2FaCeD DaNcE Company
NEWSLETTER
Issue 2 October 2000  |
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Welcome to 2FaCeD DaNcE companies second news letter, updating you on news and information about the company.
Our annual performance in the main house at The Courtyard Arts Centre Hereford, attracted one of the largest audiences seen at a contemporary dance performance since the building opened in September 1998. The performance included work by two professional choreographers. Stephen Derrick who is well known for performing and creating work for Phoenix Dance Company and up and coming choreographer Helen Parlour from Motionhouse Dance Company). Feedback from the performance was very positive and questionnaires handed out after the performance gave the company an insight into its market. Questionnaire results indicated that for around a quarter (25%) this was the first time they had attended the theatre in Hereford.
SponsorsThe ’Youth Arts Award’ assists young artists and artists who are aiming their work at young people. Just under half (48%) of those who attended the performance were aged 25 or under. This met a key objective of 2FaCeD’s artistic policy of bringing dance to young people. Other sponsors of the performance were Western Sound and Light, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Lambert’s Dance Shop, The Osteopathic Clinic, South Shropshire Scaffolding, DST Lighting and Sound Design, Top Shop and Top Man.
“It was exhilarating, creative and varied enough for all to enjoy. It captured emotion, explored movement on a new level and I am extremely impressed” (audience member)
“A wonderful display of talent, its not often you get this standard of dance in Hereford” (audience member)
As well as 2FaCeD being awarded ’The Youth Arts’ scheme by West Midlands Arts, the company have also been awarded one of six places in the West Midlands on a dance management scheme. 2FaCeD were very happy to be offered this opportunity and have been awarded free places on several different administration courses, in the autumn term. 2FaCeD are now applying to the Regional Arts Lottery Programme (RALP) in order to receive funding for a national tour to take place in October 2001. 2FaCeD are approaching the UK’s leading choreographers to create work for this tour and will hold auditions next year for new dancers to join the company. The company are also presently seeking partnership funding for their tour from a variety of sources including local businesses.
WORK WITH LOCAL ARTIST - Rozie Keogh has worked in the design department of The Royal School of Needlework and now produces a range of costume jewellery, mobiles and suspended sculptures. Rozie joined 2FaCeD for their annual performance, designing and creating the costumes for Stephen Derricks piece.
EDUCATION UPDATE
2FaCeD worked intensively over the summer, teaching on two summer schools. Hereford Summer School of the Performing Arts and the PALS summer school at The Hereford Cathedral School. 2FaCeD taught over two hundred children ranging between the ages of 4-18 over the space of three weeks! On the Hereford Summer School for the Performing Arts, children created a piece alongside the company and performed it three times at The Sixth Form College, in Hereford. The course was a success with children and parents requesting the company to set up more classes on a regular basis in Hereford.
During the PALS Summer School the company spent a week teaching and devising work with children as young as four. It was such a success that the company have been asked to run the summer school again next year. Miranda Wells and Tamsin Fitzgerald have been working alongside the Performing Arts Department at the Herefordshire College of Art and Design, collaborating on a number of different projects. They created the choreography for the 2nd year’s end of year show ‘Oh What A Lovely War’, which was performed in June at the Folly Arts Theatre, Hereford. on the performing arts course. Following this Miranda Wells, Tamsin Fitzgerald and Gerrard Martin ran a series of days of dance over the summer months creating taster sessions for the colleges future students. Tamsin has since joined Herefordshire college of Art and Design as a part time dance lecturer on the National Diploma Performing Arts Course.
Due to the demand for more dance classes in the area, 2FaCeD have decided to set up break dancing classes. This will be a first for Hereford and the company will be employing ‘Banksy’ who was recently ranked highly in the ‘World Break Dancing Championships
NEWS UPDATE
Following the huge success of the Ross Dance Project, in March 2000, 2FaCeD are continuing to work with the Music Pool and the local education authority on two exciting projects. The first is designed for children with special needs, the second aimed at under achieving boys. Both projects take place in local schools and will conclude with a performance for family and friends.
In March 2000 2FaCeD choreographed a piece for Four Play Theatre Company’s production of ‘Bouncers’. Due to the popularity of the show, director James Mackenzie was asked to bring ’Bouncers’ to The Courtyard for a run of four nights. The show ran from 20th-23rd of September.
The Toni and Guy hair and fashion show took place at Bushwhackers Night-club in Hereford on 26th April. The charity event was opened by a performance from the company and choreographed by Miranda Wells and Tamsin Fitzgerald. The evening raised £1500.
Following the Toni and Guy hair show 2FaCeD have been asked to choreograph more fashion shows. The company will be working with Lisa Kimberly on a youth development fashion show in Ledbury, Herefordshire. The subject of the show will explore issues concerning the environment, and will be performed by local children. The show will take place at Ledbury Theatre on November 23rd.
Dance classes have begun in Leominster at Bridge Street Sports Centre every Wednesday evening. 2FaCeD are running classes in ballet, contemporary, jazz and body conditioning for both children and adults.
Dance classes have also begun at St. Mary’s R.C. High School, Lugwardine, in Hereford since early October, every Thursday at 4 pm. These classes are open to children from the surrounding schools and are designed for children aged 8 and upwards .
