As we are getting closer to our performance of “Swingin’ at Club Sweets”, my main concern is getting the dancers to feel their characters and communicate that with the audience. This past weekend we had the first of my many ‘run-thrus’. Besides running the choreography I also had Roger Moss, Ricardo Ochoa, and Eric Jones who are part of the Jazz ensemble that plays in the show.
Since I can not afford the luxury of having more than one rehearsal in the theatre, the run thrus are really important to get the dancers as prepared as they can be before they hit the stage. Working with live musicians on stage can be quite challenging for my young dancers. I also work quickly when we do get to the theatre-there is no stopping for anything.
Back to feeling it-I can not even move if I do not feel what I am doing. This goes for choreography as well. I feel first and then perfect execution. Many of my dancers execute first and have to find their way to feeling it. Sometimes this is a great challenge for me-how do you get a dancer to feel what is so completely natural to yourself? This is my favorite part of teaching, if I can bring them there it is so beyond rewarding.
Anyway this show is a very fun process-a lot of hard work-but so amazing when it’s all said and done. Here are some shots from the first run-thru.
I let my younger dancers warm up with the “big girls”
Roger Moss with Justin aka ‘Smoky’
Buster(Alston) and Harold (Ansley)
It’s tough being a waitress.(Shakira)
Cookie and Margarita
Velma and Lola
the Mooche
Mary-Margaret
cannot wait to see the final product - the show will be amazing!
Dec 05, 2007 @ 15:45
SanderO
Veronica,
How much opportunities do your students get to see ballet? As a non dancer I was thinking about the idea of “class trips” and then discussing and dissecting what they saw. Is this something that a teacher might do?
Do most the the youngsters decide to study dance for the same reason? How many of them are placed in schools by their parents and then take to it like a duck to water?
As usual, your photos are enchanting.
Dec 05, 2007 @ 15:45
Michelle
i’m with mary-margret - i can’t wait to see the show all put together!! and of course, i can’t wait to see you, jil, vanessa, and the rest of the girls!
see you in 10 DAYS!!!!
Dec 05, 2007 @ 17:16
Jennifer B
The show is going to fantastic as always!
Dec 05, 2007 @ 18:12
Claire
How on earth do you develop such extension in your younger students??? Any tips would be appreciated!
Dec 05, 2007 @ 19:21
caitlin
awesome pictures! i am soo excited to see the show and everyone in it!! see you soon!
Dec 05, 2007 @ 19:36
GraciaMichelle
They all look fantastic - what a great job yours must be!!!
Dec 05, 2007 @ 19:55
Kieran
Yay! It’s next week!
Dec 05, 2007 @ 20:14
Angela!!
i have a weird “lola” look on my face but its all good!
im really thankful i dont have to do a normal nutcracker! thank you so much all the years of this great opportunity!
Dec 06, 2007 @ 02:38
Bill Hollis
Hi Ms V
Wish we could be there to see performance. Looks like it will be great. Hope you get some great shots.
We are leaving for New England next week. Will be seeing all our kids. Will say hi to Kristin and Doug for you.
Love,
Bill H
Dec 06, 2007 @ 14:17