With the added dimension of our show to work on this term, the past few weeks seem to have whizzed by even more quickly than usual!
One of the main reasons I wanted to put on a show was to provide our dancers with a performance opportunity: a chance to experience performing on a stage to an audience. Yet, putting on a show is so much more than that. In the run up to our big performance, our dancers have been required to use many skills and I've been pleased to see them being used and developed in classes this term.
Firstly, there are the skills required in most dance show processes: Repetition and muscle memory; strength and stamina; precision of movement; and facial expression and performance technique. Developing these skills requires a considerable amount of patience and perseverance, and I'm so proud of the children's efforts. They really have been trying their very best to listen and remember my feedback. Show rehearsals can be challenging, but the ability to be resilient and persistent will not only serve the children well for our show, but also beyond in other aspects of life.
Something I believe makes our classes unique is the emphasis on creativity and freedom of expression and ideas. Every single one of our dancers has so much to give creatively, so I wanted this to be at the forefront of our show. You may have heard your dancer talking about "choreography", as the children will not only be presenting routines I have made up, but also their own moves and routines!
Learning to share your own ideas, process the ideas of others, and then work collaboratively to produce a structured piece is no easy feat. The confidence, team work, kindness and respect shown in classes have especially impressed me. Moreover, our dancers are so excited to be making up their own routines and have that sense ownership of their work.
All in all, the journey itself is just as important as the final product. When our dancers step on the stage in May, I'll be extremely proud watching them whilst remembering all they have done to get there.