PERFORMANCE
A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
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 2FaCeDs artistic policy of bringing dance to young people. Other
sponsors of the performance were Western Sound and Light, Northern School
of Contemporary Dance, Lamberts 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 UKs 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 years 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 Companys 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. Marys 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
.
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