Post by Suzanne Tromans, Dance teacher at The Sixth Form College, Solihull
What a way to start the New Year! On their first day back into classes the Year 13 dance students and I took part in a full day workshop with a dance artist from the Richard Alston Dance Company. It was clear from the onset that too many mince pies, too many late nights and not enough exercise had taken its toll on the dancers and I! But once our bodies were warmed up, we were raring to go…and GO we did! Firstly we took part in an hour and a half technique class based around Cunningham and release techniques: both techniques which heavily influence Richard Alston’s work. We literally threw ourselves into this and it was so great to be dancing again after the Christmas break (well I thought it was great…not sure some of the students had woken up yet)!
After a short water break, we were then taught repertoire from one of Alston’s more recent pieces ‘Shuffle It Right’ set to jazzy music by Hoagy Carmichael. It was fantastic to learn the actual repertoire that we had seen the professional dancers perform last year when we went to watch them at Malvern Theatres. However, they seem to make it look so easy and effortless, whereas we struggled at times with the sheer speed and difficult rhythms. (At one point it was a little like that trick when you’re asked to pat your head with one hand, and rub your tummy with the other)! But, not to be defeated, the dancers and I worked hard to grasp the material and soon the movements began to sink into our bodies and feel more natural. We were starting to look good!
With only half an hour for lunch we quickly moved on to looking at ways Richard Alston uses lyrics to provide movement ideas and rhythm. We created our own phrases of movement by varying and manipulating the stylistic content that we have been taught and we shared our work with our peers. By the time we got to the cool down at the end of the day I certainly felt ready for a hot bath and more stretching…oh, and any trace of make-up had slid off my face much earlier!
The day provided the students and I with an insight into the Alston style and way of working. This is most important, as the next day in class we will commence the creation of our solos ready for our practical examination in early April. The second year of the A level dance courses requires students to perform a 2 - 3 minute technical solo in the style of a specific dance practitioner, this year: Richard Alston. So we already know some ‘rep’ and with a forthcoming visit to Malvern Theatre again to watch the professional company perform other repertoire, we should be set up for success!
Watching the company will again, be a most enjoyable experience, particularly as one of my ex-students is now in the Company. I do believe there was a tear in my eye when we watched the company last year and I am sure I will be taking the hankies again this year. Watching past students do something they are most passionate about, and something they have worked so hard for, is so very rewarding and gratifying for me as a teacher. Here’s to our current students doing well in their examinations and perhaps following their dancing dreams!
By the way…will someone PLEASE remind me never to undertake such a strenuous day on the first day back after Christmas again! Right now, as I am sat here writing this, I am seizing up little by little…calves, hamstrings, abdominals, buttocks, lower back, shoulders, neck….and…..and…..QUICK, run a hot bath!
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