November 2003 Archives

It's been such an exhausting week here in the Labanite Land. As I said last time, members of the Graham Company, Tadej Brdnik and Miki Orihara, were doing a small residency with my year. The four contemporary class groups merged into 2 massive groups and unfortunately that meant I was 1 of 2 boys, although the other guy, Mandeep, was unable to take part, so my group had Miki, which was a little disappointing, but still amazing!

She wasn't as completely hardcore in technique classes as I had imagined and was up for a bit of banter, which was really nice! Detail! Detail! Detail! Talk about anally retentive, although having been a member of the company for 200 years, she has every right to be! She had such a pleasant way of using images, so out went meat hooks and in came holding babies! Demonstrating in the class was former teacher here, Kim Jones, who is now a fully fledged member of the company. Her movement quality is so dramatic, but not in a naff, fake kind of way!

We also had Miki for Rep, where we learned a section from Night Journey. This was a lot of fun. Firstly, we were taught the movement, then split into 6's to establish the 'vital' spacing between each other. This was hilarious, as the first thing we did was run for 5 counts across the stage, turn to the front and plié in 2nd, slapping our thighs as we stopped. So on goes Allan with his (slightly!) longer legs than me ladies! Let?s just say it wasn't my greatest ever performance. Enjoyed it much still!

It was fantastic just be in the same room as these people, never mind being taught by them. Both Miki and Kim were so nice and couldn't have been more helpful with any questions they were asked. Great experience! Started feeling really strong, although that was possibly psychological!

So after a great 3 days, what could I do to end on a high? Go and see Rambert at Sadlers Wells!

The only thing that almost ruined the night for me, was sitting with a group of school girls behind me! Everything was funny to them! Someone pointing their foot to a male/female duet, with the girl grabbing the boys derriere then making it dance! Ok! I'll let that one slip! The programme was fantastic! The low point probably being the 'maybe' better on second viewing? Living Toys! The high point, without a question of doubt, Wayne McGregor's PreSentient!

It's the first time I've seen it and found myself uncontrollably smiling all the way through! Out of this world! Can't not mention Elsa Canasta. Shockingly(!) began with 2 guys preparing to get it on! It still had the Rambert 'wow' factor, although not quite as much PreSentient. Some parts were really funny, like the bum dancing etc. I do love toilet humour! All in all, a good night out at the theatre dahling!

After that I've now definitely decided to join Rambert when I've graduated! In the words of Julie Andrews;
it's a very good place to start!?

First things first, I have quit Selfridges! The novelty finally wore off, and I suddenly realised I was surrounded by pretentious twats in the most boring place in the World! Feeling a tad sheepish about it as I don't have another job, which is completely necessary to ensure I can both eat, and keep a roof over my head! Looking for something a bit more local this time, because travelling on the underground with a hangover of a Saturday or Sunday morning, ain¡¯t exactly my idea of fun!

I have taken into consideration the lack of celebrity sightings, but it's just something I'm going to have to deal with!

So, if you know anyone looking for weekend staff with 4 years retail experience, let me know!

So, I'm a dance student! Let's talk about that for a change! Feeling rather good at the moment!

Getting ever so sweaty no matter what the class which is good, although anyone who knows me is already aware of my overactive sweat glands!
Over the last while, I've become the regular little theatre goer! Cream of the crop was Martha's crew at Sadlers Wells on Wednesday night! Not only do the Graham dancers look good, they are amazing! (Almost used fowl language there to emphasize my point!) Maple Leaf Rag was pick of the night! I am aware that some people hate it, but technically it was fabulous. Add to that a touch of humour and you've got yourself a really enjoyable piece of dance!

Can barely contain myself about next week!

Two of the Graham dancers are doing a 3 day residency with my year! Monday and Tuesday we have technique classes, then Tuesday and Wednesday, we have Rep! Then to top it all off, I'm going to see Rambert on Wednesday night! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!

Unfortunately, I went to a performance at The Bonnie Bird, here at Laban, last night. Maresa von Stockart presented Beyond the Seven Seas which had some really nice sections, but sadly she must have forgotten that transitions between sections is vital to hold a piece together! Oh Well! It gets worse though! k|n|d|c premiered a piece called Adaptation and a trio under the title Methods of Display and Concealment. PANTS! That's all I really want to say about them! I welcome the idea that contemporary dance doesn't need a classical soundtrack, but these pieces were verging on a full scale rave! I'm also not a big fan of movement which looks like you're taking a fit! Add to that dozens of pointless high kicks and you have yourself a truly eye opening hour!

Must go now as my computer's going to shut itself down!
Byee!