Interview with a Dancer: Aria Scere

Aria is a dancer and choreographer, currently working on a physical theatre piece fusing contemporary dance and spoken word. Stagnant Change explores the realms of black oppression and aims to make a positive change for future generations. Here is what she has to say about the devising process and her plans for the future of the piece.

What inspired you to create this performance piece?

I drew inspiration from history, learning of the Black Panther Movement in the USA and UK,  about lynchings and the civil rights movement. Also learning of the origins of black people and how we were not always enslaved. These accounts of black communities and oppression made a real impact on me as it felt personal, and I also did not understand how it was that we got to this point now in present day. Being a creative individual I felt the need to make this piece as a way of understanding myself, what is was like to be black in those times and to encourage people to stop this ignorant narrow mindedness that I feel today. I want to inspire people with this performance to make a positive change in their actions which in turn will grow to make change throughout the world. 

Why did you want to include spoken word?

There is something about hearing poetry that evokes feeling. I have always been keen to use spoken word and dance together and this piece was perfect for this as I believe the audience can really get involved in the movement of the words in relation to the dance. From an audience perspective, words are much easier to understand than dance, for this piece Stagnant Change I wanted to take the audience on a journey. Incorporating dance and spoken word in the same performance creates a vivid imagery that holds onto the audience's senses and will hopefully sit with them long after the performance is over. The poets I have are forever inspiring and surprising me, so the journey we have been on thus far is incredible, I am really excited for future opportunities with them and my dancers too.

Where do you see this project going - what are your future plans?

The piece itself is a work in progress, so future plans would be to get financial backing for it so I can develop it and push it further to become the performance I envision it to be - and have the impact I imagine it could have. I would like to tour this piece EVERYWHERE! In community centres, schools, theatres and even as a site specific - take the theatre to the audience. The true reason I created Stagnant Change was to make a positive difference, the only way I knew how - through a performance modality. I am a dancer so why not use my creativeness to evoke change and inspire young people.  I would like an educational outreach programme to stem from this to teach young people from all creeds about the REAL accounts of Black history; to learn about Ruth Ellis, W.E.B Du Bois, Althea Jones, Darcus Howe, Marcus Garvey and so on and so forth, so the same names are not always being circulated (Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks). 

Educating young people about this I believe will make a difference. It's as simple as showing in particular young black children that you are capable of creating something positive for yourself and society so we can begin to break down the racial stereotypes and statistics that give the impression that Black people are lesser than White or Asian counterparts. 

In the big picture of global racial equality, do you think Stagnant Change can really make a difference?

Yes. I have all the confidence in the world that this performance piece and the educational stem from this will inspire and help re-build communities to further make that difference. Stagnant Change is a start, a platform to build upon and I know elsewhere similar projects are taking place. The G.A.P (Getting Ahead Project) programme is already a summer school that teaches about black inventors, what good hair is and of Black histories and cultures globally with the use of art, dance, creative writing and music workshops. 

Stagnant Change going on a global scale I believe can re-define the current misrepresentations that are portrayed about black people - in particular in the media, we are only ever shown to be criminals, in gangs or with an exaggerated defiant attitude. It is my intention with Stagnant Change to evoke and change in the mindset of people, world wide, until something affects us directly we generally do not take action or notice such things which only further encourages the issue. Taking this performance into community centres and schools to deliver creative workshops we can start to ask why these racial stereotypes exist and how to stop them. Stagnant Change is not the sole solution but it is certainly a great place to start. 

Stagnant Change is being performed at the Zion Centre, Manchester on 8th September. Oh, and did I mention I am in it? :) Please come down and show your support for this passionate and inspiring performance.

Interview with a Dancer: Joseph Mannion

Joseph Mannion is an inspiration to the local dance community in Manchester and around the North West. Teaching his experimental fusion movement style across the region, he has his sights set on international ventures and starting his own dance academy. I found out how he manages such a busy schedule and still finds time to dream big...

As a dancer, teacher and choreographer, you have a lot going on! What is your most exciting project at the moment?

Well I have a lot going on at the moment which is a great thing! Always best to be busy in what I do. The most exciting project I'm currently working on at the moment is I'm in talks with dancers in selected European countries on setting up international workshops. This involves me bringing them over to the UK to share their talent and visa versa, building more of a dance community around the world.

Your contemporary fusion style is very popular with students - when did you discover this individual style? 

I began experimenting with the style around 3 years ago, I was taking a lot of classes during my student training and never knew where I could fit in style wise. I use to think "Okay, this style is popular now, maybe I should dance like this or like that guy" but then I  took the decision to just go away and really do what felt right to me movement wise. After all, an original is always worth more than a copy! 3 years on, I'm mostly known for my Contemporary Fusion style within the community and people are starting to appreciate that individuality and my workshops are always well received which I'm very grateful for!

You're a current member of Allegiant Dance Theatre, a Manchester-based dance company. When can we see what you're working on?

I'm the newest member of the company and I've been working with the founding members in the studio to get a sense of each other's style. We're currently in the process of acquiring funding for the company which will allow us to work on creation and touring the UK and eventually Europe in 2016, so it's an exciting time to be apart of ADT!

You're in the process of starting up your very own dance academy in September. Tell us more!

At the moment, myself and my business partner are still drafting up ideas and looking at areas within Manchester that don't have a dance scene but have the potential. We're basing it around the idea of one full day of training which will consist of a versatility of Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz & House and bring in teachers to give students a variety of styles. Financially we've had to consider costs such as studio hire, tax and what students would be able to afford, comparing it with what we can offer, so a lot of ideas are floating around!

You're also looking for dancers to compete as a contemporary team in Paris next March. This is an amazing opportunity for upcoming dancers in the region - what are you looking for exactly?

That's correct! I'm currently looking for dancers who are interested in my style of contemporary, who are willing to work hard and bring their own sense of individuality to compete at a dance convention/competition in Disneyland Paris. I want to put together two teams, Under 14's & Over 14's, this will be an incredible opportunity to travel, gain performance experience and really just have fun doing what you enjoy. We'll be starting rehearsals for this in September so anyone who is interested should contact myself directly via my email. (josephmannion5392@hotmail.co.uk)

What else would you like to achieve in the future?

Oh there's so much, but in relation to career wise, I want to teach workshops around Europe and be touring with Allegiant Dance Theatre by next year. The combination of travelling, which is a love of mine, plus teaching whilst doing so, is a future that I want almost everyday. That's my own self fulfilment, but I also want to give back to my community because a lot of dance is focused within London, where the opportunities lie for many performers. I just know there is so much talent within the North that I'd like to set up my own project which will help develop young performers so they can pursue their dreams - without having to move to London.

Follow Joseph on social media:

Facebook: /Joseph.Mannion

Twitter: @JosephMannion_

Instagram: JosephMannion

The Travelling Dancer: Photos from Melbourne Laneways

Today I'm going to share some photos taken by my wonderful friend who I met studying dance at uni, when our paths crossed in Melbourne.  She's only just emailed them to me and it's brought memories of my trip flooding back.

Then I thought I need to write a post about what it's like being a dancer on the road, taking time out or a gap year to explore the world.  Because it's really tough; being constantly on the move it's sometimes difficult to find time for any sort of exercise, never mind searching an unknown place for a good dance class.  But that didn't stop me dancing on my travels...

Of course, the internet always helps! But it also depends which part of the world you're travelling in - I was lucky to be living and working in a Westernized country where everyone spoke my native language, which is a great start.  Even if you know you're going to be sticking around in one place for a few months, few backpackers can afford a gym membership or regular classes at a studio (especially at Aussie prices).

Nevertheless, I think I did rather well sticking to my passion whilst I was travelling, and managed to do a wide range of physical activities.  I also tried out a few new classes too! 

For those people who followed my journey from the very start, you'll know I took part in yoga classes right from the beginning of my trip in Thailand.  Most days we were lazing around on the beach or enduring long coach or train journeys, so I was desperate to stay fit and lots of resorts on the islands offered cheap yoga classes. Winner!

When we arrived in Australia, we were broke and had to start work straight away, and I certainly didn't have cash to be spending on anything fun in our first month living in Brisbane.  But as soon as I did, I found myself a yoga studio in the city and bought an unlimited pass - as I worked mostly night shifts, I loved going to yoga class during the day. It's not a substitute for a professional dance class, but at least I was attempting to keep up my flexibility (which is pathetic for a dancer at the best of times!)

I also couldn't leave Brisbane without hunting down Jasmin Meakin's Mega Jam Hip Hop class.  Her choreography is famous all over the world, so this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to learn from the master herself.  I managed to make it to her class twice, and it was absolutely incredible; in the flesh she's even more inspirational. Although I was slightly intimidated by her hardcore hip hop regulars, I cracked the routine and think I did really well - it's just a shame she didn't do a class video the days I was there!

From here we travelled for a month or so, and I have to admit I was having far too much fun to even think about my fitness levels.  But a few dips in the pool and the sea every day count, right? Maybe not, but once we were settled again in Melbourne I found an offer on some Body Barre classes.  I'd never heard of Barre Body before, but their classes are a fusion of yoga, pilates and ballet barre conditioning which sounded perfect.  They offer a range of different class styles with a certain emphasis on toning with weights or more ballet moves, and even I found it tough! I really enjoyed the sessions, and most of the teachers were professional ballet or contemporary dancers themselves which gave me confidence in the class technique.

But I was desperate for some real dancing in my life! Melbourne is such a vibrant, creative city so I thought there must be some artistic schools offering quality dance lessons somewhere in the creative hub.  I found a dance studio close to my flat in the Chapel Street area which was one of my favourite places in Melbourne.  I finally got to a contemporary class - which was good, but very lyrical and Americanized - and tried out some other dance styles too.  The studio had a great variety, from jazz and tap to strength and stretch, and one day I even had a go at Reggaeton.  Which I love from my Zumba training, but full on Reggaeton was very different!

Not only did I long for the physical form of dance to move my body, I also craved theatre trips where I could admire professionals and be emotionally connected with live dance theatre.  So I splashed out on a ticket to The Australian Ballet and had one of my most memorable nights immersed in Melbourne's renowned culture, all on my lonesome.  Check out my review of the performance here. 

As the time to leave Melbourne drew closer, it dawned on me that I was wasting the city's amazing art landscapes.  Not in the way that I hadn't appreciated them; I'd took plenty of photographs to cherish forever, take a look at some of my favourites.  But I wasn't making the most of the cityscapes because I hadn't danced in front of them.  I hadn't chosen an amazing piece of graffiti, danced in front of it in public and photographed the process. So I decided to do just that.   

     

And that's the end of my story about what it's like to be a travelling dancer.  No, it wasn't part of my life every single day, and consequently I probably lost technique, flexibility, strength and many other skills.  But I'd much rather be a travelling dancer than an ordinary traveller, or a normal dancer who doesn't travel. 

Review: West Side Story

West Side Story

02/01/14 – Palace Theatre, Manchester

Joey McKneely’s vibrant adaptation of Jerome Robbins’ fresh take on Romeo and Juliet is a joyful pastime.  The two New York gangs, the Jets and the Sharks take the deep resentment and bitterness to a new level as they glide, spin and jump around the stage in their designated groups.  The enlightening ensemble pieces were the best parts for me, with the separate unison from the boys and the girls almost faultless.  The stage also comes alive when it is bursting with dancing couples, once again in competition to be better than their rivals.

The highlight by far was America, where the Puerto Rican ladies showed off their fine dancing ability and personalities.  The thrilling choreography is successful throughout in telling the classic story without being literal; graceful fights, elegant rumbles and charming gang challenges somehow still deliver the raw rage and brutality needed to convey the plot.  Simple gestures such as a stomp of the foot or a sharp snap of the fingers go hand in hand with the spectacular score to enhance Robbins’ narrative.

One of the much-loved numbers in West Side Story, Somewhere was unfortunately disappointing.  A brave new approach resulted in the whole cast coming onstage in clichéd white costumes to create this perfect world for the main characters.  The partner work and lifts for the booming notes of ‘Somewhere…Someday…Somehow’ were beautiful, but the rest felt naïve and dated – one is left wondering why this celebrated scene wasn’t left in the capable hands and voices of Maria and Tony.

A failed utopia cast aside, the overall production was a show-stopping affair taking the audience on an emotional journey.  The drama of young love, the family feuds, the highlighted American social problems, the testosterone fuelled fights, the heartbreak of loss – it is all purely experienced.  Complimented with the impressive choreography, this is probably the best dance musical I’ve seen in years.

Blogging for The Lowry

Apologies for interrupting the travel blog, unfortunately there's not many posts left to do anyway :(

I have been back in the UK for well over a month now, and still struggling to adapt! Only new things seems to excite me now, and there aren't many new experiences for me in my home city of Manchester. 

I think that's probably one of the reasons I enjoy watching live dance and theatre, especially premieres - most of the time they bring something new to the table.  I was selected by The Lowry Theatre to review the first night of Chelsea Hotel by Earthfall.  This was exciting, my first press freebies (That was something new for me, hurrah)

To be honest I wasn't overly impressed with this pioneering dance theatre company's production Chelsea Hotel. Having heard of them for years, throughout my dance training at university, I guess I'd built up my first time watching a live performance.  The problem is, I've matured watching modern contemporary choreographers such as Jasmin Vardimon and Hofesh Shechter, whose innovative choreography and emotive hold on an audience is profoud; and they were probably inspired by the likes of Earthfall and other physical theatre companies.  And Earthfall are sticking to their classic style, making me feel like I've been transported back in time watching their performances.

Take a look at my review on the Lowry's blog.