My New Showreel: What do you think?

Hey, so I have recently updated my showreel! Let me know if you have any feedback!

https://youtu.be/HyN-3FSU-aQ

Thanks Everyone

Critical Reflection Portfolio: Blog Style

Looking back over module 2 while sat on wifi in Norway (Finally connection to the real world), I have realised that my understanding has developed so much more in terms of asking the questions of work and not just working work! I started asking questions that were relevant to me and luckily being in the situation where I literally live in work (on a ship) I was very lucky to be surrounded by a vast wealth of knowledge and people and this inspired me to choose my chosen topic:

What affects the behaviour and relationships between professionals working within the same industry?

It was not always easy though, despite my work place being so advantageous to my research, the fact I was often at sea, cut off from land and also more detrimentally, cut off from internet. Luckily after a comforting e-mail off my tutor, I realised that a work based learning degree is designed to work around work... Therefore it was a case of finding out a method that suited me: Appendix A.

In terms of discovering my research proposal idea, from observing my work place surroundings I soon found out that I wanted to study the behaviour and relationships of people within the industry I am so passionate about. However, I always find that I have too many questions I want to answer and this can cloud my thought and judgement, it was not until I managed to have a Skype session (while sat in a Japanese Ship Terminal) I was calmed by my colleagues and we discussed that we shouldn't panic and that we need to find questions that help us learn, not necessarily ones with a YES or NO answer: Appendix B. It was here I made the realisation that discussion in a group of people, much like a Socratic Circle, really helps develop ideas and helps un-cloud my judgment because I have to stop and consider another perspective without speaking. This was so beneficial as it made me aware of the use of narrative research, and seeing as I am going to be studying people, I decided that I would pilot the use of narrative research with an interview style inquiry with fellow colleagues.

The piloting of my research methods then started to shape my inquiry proposal. Again, as I didn't have access to the internet I did initially struggle but then I had to be resourceful with what I did have. The module handbooks are excellent as they guide you without the need of a tutor or colleague. This allowed me to write a rough draft of my proposal essay (the main chunk of this module) Appendix C. I found this more useful that blogging my ideas bit by bit, as it allowed me to modify my inquiry as a whole in one go and not amalgamate several blog posts. This was obviously more beneficial for me as being at sea meant that more independent work was required.

Overall, I found this module hard at times because I often doubted my ability and work as I was sometimes so detached from everyone else. However with the little bit of contact I did have and the resources given to me, I found that I managed my time well and produced the work to the best of my ability while juggling a full time dance job on board a ship.

Appendix A:

 

Appendix B: http://antgifford.blogspot.no/2015/03/pm-skype-session-write-up-socratic-skype.html

Appendix C: http://antgifford.blogspot.no/2015/05/planning-my-inquiry-wifi-less-world-is.html

Planning my inquiry: A wifi-less world is a hard one!!

So, I am just coming to the end of my module 2 work and due to my work situation, wifi has been so hard to come by I had to do a lot of my work without internet which did pose some troubles! Upon reflection, I felt that this did have an impact on the way I worked but didnt stop me. For example, it just meant I had to really plan my work then communicated with my tutor via email! I did this when planning my inquiry. Im not sure if it helped anyone else but did anyone do a plan of a plan so to speak:

THIS IS MY INQUIRY PLAN:


Introduction -
Explain and inform the reader of my topic: questioning the “standard” behaviours between individuals working within the arts: specifically professional dance. How does it compare and contrast to other industries both similar and opposite i.e. teaching the arts, professional sports, medical based work. The social trends within the industry and more specifically have things such as Web 2.0 (especially Facebook, twitter and so on) affected the industry in any ways. The ethical code of conduct: where was it taught if it even is taught, is it common knowledge, does it affect your ability to work in the industry and finally the psychological aspects of the industry: are there any psychological studies done with how people respond in certain situations i.e. auditions, the work place, class!



What is known already
In this section I will first describe my basic knowledge, my ideas and thoughts due to the training I have received. I can then compare and contrast as to whether my opinions have changed.

Literature wise: I will research books on the industry but also blurring the lines with psychology a little bit as I want to find out about studies on behavioural patterns and see how it compares to people within the industry and also how it may differ to “standard” industries.

Enquiry tools - Even though my research isn't on any one too specific, it is essentially on people, so my first and prominent line of enquiry will be of people within the industry and out of it. More specifically I am lucky to a. be part of a working team of dancers and singers so i already have 8 other individuals of different social and training backgrounds which I can anonymously compare and contrast (with their permission) but I can also discuss matters with a wide range of guest artists, from musicians to magicians. The one thing they all have in common is that they are currently working on ships also.

Blogs and SIG - I can discuss the topic with my co students, I am planning on creating or going a SIG based on working dancers and their experiences. There is a lot of focus on the education system and teaching of the arts so I want to come away from that and be a bit more individual focussed, how personally as a professional do people behave and react, not necessarily how they would teach it. I will also try and blog as much as possible continuously as my research goes ahed. There are mini sub topics within my enquiry that will amalgamate so hopefully it will give me some great discussion opportunities.

I have already started piloting my tools - for example i discussed with a guest entertainer who had transferred from west end to ships about his experiences within the west end and how he came to do ships and the challenges faced within the industry. I can then go on to evaluate how this is a good way of expanding not only my knowledge but inspiring my own professional practise too!



Ethical Practice-
Part of my question is about ethics themselves - and how we are experienced by other individuals. Therefore I will have to be very ethical and liberal with my opinions as I shouldn't make blanket rules but at the same time, behavioural patterns have trends so I will be discussing a stronger trend over a weaker trend. It will be in my wording however, that stops me sounding bigotry or insulting. My study is of people working in a very intense and theatrical industry so big personalities will be amongst them and lots of people from all walks of training after the same overall goal and that is to perform professionally, therefore complete non biased opinions will be made and there will be 100% anonymity when referring to interviews or information gained from specific people.



Conclusion-
This is to essentially wrap up all the loose ends, I will bring myself back to the original question at hand as it will be easy to get side tracked into many sub divisions of enquiry. There are many branches to my study but they should be of the same tree therefore I will always relate my research and findings back to the original question at hand, I just feel it is important that for me personally I can explore as much as possible as it is a topic that interests me greatly and also blurs the line across many areas of study i.e. psychology, sociology, eduction and teaching and business.Which essentially could be argued that these components make up a professional especially one within the industry of dance.







I found this so helpful and it also helped communicate my ideas all in one go as opposed to regular blog updates! How did other people plan their plan?????

AM Skype Session Write Up - Socratic Skype

So as I write this sailing away from Kobe in Japan… Ironically the reason for the delay in posting this blog post is because I had wifi problems… One of the topics that I bring up within my write up of the most recent skype session!

I have recently taken part in a group Skype session with my fellow students and I was given the task of writing up about the “advice giving” section of the topic.

I was asked on the skype by a fellow student about how I was coping with the degree work while working on a ship. She is about to start her new contract and asked for some advice and some of my experiences while being on board sailing the world!

Well my first main bit of advice was to not panic… It can be pretty daunting, when traveling, when you see there are skype sessions scheduled and online research to do and also of course, the online blogs. We explore in module 1 just how reliant we have become on Web 2.0, in fact I highlight the potential worry that the industry has intact become too reliant on Web 2.0 and when you are sailing about, wifi and access to Web 2.0 becomes gold dust! Wifi cards are mega expensive, some ports have such awful wifi and sometimes you just don't have the chance to!

But its not all doom and gloom, you're reading this right and I am half way to Nagasaki! This work based degree is designed to compliment your job not create road blocks. The tutors are incredibly sympathetic and work out ways to overcome the problems. I have one on one skype sessions, correspond on e-mails and instead of being a frequent blogger, I keep personal journals and become more of an observer on the odd chance I get to look through the recent bloggs… Make it work for you.

Time differences can be another main problem, I am 9 hours ahead of UK time currently so a 11am skype session became a 7pm one. But its all about careful planning, you have to be ahead of your game and make sure you keep a world clock set on your phone or laptop for quick reference if like me you struggle working out times across the world.

As long as you can plan your time wisely and make the rare valuable wifi time work for you, working on a ship and continuing with BAPP isn’t all that bad! It is different to any way of learning I have done previously but its also very fulfilling and worth it!

Moving on from the advice given on just this particular topic however, and moving onto a more general note. The advice given over a Skype session can actually be really beneficial! I highlighted in the conversation that we are not in a normal class environment when open discussion occurs naturally and help can be asked for and given instantly. A group skype call is just a prime example of how Web 2.0 allows us to simulate a class environment in our work places. I was out outside my floating hotel and home in a ship terminal, but for that single hour, I was able to communicate with my fellow students and get instant feedback on ideas and discussion topics. Even on the other side of the globe, having that ability to talk was so helpful and I would recommend that anyone on the course who is unsure or looks past the skype sessions to do their up most best to join on them because the stuff you gain from it is invaluable.

Some few more examples of the kind of advice given throughout the chat involved interpreting different styles of writing and knowing when it was appropriate to use certain styles when writing certain prose. For example should a blogg be casual or formal? Well I said a blogg was personal so should reflect your personality where as an essay should reflect your personality yes, but obviously be formal and precise. I feel that knowing how to write is a skill in itself before writing even takes place! Another topic of advice came about when a student asked those on Module 2 if they had any advice for a student just starting on module 1. This sparked a different form of advice giving because we each took it in turns to talk about our own personal experiences and rather than a discussion exploring different ideas it was more stating and directing.

Some good advice was mentioned about starting Module 1:

Connecting with people is key on this course, we learn in module 1 about networking so putting it into practice straight away is really handy!

Finding ways to work that suit you, whether its a daily blog or a private journal. Don't panic or follow the crowd, do what suits you and if it works that's great and evaluate why it works, if it doesn't work then... evaluate why it doesn't work and explore how you can rectify it.

These skype sessions become similar to a Socratic Seminar, where discussion is used to illuminate ideas and spark off critical thinking. In fact even as I write this, it has made me question just how similar these sessions are to a Socratic method and I will do further research, so watch this space!

To conclude, I just really felt positive after the skype session and despite my work situation, plan on doing more and recommend that everyone who can should participate as the advice given is just so fantastic and beneficial to all participants!

A triple "sweat" - My first job!

Apologies for not being active on the blogosphere over the past few weeks, this is the first time I have had proper wifi (sat in a local spoons) and so I am just catching up on myself!

So I have started rehearsals for my first professional contract and well, they're pretty much what they told us in college they would be... And then some!!!

My amazing team - Balmoral 2014/15

So yeah, rehearsals have been really intense! I work 12hrs a day, 6 days a week with a day off but that is usually spent rehearsing! Obviously Id be lying if I said I love EVERY minute of it because it is really hard, Im only 19 and being my first contract emotions are running high, luckily, I have an amazing team and we all support each other no matter what! It sounds so cheesy but we genuinely have become a family and its inspirational working with such talented people!

I won't bore you with all the details but we are learning all our shows which are your typical revue shows, however unlike most companies we are all expected too sing and dance and act throughout all of them, so the amount I am learning is incredible, but also teaching as well, we all have our niche within in the team whether it be singing certain styles or having the edge in certain genres and its just incredible working as part of a team that has the same goal and the same drive for perfection!

The days can be long and hard though, my brain was frazzled in the first days learning all the singing then my body was destroyed with 5 days of physical before starting the process all over again! The pace in which you have to learn shows is crazy too, but if it was all a breeze, we wouldn't be there would we?! We learn a show in 6 days, thats vocals, dancing, the lot. We also have the help of amazing choreographers and Musical Directors and an excellent rehearsals space. We do get treated really well and I do feel very blessed.  

The interesting part will be when it all transfers to the ship, we dock in southampton but we found out during install we dry dock in Hamburg for 2 weeks which will be incredible! I shall try and keep you posted but I just thought Ill update you all and let you know that I will be catching up on all the blogg work! Anyone started considering their essay for the module 1? Let me know :)

Ant x

Feathers, Fans & Flamenco: Benidorm palace's "Efex"

Benidorm Palace, the cabaret gem found in of course Benidorm, home to a revue show like no other! There current show Efex, by Moore Entertainment, is a perfect blend of dance, magic, and specialty acts. With exciting special effects and dramatic music choices complimenting the stunning cast of dancers and performers to really produce an unforgettable show!

For, of course purely professional reasons, I went to Benidorm to watch my friend, and fellow graduate of mine, dance at her new job in Benidrom Palace. The stunning beaches and gorgeous weather were just a mere perk of my professional exploration. However, again this post is not directly related to the module 1 tasks that have been set, I really wanted to attempt a "review" style piece of work, as to be honest I was blown away by just how incredible the show was. As I sit here now with the DVD of the show on in the background the music brings back those almost cliché goosebumps that I got when sat there in awe at the actual show! As part of our professional career as artists, we need to immerse ourselves in performances to develop our artistic understanding, it was such an incredible opportunity for me as not only was it a learning curve but I also got to see my best friend and also 2 other Northern Ballet School graduates in their element, performing on a professional stage!

In the heart of Benidorm, lies the Benidorm Palace, a breath taking building from the get go, the metal like infrastructure glistens with light, a curved, elegant building that really draws you in from the start! I bought my ticket outside and headed into the palace to be seated. At first I was speechless, the cabaret style theater is huge! With a live in house band, you have the option to be serenaded while enjoying a luxury 3 course meal, or like me, arrive just in time for the show - with a free beverage included of course!

The live band looked almost minute on the huge stage, but I have to say the live singing in both Spanish and English was stunning. "New Bambú" are a credit to the Palace and with the option of a pre-show boogie on the central dance floor, the atmosphere and ambiance is that of a friendly and enjoyable one from the start - non of that awkward pre-show silence that makes the time before curtain up seem a million years. Then the lights dimmed and the orchestra said their goodbyes and everyone k

new it was time for it to begin:

My view

After a quick "no photography" announcement the lights dimmed again and smoke billowed from the top right hand corner. The dramatic 'Una Odisse En L'espai" started playing, that unmistakable sound of brass and timpani start building up the anticipation as a space age looking tube is lowered from the top corner and the dance floor lifts up to become an extension of the already large stage! Powerful silhouettes of dancers are lifted up along with it as this empty tube is lowered onto a landing pad! Filling with smoke in a slight pause, a climaxing piece of music blares and the tube is lifted to reveal David Climmont (magician and laser extraordinaire) who has magically materialized within the tube! A fantastic use of music and set to create such a fantastic illusion. A brilliant opening, I was on the edge of my seat already.

The lights changed to a blend of reds and yellows, illuminating these stunning dancers in long flowing skirts and tight fitting bodices. Hair slicked back to perfection into a classic Spanish side bun and poised in that typical Spanish profile angular pose with fans! Now having never really studied Spanish dance I was excited from the start. My first impressions were that the choreographer had tried to go for a classic Spanish style with a cheeky sassy twist. The music was heavy with rock elements but a classical Spanish origin. You were drawn into the eyes of the central girls as they posed and fanned and chaîné-d across the stage. The back drop was an audio visual explosion of fire and exciting lights to top of thee dramatic mood. Speaking choreographically, the producer has used every down beat and every isolation with the fan perfectly to contrast then with the flowing classical movements, the girls fanning themselves and smirking making the intricate work look easy... I had an opportunity to have a practice in my own time with a fan and can tell you now, they are one of the hardest props I have ever attempted to use. The way the girls opened and closed the fans was just spot on, that sassy feel as whipped it open then luxuriously fanned themselves enticing in every member of the audience.

Then the men boldly came onto the stage, an air of power and passion, as they walked forward to partner the girls. As if fan work wasn't hard enough, the couples then both manipulated the fan, using it to intertwine with each other. The girls left, leaving the men on stage, as a male dancer I am probably a lot more biased towards the male dancers but also have higher expectations. I must admit although being blown away by the phenomenal intricate flamenco work displayed, the synchronicity was at times a little off. Coming from a very balletic background I am used to the drilling that as a corp de ballet they face, however as a dancer swaying towards the jazz elements, I also understand the raw passion and personal desire to ooze style rather than being a robotic clone of the dancer in front, so I guess I could excuse the odd timing mishap due to the powerful choreography displayed. Saying that, one thing I would be loathed to excuse is the pirouettes, some did a double some did a triple some did more. With a mish mash of turns I feel the choreography became temporarily watered down and it was a shame!

Girls then flooded the stage with "pasodoble" capes and mesmerized us with the sleek powerful whipping of the capes. An excellent idea, the use of props were well thought out and purposeful. Then as if they couldn't include more, the men came back on with castanets to mark the start of final part of the prologue. The castanet work had to be my second favourite part of the opening, the flamenco work was powerful and a stunning female dancer, elegantly walking forward before leading the pack of men in a divine 5-some took my breath away but then all dancers came back onto the stage and the music switched back to the opening sharp music, and the dancers filled the central stage creating a fierce pack of castanet dancers, sharp sequences of isolations were repeated to almost blend the dancers into a Spanish sea of passion and just as you thought the dance was over they exploded back with flamec-splosion of very intricate choreography before building up to the ending where the dances froze and a swift blackout of the lights marked the ending of the prologue.

It took every ounce of theatre etiquette I had not stand up on table and cheer, I do not know whether it was my unfamiliarity with this Spanish fusion or the combination of exquisite choreography and dramatic lights and effects that really had me going, but I was just blown away by the first opening number. Which is how it should be in my opinion, it sets the mood and the mood that was set was of fierce Spanish passion and drama!

A comedy speciality act followed, using members of the audience to create a short sketch about creating a film. Using charismatic actions and sound effects along with hilarious props and the odd "mishap" made for some real classic entertainment. The use of speciality acts is one that is common in revue shows across the globe but they are essential I feel so the dancers can 1. rest and change but also 2. to stop them becoming stale, having a break from the dancers makes every number as dramatic and fresh as the opening. Not that I would get bored of seeing the dance but I am a dancer, speaking as a member of the general public I feel it is vital in creating a well balanced show that will lead to overall enjoyment for all audiences.

On to the next piece, we went back to the dancers, in the piece Andamios. Here we see again the classic Spanish skirt and bodice but with a definite modern flare. Denim and bold patterns grasped the eye. The number began with a fantastic male solo, straying away from the previous Spanish style we see classic jazz work, leaps and kicks and knee slides all performed with a rock star attitude and the soloist really did draw my eye before finishing with a devilishly difficult grandes pirouettes in seconde. My only criticism that I would want to see more, his technique was exceptional and I thoroughly enjoyed his performance.

The next part is what I would describe as West Side Story meets Flamenco. There was almost a modernised flamenco dance off between the boys and and girls using two halves of the stage, it was very good yet I feel my attention was occasionally lost as I was trying to focus on too many things at once. As a style I feel it is incredibly precise yet fluid, so I can imagine how difficult it is to be in perfect timing as there are no definite positions all the time.

The use of scenery again was good, the metal scaffolds were moved across the stage with ease and the lighting followed, really adding to this modern almost back street feel. This lead onto then probably my favourite part of this piece, the acapella dancing. The music was cut and the beat was produced by claps and heels, the rhythms were exciting and dramatic. Men using the wooden boxes as drums really added to this rockish, modern theme. And then as if you thought it could not get any more dramatic, 2 men having a dance battle using rhythms and claps were showered in sparks as surrounding men used rotary saws to hack away at metal plates either side, metallic sparks showered the dancers, it was exciting and also something I had never seen before. Again a fantastic use of prop.

A magic trick followed continuing the saw theme. A huge rotary saw sliced a poor dancer in half, a shrill scream pierced the audiences ears as the table was separated in half, detaching her legs, only to be magically put together unharmed by the magician David. Its a classic magical illusion but I enjoyed how the theme was continued fluidly, blending dance and speciality act. It was short and sweet and the two magical assistants performed well.

We were then brought back to the men, a static use of heel beats and almost tap like leg work with jazzy arm work and isolations. This was the link to the final dance routine of the 1st half, where a female clad in an Irish skirt and curly head piece came on to Celtic music. I know what you're thinking, a flamenco fusion of saws and sparks to Irish? I was apprehensive at first but the tap element was almost similar to the flamenco foot work and actually it was incredibly refreshing. The scaffolding was used as girls danced on top of it building up physical layers to the stage and the again being unfamiliar with Irish dancing I couldn't say whether it was legitimately typical but it definitely had that Irish jig air to it and I thoroughly enjoyed it, the lines and patterns were exciting and there was a lot more movement round the stage that previous numbers which was enjoyable.

This marked the start of a 30 minute interval where we were to be entertained by the in house band once more.

Another 8 hours round the globe, Act 2 started with origami, an Oriental themed part of the show, girls in bright kimonos ran daintily onto the stage. A scenery of pagodas and large Bonsai trees decorated the set, really setting the scene! Continuing with this Oriental theme, the choreography involved 2 different coloured fans and matched the music perfectly. The overall performance was fantastic, the girls were in sync and this Asian fusion with the flamenco dancers worked so well. The men came on in bright red harem pants and sandals, again their dancing followed the same theme and instead of fans nun chucks were used adding a whole new masculine element to the piece. Following on from this came a group of girls in a fantastic costume: a simple short kimono however they were carrying this almost carpet like drape which hung box like down from their shoulders, on the back was exquisite Chinese embroidery. The costumes were to die for but the choreography had to be kept simile due to the sheer width and size of them. Then as a finale for this dance number, a soloist clad in an exquisite kimono did a cheeky removal of several layers, each a different, beautiful kimono of delicate silk until she was in a light yellow number. I found this interesting because in Chinese history, yellow was typically only allowed to be worn by an emperor, this may have been a coincidence but if not, it was clever how the yellow silk was used for this costume to almost bring out the soloist as a main part. 

Again, another magic trick, the samurai swords through the box containing the main girl dancer. the trick itself was incredible but in my opinion it was upstaged entirely by the next act. The acrobatic trio performing incredible, gravity defying balancing acts, I was stood up clapping by the end, the tricks were amazing, I was speechless. 3 men using sheer strength to lift each other in hand stands and counter balances. Furthermore spray painted gold, they really gave the justice the notion of being brass statues. The music and slow motion linking movements and the tricks were indescribable. I haven't seen anything that impressive in terms of acrobatics in a show like this, they would not have looked out of place in Cirque De Soleil. My only criticism is they only got one bow and that was as they were lowered into the floor off stage!

Now from China to the future, Technologic Robotrock! This section was full of brilliant costume ideas and modern, funky choreography. The first number involved both girls and boys in the same guard like outfit with a criss cross of bright lights across the chest. A complete change in the choreography  bought a refreshing new style out onto the stage. Fist pumps and body isolations touched on the break dance genre, which was performed very well considering these dancers are probably classically trained - showing quite just how versatile the cast were. Furthermore it was nice to move away from feathers and high kicks. Then the robot number where a blacked out stage and dancers in morph suits with lights on just took my breath away! It was funky and fresh, the use of lights on the costume and perfect timing with the tech team meant that the dancers were lit on and off, giving the illusion of them disappearing and reappearing almost instantaneously. I have never quite seen anything like this, the use of the morph suits is quite common but the on and off choreo was just incredible. Again the funk genre strayed away from struts and flamenco but it really was performed brilliantly.

A laser act followed on from this, here we saw David Climent in his other speciality masterpiece. Green lasers and pyrotechnics created a fantastic effect, it was dramatic and different! Any member of the audience would enjoy this, and it was cleverly linked with the previous section.

Now onto the final part of the show before the finale and my ultimate favourite part of the show, Pick a Card! Men brought on huge playing card models on wheels and girls entered the stage clad in huge feathered headdresses and shiny harem pant trousers.  It was sassy and sleek! This choreography oozed showgirl passion and although the girls were topless, it was not provocative and I didn't feel like it was seedy. It was pure class and refinement with a hint of that naughty sexy wow factor as the girls strutted forward. The choreography here was my favourite. As much as I loved experiencing the Spanish style that we see throughout, I feel you cannot beat the classic showgirl jazz! The music was amazing to along with the scenery, I was really sad when it ended!

However after we were taken right back to Spain with an amazing number using huge ruffled sleeves that the girls could wave about and drape! Including some intricate partner work as well, the costumes were managed perfectly as I imagine it could be quite awkward. None of the girls had any major mishaps so a lot of rehearsal and drilling must have gone into it! We bounced back after this to diamonds, a show palace classic! Using a set of girls and very well animated male, it was not only sexy and fabulous but also rather comedic. The gentleman was flirtatious and funny and really played up for the girls which was good to see and the girls played back! It was also the first time we saw lip syncing being used which actually was quite nice because it really brought alive and animated the girls expressions in a way we hadn't seen previously - adding layers like this really finished off a number.

A short sound clip from the one and only Lady GaGa's poker face brought us to the next number, this time a sexy girl clad in a black leotard and a headdress in the shape of a spade (as in the one on cards)! An amazing routine again, just adding another layer to this amazing section. She lead the men, had them memorised along with the audience. The choreography was very well thought out, they were in perfect sync and it suited both the men and the soloist! The men upped their game massively but the female soloist really shone for me! It is a shame because I feel the men are overlooked in shows like this the whole time, but with a dancer as stunning as that centre stage its hard not to take your eyes away!

After that it was then time for finale! Much to my displeasure as I wanted the show to continue on into the night! On one half the Spanish girls in ravishing red dresses and glittery fans and the other sexy international dancers in feathers and divine headdresses! I enjoyed how the choreography here was separated into almost two halves before merging into one finale. Showing both strengths of all the dancers. As far as I could tell from the applause and ovations that the cast were receiving, it cant have just been myself who thoroughly enjoyed the show. A release of balloons into the crowd really finished of the show on a high as the curtains shut and marked the end of the show.

Overall I would rate the show 9/10 - on the night I watched it was excellent, a few sections with the more detailed Spanish work fell out of sync and there were some sections where I felt a bit more polishing would really lift the choreography to its maximum potential. However 5/5 for music and song choice, and it was matched perfectly by the choreography. The speciality acts were well placed and the transition of themes was cleverly thought out and a lot more modernised which I enjoyed. I feel that this show is a hidden gem though, as we the instance we think of show palace cabaret we think Paris and Moulin Rouge but this really is up there and beyond those shows. In fact the blend of fans and feathers with modern day magic and choreography is quite unique to Efex and quite revolutionary and forthcoming within the genre. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is able to go and see it!

I hope you have enjoyed reading this piece and hopefully I have inspired more people to go and spectate such a spectacle. I was blown away and I am sure you will be too! I also hope that my review has given justice to the show, I have not had much experience writing something like this so feedback and comments will be helpful! 

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Dancers: Athletes Of God

One of the best things that I am just getting to grips with is just picking up my laptop and writing! I often find myself lay there thinking about things and now suddenly I have a way of putting them out there in the universe! Anyways, as the nomad that I am, I really like the idea of my laptop just being there, transported around with, I do not like to work in any one spot, I enjoy having various areas where I can get stuck in anywhere! In this case I was just staring at a poster I have above my bed and on it is a poem by Martha Graham,  with the ending line of "An Athlete of God". This sent my mind racing back to the conversation I have had previously with a fellow dancer friend, discussing injuries and to be honest how useless mainstream doctors are when treating dance based injuries! 

 

The view from my bed!

Excuse the wonky poster but that last powerful sentence really suddenly hit home with me, as a dancer I know the physical strain we put on our body, it is one of the most physical art forms - fluctuating into the realms of sport! In short, we really are expected to be athletes yet the recognition we get from a medical point of view is pretty dire!

A very close friend of mine has recently had to leave vocational training due to a hip injury, yet after X-Rays and consultations, medical professionals have not been able to come up with a diagnosis and therefore the prognosis was "Well, just don't dance on it"! I know I am biased and I know every dancer whines about the same thing, but we well and truly are NOT recognized as athletic individual that have to train and look after their body a way an Olympian would!

I am aware that many professional companies have in house physios and even many vocational schools have the same! But they come at a cost and also not as accessible as your generic NHS GP. But even so, the research that goes into sport science and sports injuries seems to be non existent when it comes to dance! Theoretically there is a lot of dance bases research into the anatomical capabilities of a perfect dancer and what we aim to achieve, but not all of us were born that way if anyone is! The friend I mentioned earlier is having to travel down to London from her Midland based home to go to a specialized dance clinic, an amazing place I am sure but at what cost?!

Upon doing further research I did come across something rather amazing however, a center for dance medicine! A weekly clinic run by a network of professionals, working closer together to provide specialist treatment for dancers. But this is in London, I know the dance world does pretty much revolve round the capital, but surely, if I can go to physio in my local NHS clinic then why can't dance be integrated into umbrella that is Sport Medicine. I am not asking for a whole stretch of clinics just for dancers up and down the country, that would be financially ridiculous let alone redundant, but too many dancers are brushed aside by NHS doctors and told that its tough and if it hurts just don't do it!  

But how has this ended up this way? Well personally, I feel it is down to the lack of research! Or maybe even too many contrary debates when it comes to dancers health! I mean comparing a dancer to an athlete: training, diet, job prospects are all completely different! Many dancers are told they are too skinny, but they are just as strong as an athlete! Again I am not asking for dance to be an Olympic sport but a little bit of research could go a long way! What exercises could work along side dance training to help and rehabilitate an injury?! In a period of non dancing, what ways can a dancer keep a level of what I like to call "dance fitness" without working or damaging certain muscle groups? Dancers are told to do Pilates and yoga and to stretch etc and this is all well and good, but that's just injury prevention, the way an Olympic diver does weigh training pool side to prepare the body for impact. But if that Olympic diver tore a tricep, there would be a physio with massage, treatment and exercises to help it recover... Dancers are told its tough or more often than not with dance based injuries, told that findings are inconclusive and to sit out and not train for a period of time!

Again, I will admit I am biased, but it is just not good enough! We work as hard as athletes and are looked down on because people assume we just prance about in leotards and tights! But what can we do about it?! Sadly, I am no medical expert, but I do feel maybe as artists we should club together and constantly share health tips and training ideas that we have found effective, if the professionals won't do the research for us then we can do it ourselves! If anyone has any gym routines or exercise programmes they have found particularly effective for an injury or just general training, please do let me know! I know for a fact I will definitely be constantly on the go, researching different techniques and reading up on how I can maintain a fit and healthy "dance fit" body!

This does not really have anything to do with my course module at the moment, but the more I blog, the more I find it an effective release to sometimes put thoughts and frustrations down and help myself reflect! I always like to think of a blog post to not be conclusive statement but the building blocks and foundations for ongoing research! So please share and comment with anything as it would be really interesting to hear your stories and experiences!