Allan McIntyre: What Goes Up
Friday, Nov 28 2003, 05:03
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!?
Filed by Article19 at 5:03 PM | 
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