiona before her death and to see the incredible love she produced from everyone around her.  Not only the children and parents in the township but all the people in Montagu loved her.  It was a humbling time for me but also inspiring and motivating.  These photographs are a tribute to her and her vision that is 'Dancescape'














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



................


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.