 |
|
December 10, 2003
Christie's December Entry
Hello everyone!
I can’t believe how quickly the first term of the third year has passed. It seems that in no time at all we have achieved so much as we prepare to go on tour next year. Since my last entry, my schedule as a Ballet Central member has consisted of daily Ballet class followed by continuous rehearsals as well as class in other techniques such as Contemporary Dance and Jazz Dance. The rehearsals have been the preparation of a variety of pieces that were presented for the Ballet Central sponsors, ScottishPower, at a private event.
This event was held at the Tate Britain on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December. It was an unusual venue where the surroundings presented some difficulties. The stage, which was put up in one of the galleries, was set 3ft off the floor with only white tape to mark the edge which felt quite daunting at some points as I was rapidly approaching the hanging museum portraits! The fact that this was our first performance as Ballet Central as well made the evening that little extra bit scarier. However, this gave us valuable experience that we will be able to take with us on tour.
The pieces that we performed included Contemporary Dance, Neo-classical, Classical Ballet and Jazz Dance styles showing our versatility as dancers. I was involved in three pieces ranging from Classical Ballet to Contemporary Dance, which not only required a very quick costume change, but also the ability to switch from one style of dance to another – a further skill which the event has given me the chance to experience. I feel that the whole evening was well received and that this small insight into Ballet Central life has given me a further desire to begin the tour.
This day also offered me other challenges as I took my Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal examination on the same afternoon. This exam differs from any other as it is presented in front of audience as well as a panel of adjudicators which includes an examiner alongside a professional dancer. The enchaiments and sequences were designed to demonstrate the student as a soloist, which means that although the exam is only short it is very demanding. However it is a true test of nerves and I was pleased that I managed to push myself through it even though I felt physically drained due to the late finish of 10 o’clock on the previous night following rehearsals at the Tate. This has been an important lesson in how to deal not only with a lot of dancing in one day, but also how to keep my stamina and energy levels up so that I can always perform to my best. This is one skill that will help me and will continue to develop as I begin and progress though the Ballet Central tour. I’ll keep you posted as to how the tour preparations continue. Bye for now, Christie
 |
 | ||||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
| ||||||||
|
| ||||||||