Sunday, 8 February, 2009| Comment | Make A Comment | Share on Facebook
That you really really want to leave but always stay longer than you want out of politeness. We haven't half seen some bad dance in our time but It has to be said most of it has been in resolution!
Now I'm not taking away the opportunity it gives, the opportunity to choreograph a piece that will get shown in a professional theater, with professional technicians, reviewed by many professional critics.
This is all great, but you can be as professionally aided as you like but if the piece isn't a good piece it makes no difference, and this is the root of the problem.
There seems to be little to no entry requirements or restrictions, also this year they were over subscribed, instead of being more selective, they just extended it by 2 weeks. You write an application. "Does it sound interesting? probably not, to the hell with it we have 111 performances."
To make it worse if the choreographers can't fill the modest 300 seats in the Robin Howard...then they lose money! Then more than likely get a rubbish review! Yes, Yes encouraging new dance artists is the name of the game people.
If they really want to encourage, good, new, homegrown artists then give them support and feedback during the choreographic process, regular meetings, help their choreographic skills, give them personal advice about advertisement and management this kind of nurturing is priceless.
Rather than "your accepted, see you in 3 months, at which time we're more than likely take some of your money (and so will the bar!)".
Quality over quantity people!
p.s We have actually seen some great pieces at the festival, but they are in short supply!
