Jade goes to Edinburgh!!!

Yes, I finally made it though the ridiculously long train journey and staying in a hostel on my own – but it was all worth it! I can’t say this is my ‘Pick of the Fringe’; I was only there for 2 days, so I just saw as much as possible and reviewed everything.  Apart from that late comedy night Spank, which kind of speaks for itself – classic, dirty fun...

2Faced Dance Company – In the Dust
Zoo Southside 25/8/11

“2Faced is set to transport contemporary dance out of the “marmite” zone of arts festivals.”

This all male dance company is not your average contemporary/break dance blend.  The versatile dancers, faultless at breaking, have created their own fuse with their professional training backgrounds in ballet and contemporary - giving them an impressive edge.  The choreography is quirky and unpredictable, fierce and sexy – yet danced almost elegantly, as the inhuman, lightweight way they glide across the floor is unmatched by any other dancers I’ve seen.

‘In The Dust’ is the perfect triple bill, consisting of an explosive opener, a humorous piece and an intense closing performance inspired by a serious subject; the Haiti earthquake.  2Faced Dance Company is innovative and unique, and judging by their sell-out, five star reviews from Edinburgh they are set for great, deserving success.

Two Thirds Sky – Hold

Spotlites @ The Merchants' Hall 24/8/11

“A piece infused with so much narrative, yet just as much ambiguity that it keeps you enchanted.”

I’m trying my best not to be biased with this one, as I know absolutely everyone involved in the company.  Yet I think I speak for most audience members when I say that this piece really does grip you from start to finish.  The mood changes abruptly, as the dancers’ relationship is constantly changing, as they overcome obstacles together and deal with various random props and costume changes. 

One review states “If Florence and the Machine made dances, this is what it would look like.”  I can only agree, as the dancers tell a beautiful story, but it is up to the audience to decide what is actually happening onstage – this dance piece is so open to interpretation that it keeps you engaged and leaves you feeling charmed.

Tom Dale Company – I Infinite

DanceBase 25/8/11

“An intriguing, mesmerising journey through digital technologies.”

This performance was distinctive right from the offset, as I was asked to remove my shoes and wear a Harry Potter-esque cloak.  I Infinite is no ordinary contemporary dance performance – it is an interactive installation piece, which attempts to break the conventional laws of audience /performer boundaries.  Wandering freely around a large, all-white space, the audience is invited to watch the solo female performer from all perspectives, as she explores the digital world around her.  The set and digital enhancement was interesting, yet at times this description did not match the movement.  However, I am yet to see a dance performance incorporating technology that has found the perfect balance, and overall it was successfully innovative and mysterious.

Ranvenrock Theatre Company – Jamie Blake

Zoo Roxy 25/8/11

“A powerfully moving piece of interdisciplinary theatre from a surprisingly young cast.”

Jamie Blake’s unique fusion of theatre, beatboxing musical accompaniment and dance put this show in a league of its own.  The raw emotion emitted throughout the story, musically narrated by rising talents Rhys Lewis and Grace Savage, ignited something special.  I had goosebumps for almost the entirety of the performance – until, unfortunately, the chorus started dancing.  The main problem was the cheesy choreography, which was totally unneeded in otherwise an extremely sophisticated theatrical production. 

Unnecessary dancing aside, Jamie Blake gripped me from the start and took me on an “emotional, beatboxing rollercoaster,” as it was described by one of the cast.  With a script that conquers humour and sadness together, from the unbelievably talented Ashley Scott-Layton, and impressive performances from leads Rupert Lazarus and Ekow Quartey, Ravenrock are going to go far.  I have a feeling this is just the beginning.

Iona Dudley-Ward – Me, Myself and Iona

The Rabbie Burns Cafe Bar 24/8/11.  Part of PBH's Free Fringe.

This up and coming comedic talent presents a one woman character sketch show, with reminisces of Catherine Tate.  As a dancer, who had just returned from V Festival, I found the following characters highly amusing: an egocentric dance instructor and a silly festival hippy, as they highlighted some funny personal truths!  I wouldn’t highly recommend her to anyone just yet, (possibly in a few years) but I definitely can’t complain, as it was a free chuckle!

Beach Break Live!

I think I’m going to find it hard to review this event objectively for many reasons.  Seeing as the relentless non stop rain had a negative effect on most activities, my fainting in the crowd antics made me miss the few known acts, and every day I had strongbow for breakfast hopefully gives you an insight into why this may not be the best account of the festival.

The student atmosphere lived up to all expectations, even when we were drenched.  However all the fun activities listed in the programme and promised on the website, including yoga, zumba and parkour, were nowhere to be found.  This maybe due to the wet weather but everyone we asked had no idea and couldn’t point us in the right direction. (Hence more tent-time drinking).  The beach was also a bit of a letdown, as it is the highlight of the festival given the title, so I expected more than a few water sports and a sandcastle competition and a less than 40 minute walk to actually see sand.

Having said all that, it was still a fantastic festival and amazing value for money.  Musical highlights included Ed Sheeran, Professor Green, Tinie Tempah and Example.  Other highlights included a silent disco every night, paintballing, a lovely massage tent and a chance to name my boobs Drum and Bass with fake tattoos.  I’d definitely recommend Beach Break to any students next year; I might even go again and relive my youth if I think I can still hack it.

Dance Wembley

So I’m going to try and put into words what it was like dancing in front of 90,000 people and millions more worldwide.  But the thing is, it’s impossible to describe.  What I can say is this: before I walked on that pitch, after standing in the tunnels for an hour, I thought this is surely one of the most overrated experiences of my life.

But that was obviously before I marched onto the pitch, two umbrellas in tow, to the deafening London Calling melody and the sight of 90,000 roaring football fans.  Even the fact that all my eyes could see was the Barcelona colours didn’t dishearten me – and I am a pretty big United fan.

So why, I hear you think, did I proclaim performing in the Champions League Opening Ceremony was overrated?

Well, let’s just say the rehearsal period was not the most exciting.  Mostly rehearsing in fields and car parks, it was not the glamorous event it had been hyped up to be.  Of course, the hype mostly came from family and friends who simply couldn’t believe I’d be performing at Wembley on TV (Except ITV cut us out, miserable sods).  Even still, this was the biggest project I had been – and probably will ever be– involved in, and with Ashley Wallen choreographing with his classic commercial style I was ready to dance my heart out.  Apart from that didn’t get to happen, as it turns out half of us in the performance were deemed to be umbrella twirlers rather than dancers.  We were treated to a slight bit of choreography in our first rehearsal, but due to unforeseen circumstances, (dodgy props shipped from China), this had to be cut.  I honestly don’t mean to sound bitter, but I know everyone in my group felt that their talent was undoubtedly being wasted.

I really don’t want to sound ungrateful for this opportunity, because it truly was a once in a lifetime experience.  But I don’t want my blog to be rose tinted, and the truth is that most dance jobs are going to be like this – amazingly thrilling and glamorous to the outside eye, yet behind the façade it’s long hours and irritating artistic directive decisions.  In this case, that disguised part of the job also involved shivering in Wembley tunnels in fishnet tights and ripped tops for three hours before we could get on the pitch to do one run through. (You won’t believe how protective they are over that grass!)     

So, I have learnt a lot from this experience, far too much to mention here.  One of the greatest things I will take from it is learning to have faith in the production.  No matter how negative I felt at times during the rehearsal period, for those two or three minutes on that pitch, I knew it had all been worth it.  Although I felt my part in the performance, consisting of running and swishing an umbrella, was rather trivial – the footage of the whole ceremony looks incredible.  It was mentioned in one rehearsal that we should all apply for the Olympic Ceremonies, as we now have the experience they’ll be looking for.  At the time, I admit I thought to myself that I’d rather dress up as a hotdog and do the Macarena at a holiday camp than go through these tedious rehearsals all over again.  However, looking back now, I realise that the only way I’m ever going to feel that adrenaline and excitement that I felt at Wembley is to do the next best thing – perform in the 2012 Olympics Ceremony.  So check back to my blog next year to see if I surrender and take part – who knows, I may even get to throw some dance moves in this time.  

Welcome to my Blog!

Hi everyone,
Welcome to ReviewCentral, where reviews focus on dance but expand to other entertainment such as theatre, film and music.  I will also be blogging other musings I have, that will also be mostly dance related, such as my experiences as a recent graduate.