Show evaluation 26/6/15

Here is an evaluation of what went well in the show, what problems I encountered, and what improvements I would make. 

1) CONTEMPORARY GROUP

I think in this piece Tierney and I worked well together to stay in time with each other. The three person walkover went well but I think it could have been more smoother, however this was hard to do as it came so quickly in the dance. I think I performed it well be having a sort of menacing look about me and in the backwards roll I made sure to have a sort of painful look when I reached towards Tierney. 

2) ROCK N ROLL

I am happy with how the rock n roll piece went and I think we all fed off of each other's energy levels to increase our individual performance. The only problem we encountered was that I started to feel really faint during the double cartwheel and Shannon and I only just made three of them. I think we disgised this quite well.

3) ACTING 

After the last run through I was worried that I would forget the lines again, however the only problem I encountered was a small unnoticeable stutter on my beginning sentence. After that problem I made sure to keep good diction because that is how my character would speak. I think we all had high energy levels and performed it the best we had eve done. When we got to Comberton we realised that we left our props back at college, however I solved the problem by suggesting to use a mobilephone instead of a magazine, which worked just as well. 

I feel that I connected more with the audience and looked out to them. I could tell they were enjoying it because they were laughing at lots of bits, which really boosted mine, Imogen's, and Amber's confidence.

4) BALLET GROUP

I think the ballet group went really well. I made sure that I used enpaulment to enhance my performance. I also kept my feet pointed, knee caps pull up, and legs turned out. I also made sure to watch the girls through my peripheral vision to make sure that I was in time with everyone else.

5) STREET GROUP

I think this piece went really well and it was the best that I had ever performed it. I made sure to use lots of face and I tried to bend my knees more on the sections that needed that style (truffle butter). I think my best style was "work you better work" and "bang bang" as I think I suited this style more. I found it difficult to apply Kellys's correction that we should look at each other more because we were constantly moving about and dancing really fast, however I made sure to look at Maddie and Imogen as they walked round the back to join me for the end position. I encountered a small wardrobe problem where the bandana fell down my arm and ended up on my hand, however I was able to hold it and over come the problem. As an improvement to this dance, I think I should've been stronger on some of sharp moves, which I found hard to do because I'm more of a fluid dancer. This is what I will need to work on to improve my street in the future.

6) MY SOLO

I am so happy with how my solo went and I have gained a lot of confidence from it. At the start I was nervous that I would forget the choreography, however once I started, the choreography just flowed and I didn't even have to think about it. I think I portrayed a character who is in pain and is upset really well and I could feel my energy increase and moves get sharper as the song built.

7) MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP

Before today I had problems with giving a strong performance in this howeve ri think this was the best I had ever performed it. I still think I could have been  even more aggressive and have even more energy, howeve I think I have made a huge improvement from the rehearsals.

8) CONTEMPORARY DUET

I really enjoy doing this dance and I think Millie and I worked really well to feed off of each other's energy and expressions. We made sure to look at each other throughout the dance to make it looked more like a duet and not two solos. I am not happy with my beginning but because my mind went completely blank and I started on the wrong leg. I hope this wasn't noticeable as I was still coming in from the side so not everyone would have seen it. I think I picked it up well and was able to give a strong performance.

9) SINGING TRIO

I feel that this was the best I had ever performed this number and I made sure to listen to what Kelly said and I used much more hand gestures and facial expressions to tell the story. I could've definitely feel myself acting as the character and really enjoying the song. I didn't struggle at the end of my solo where Imogen and Maddie join in this time because I made sure to apply my corrections that I gave myself and I went into my head voice earlier so that I was definitely on the correct note. I think this piece has given me a lot more confidence to sing on my own and I will put myself up to do more things like this in the future.

10) MODERN GROUP

I actually enjoyed this piece in the show and I feel that I did well in showing a sort of arrogant and confident performance. I made sure to watch my spacing in the triangle and I feel that everyone worked well together in this piece.

11) COMMERCIAL JAZZ

I am quite surprised that I felt quite confident with this number and that I enjoyed it a lot. When it came to my solo section I felt a lot more confident than usual. To improve I think I should have had more exaggerated facial expressions and bent my knees more to suit the style of the rapping section.

12) TAP

I found it quite hard to stay in time with the music, the recordings and the girls around me at the same time, however once the music built it because much easier. I think I performed this quite well however I should have had a more exaggerated smile as I think mine was too subtle for the audience to see. I think I used my upper body and arms well to compliment my feet movements.

13) FINALE

This number went really well and I was able to show a change of mood once 'Billy' came on. I think my energy picked up more in the kick section and I tried really hard to sing a lot louder than how I usually do. I think the girls worked really well together in the fan circle and we were all aware of where everyone was so that we didn't hit each other. The it problem I encountered with this was that it was so dark that I couldn't see which chair was mine and I nearly sat down too early. I should have counted the chairs and sat down on mine but it wasn't very obvious so it doesn't really matter.

 

Show log week 9

Monday 22/6/15

This morning we had some studio time to practise our drama pieces again before we showed them to the class. Amber wasn't there so Anna had to read in for her. I found it quite difficult to imagine that amber was sitting next to me because Anna was reading infront of me. This was good practise for Imogen and I incase amber couldn't be there for the show. I feel that we performed it just as well as we did last week and we maintained a high energy level. 

After acting Kelly took us to clean the commercial jazz group number. It was difficult to do because Amber and Shannon wasn't there and it meant that we would have to spend time cleaning again. However I will use this to my benefit by getting two cleaning sessions so that I am confident as to what it is (especially the rap section). Kelly pointed out that some of us were walking toe heel instead of heel toe. I am not sure if this was me, however I will apply this correction anyway. 

Tuesday 23/6/15

In the morning we recorded the tap piece for the show. It was just me Tierney and Mary, so it meant that we had to be really careful to not go on anyone else counts in the canon section. We also had to not make any clapping noises which was hard to get used to. It only took a few recordings to do it. In one of the recordings Tierney and I were off beat at our beginning section. So that this doesn't happen in the show I will either try to tap louder on the correct beat or go with whatever Tierney is doing so that we still look in time with each other. 

After lunch we did a casual full run through. This has helped me to practise doing the whole show stamina wise. I am ok on some bits however after contemporary trio u only have a short time to get my breath back before singing trio. After comparing the contemporary group piece to the other group pieces it is clearer that it still needs a lot of cleaning so that the whole group is in time with each other. I tried to look at other people and make sure that I was doing movements at the same time as them. Millie and amber had an injury at one point so Tierney and I had to do the contemporary trio without Millie and make it seem like a duet (incase this would happen on the show day). This was a good lesson for us and gave us some practise at quickly adapting spacing and picking things up quickly. 

Wednesday 24/6/15

This morning we did a full dress run. I had some quick changes and this dress run helped me to decide what costumes I should set off stage and what costumes I should put on underneath. I took from this run that I need to remember to breath deeply between my numbers to prepare myself for the next one. I am still happy with my solo and think I show a lot more confidence when I perform it now. The only thing that worries me is the knee drop because I can't do it without a knee pad and I don't want to risk injury. As a solution Mary gave me her flesh coloured knee pad so that it was less obvious rhan a black one. After we did the finale piece, Claire came in and ran through the choreography with the song. She decided to take out the end harmony because she could see that we were struggling to remember what it was and were therefore lowering the volume of our voices. After the first run through of this dance Claire told us to raise the volume. I applied this correction and will constantly make sure that I sing loudly. After the run through we were given notes. Kelly and Mary said that we needed more energy and more smiles in rock n roll, which I will apply by smiling at Shannon and making my moves sharper and more energised. I also suggested to the girls that we should make "whooping" noises throughout the dance to show the high energy levels. Kelly noticed that none of us were connecting with each other in the street piece, therefore I will try to look at the people around me more and feed off of their energy to make it seem more of a group piece and not lots of solos. Mary suggested that in the singing trio we take out the last harmony because we can't always do it and it tends to ruin the so rn when we don't do it correctly. I will need to go home and practise the new corrections so that I don't accidentally do the harmonies that have been taken out. Kelly and Mary told me that I need to perform that song more and tell the story better. I feel like I will be able to do this on the night however I will go home and think of some hand gestures and facial expressions that I can do. In acting, Kelly told my group that we need to connect with the audience more. This is quite difficult to do as we are having a conversation between our selfs, however I completely understand what she means. I think I will look to the front on some of my scared reactions to what the girls just said and I'll make it like I'm telling the audience the monologue (instead of Imogen and amber). Kelly also said that everyone needs to perform more in the contemporary group piece, so I will practise it next time with a more menacing and darkened feel to it. 

In the afternoon we finished and cleaned contemporary. There was one bit at the end that is really hard to get into because it comes really quickly after the barrel roll. To solve the problem I suggested to Tierney that I hold on to her upper body so that I can move it the same time as mine. I also struggled with my move at the end where I roll down to the floor and back up, therefore I decided to not go down as far so that I will be able to get back up at the same time as everyone else. 

Thursday 25/6/15

This morning we did another run through and I tried to apply all of my corrections from yesterday; I smiled more in rock n roll, I looked at the audience more in acting, and I used hand gestures and facial expressions to tell the story more in singing trio. Kelly and Mary said that I had applied these corrections well and they could see an improvement from yesterday. I am also getting used to doing the quick changes now and I'm feeling less stressed about it. At the end of the run through Mary and Kelly decided it make the contemporary trio and deut between me and Millie because Tierney was having trouble with the choreography. This was a big problem for Millie and I because it meant that we had to re-choreograph and re-space some of it. We used the next studio time to do this. Everything seemed to work out fine up until the second verse because originally, we did canon movements on the three repeated words in the lyrics. Since there was only two of us we decided to take this canon out and I suggested replacing it with a three part movement (legs kick up into handstand straddle then slide through arms). Millie and I worked really well togethe to re-choreograph something in such a short space of time and I think, throughout this process, we listened to each other's ideas and incorporated them to make something of a joint effort. I now need to go home and practise this so that I don't forget it for the show. 

Friday 26/6/15

In the morning is students had to pick a finale 'bow' song and choreograph something to it. We were able to work as a team to come up with something simple, fun and something we all could agree on. I suggested using the song "bills" because we all liked it and it was upbeat and modern. 

Then we headed down to Comberton, set up our costumes and did a practise run through without costumes in the stage. This was really useful as we were able to see what costumes we should set off stage, and what the spacing was like. I encountered a problem spacing-wise in the contemporary duet and rock n roll semi group. In both pieces we ran out of room (Shannon and I couldn't do the cartwheels all the way in rock n roll). I solved the problem in contemporary by just doing the last few moves on the spot, but now I know that in the real show I will need to travel the chennes less. I messed up my lines in acting due to nerves, so I made sure that I re-read them and rehearsed them lots backstage. Overall, the last run through went really well and I am feeling confident for the show, but just worried about a few quick changes. 

Show log week 8

Monday 15/6/15

Today in ballet we ran the ballet group piece a couple of times. Each time there was something wrong Kelly would stop the music, correct us, and start again. This was really helpful to me as it allowed me to take in new information one bit at a time, so I could remember it easier. She said I need to get my leg higher in retire it he lame duck turns so I took that into consideration and applied it the next time we dance it. 

In today's drama lesson, Imogen Amber and I had to do our assessment. I was really pleased with how it went and feel like it has helped prepare me for the show because we did as best as we could. We were able to make the audience laugh and I feel like we fed off of each other's energy. 

In musical theatre we marked the group dance and then performed it full out. I tried to include more facial expressions however I still don't feel like I am giving enough. I will continue to practise my performance for this dance because I have improved slightly from last week. Then we did the fan dance and I tried to sing a lot louder today as I was feeling more confident about being able to sing the words. I also added more energy and tried to smile more. 

In modern we ran the group piece a few times and cleaned it. During the fan kick on the floor I ran out of room, so I asked Kerry if we could solve the problem by staggering our line slightly. This gave us more room to perform to our full potential. 

Then we went over the tap group dance a couple of times. I feel really happy with tap and I'm not worried about it. I think that I need to be heavier on my feet more to make sure that every single sound comes out, because sometimes it didn't. 

Tuesday 16/6/15

This morning we did a full run through of the show. I am really pleased with how my solo went and I got positive feedback from the teachers. I feel that The contemporary trip needs to get cleaned because I could feel myself watching Millie in the mirror to check that we were doing everything on the same time. 

In today's studio time we cleaned street without Emile. As Maddie was injured, she sat down and watched it and shouted out every time she saw something was wrong. This was really helpful because, as she knew the dance really well, we were able to get the smallest of things cleaned (like bent knees on pat pat) so that we were in perfect unison. I established that I knew the dance much better than I thought I did and now I just need to work on being really strong with my moves and havin high energy in my performance. 

Wednesday 17/6/15

This morning we ran the fan dance. I am getting used to doing it in heels now and I am also getting used to using the fans. I did still struggle with how to hold my fan on the "I need you part", therefore I decided to look at how everyone was holding it and copy that. I am also becoming aware that I need to really concentrate in the fan circle to go up and down at the correct points and keep my fan attached to Millie's, because I looked in the mirror and I was a little bit slow. 

In street we learnt the beginning and end sections to complete the dance. I found it  difficult to do the movements that had punches ("miss the whole game twice") because I couldn't get the correct feel for it. I experimented with a few things and found that bending my knees more helped. 

Thursday 18/6/15

This morning we did another casual run through of all of our pieces. I can feel myself performing more especially in my solo because I enjoy dancing it so I think my expression comes naturally. I think the contemporary trio is slowly improving and I am feeling more confident with the rock n roll number because everyone said that they really like it. 

In today's contemporary Emile taught us the big dance break. This has reassured me as we are close to finishing, which means it won't be a rush next week to get it finished quickly. I was a bit slow on the turn leap section however with practise I think I'll be able to do it. Tierney Shannon and I also did a holding hand walkover. Even though I was the base and didn't do much I am really proud that  we were able to do this move. We just need to work on making it slick and a continual movement.

Show log week 7

Monday 8/6/15
In ballet we ran the ballet group piece a few times just for practise. I feel like this number needs cleaning on some bits however I am feeling positive about it being in the show. Since I had the choreography in my head I started to perform it more and act more like a 'ballerina'. This helped improve my posture however I must remember to maintain my full turnout during retire positions and keep my knees straight at all times.
In drama we started to explore movement and the physicality aspects of our characters. My character is well behaved so I made her sit politely but still acting like a 9 year old. This was quite difficult to do, however through the piece I was able to feed off of the way Imogen and Amber made their characters sit, and I did a less exaggerated version of that. We also used props for the first time, but since we didn't have many (magazine and packet of sweets), we didn't really encounter any problems. I also tried to make my character seem more well mannered than the other two by occasionally correcting my clothing and having good diction.
Then we ran the musical theatre group a couple of times until Kelly was happy.  I made sure that I performed it more than last week by taking Kelly's advise and mouthing the words. Kelly said that this was good, however I still need to act 'nastier', which I found really hard to do. This has made me more aware that in MT I must have a lot of energy facial and physically, so I will go home and continue to practise how to perform it. I also watched other people's faces so that I could get some inspiration as to what to do because u do find it hard to exaggerate my facial expressions.
Then we ran the fan dance for the first time in heels. This was hard to do at the beginning section on the chair because I found it hard to slide into a split position with heels on. Kelly could see that we were struggling so she suggested sliding on the side of our foot, which was a lot easier. We also sang along to the dance for the first time which was difficult (stamina wise) at first. I found singing along more beneficial because it allowed me to perform more. I understand that this character is really happy and excited in the second half of the dance, so I made sure to smile more and increase my energy levels.
In today's studio time I was able to finish my solo and practise it with conviction and performance. I watched the music video and took form it that the singer was upset and in pain, so I tried to convey that aspect of it, instead of anger. I feel more confident now and whenever I include performance in this dance I feel like I don't need to think about the choreography because it comes naturally.
In the afternoon my group ran tap and then both tap groups showed their dances. I really liked the other group's dance because it was really upbeat and the moves were very impressive. This made me realise that I need to put more conviction into the way I dance the grade 3 tap number and perform it more to hide the fact that our moves weren't as impressive. I therefore tried to smile more, look up, and move my arms in a confident way that complimented my feet movements.

Tuesday 9/6/15
Today was mainly studio time all day for us to practise and finish whatever numbers we wanted to. My main worry was the contemporary trio, however Millie was busy with another number so Tierney and I tried to think of some more. We were able to choreograph up to the big chorus at the end and I had suggested putting a section in that goes round in a circle. I feel that I had a lot of input into today's piece of choreography as I thought of a chain of movements that lasted 4 counts of 8. Millie was able to join us at the end to help think of some moves that we were stuck on. I think we work well together because we feed off each others ideas and join them to make something of a joint effort. This is how I like to perform it as well; I like to look at whoever is around me and feed off of their energy and smile at each other.
After this I went into my rock n roll group and we were able to finish it (apart from a small partner section between me and Shannon which we will finish in another studio time session). It still needs cleaning however we were happy with the fact that it was finished.  I like the upbeat and cheery style of it and make sure that I smile throughout it. I think I gave good input today; I suggested that Shannon and I should try and learn a double cartwheel so that we could all do it at the same time. If we couldn't do it, we would have done a double walkover, however luckily we could do it! I just need to make sure that I don't do too limp and that I keep the momentum from Shannon's cartwheel going.
The next piece I practised was the singing trio. We are all confident on the words and tune, however some of the harmonies still aren't working. As a solution, we collectively decided to take certain harmonies out because the song is really beautiful and we don't want to ruin it with some bad harmonies. I am slightly struggling with the end of my solo section where maddie and Imogen join in because it is hard to hear the note I should be on. Therefore I decided to go into my head voice a bit earlier to ensure that I was definitely on the correct note for the harmony. I experimented a bit with facial expressions today by smiling at certain points and looking at maddie and Imogen when we come together to show a connection between our characters.

Wednesday 10/6/15
In the morning we did another run through of certain pieces for feedback and improvements. The feedback for the rock n roll piece was that we needed to have even more energy, smile at each other and stay quite close together in the spacing. The feedback for the contemporary trio was that we should change the bit where we have an accented move on the word "love" and put it on the word "high".
In singing we learnt the end bit of the finale song. I found the end harmony really hard to do, so I went on the higher on, which was much easier. I am excited for this piece now and I'm happy that it is finished musically.
In today's street Emile taught us the other sections so that they were in our heads and he went over the whole dance for people that had missed certain bits. He also clarified certain formations and changed a bit of the formation in trini demi girls, which benefitted me because it meant that I had less distance to travel than before. I am looking forward to cleaning the dance so that we are all in perfect unison.

Thursday 11/6/15
In the morning we pieced the modern groups together for the group dance. This was really helpful as it made it clearer and easier to see and learn the formations. Kerry also cleaned certain arm placements and timings to make sure that we were all doing the same thing. I tried to perform this piece more by smiling on some bits, holding my head up high and having a sort of arrogant expression on my face.
We had some. ore studio time today so Shannon and I choreographed what we were going to do in our partner section in rock n roll. We researched and tried some lifts and came to a helicopter/windmill lift. At first I suggested doing some slow flick, flick, flick, bull changes into the lift, however these were too slow and didn't match the rest of the upbeat and fast movements in the dance so then I suggested doing four quick flicks into a turn then the lift.
In the afternoon we did street again because Emile wanted to clean it so that we could concentrate on the contemporary group piece next week. I am happy that it is now finished and feel like I can enjoy it more and therefore perform it more. I find hard to perform facial in street so I tried to watch other people and feed off of their energy and expressions. I think when it comes to the night I will be able to perform it confidently, so I don't feel worried that I don't have as much energy as other people.

Show log week 6

Monday 1/6/15
In ballet we recapped the dance and started to clean certain sections so that we were all in unison. As I am near the back I made sure that I was always using my peripheral vision to watch the people infront of me, and therefore make it look like we were dancing in perfect unison as a group.
In drama we got back our script with the edited text. We ran through our lines a couple of times then spaced it out on stage. We have a few props to sort out and we realised that we need to learn our lines for next week so that we can start to explore movement and the physicality aspects of our characters.
In musical theatre we finished the group piece. I struggled with keeping up with the new choreography because it was really fast and some bits were quite repetitive but slightly different. I will practise this at home so that I am more confident and am able to perform it more next week.
In today's studio time I came really close to finishing my solo, as I did a lot of work on it over the half term. I have now re-cut the beginning speaking bit because I didn't really like it and I thought that it wasn't vital for it to be in my dance. I aim to finish my solo by next week and explore performance styles, so that I can start to show it to people and get feedback.
In modern we recapped the dance so that I could learn the end bit that I missed the week before half term.The dance is now complete and I aim to start exploring different ways I can perform it.

Tuesday 2/6/15
This morning we were given a bit of studio time to rehearse all of our numbers, and then we showed them to Kelly, Mary and the other students. This was really helpful as it gave us feedback and corrections early on so that we had time to make changes where necessary. It also made me realise that we needed to hurry up to get our number finished in time. I was quite nervous to fully perform my solo, but I think once it's finished I will have more confidence to go for it and perform more.
In commercial we recapped the dance and learnt a bit more. I think I am starting to understand the style more and get into it, however the rap section of the song might need a bit of work because I can't get used to bending my knees and not being so upright.
In today's studio time we added more onto rock n roll. I am happy with the progress we are making. We have also planned out what we will do in the next section (lifts then partner then chorus) which saves time and makes it easier when we come to choreograph next week.
In the second half of studio we also did a bit of contemporary trio. We recapped the dance and added a small section on. We are starting to struggle to think of ideas for this piece so I aim to go home and research some moves that we could use.

Wednesday 3/6/15
Instead of ballet this morning we went of all of our dances that were choreographed by Kelly. This was useful because it made the moves go into my head so now I am feeling more confident that I can perform them.
In singing we started to learn the piece that will go at the end of the show. I like this so far and can't wait to learn the choreography. We mainly just learnt the rhythm and lyrics so couldn't focus on the tempo, harmonies or the way we say it, however I will have a think about this so I am prepared for next week when we start to perform it more.
In street we went over the choreography and Imogen and I learnt "bang bang" because we weren't there when everyone else learnt it. Emile taught it to us quite quickly and I struggle to keep up in this section however I will practise it for next week. I am really enjoying this street piece because there are lots of different songs in it and therefore we get to do lots of different styles, so it suits everyone's abilities.

Thursday 4/6/15
This morning we learnt how to use the fans that we will use in our finale number and Kelly gave us a short dance to do with them. This was helpful because Kelly knew how to use them properly and therefore we were taught how to use them properly and not make the piece look too amateur. It was also good to have a practise with them before having to try and remember some important choreography for the show. I struggled with keeping the fans the correct way round and what angle I should put my hands.
In today's contemporary we recapped what we did before half term. Tierney and I couldn't remember our pairs section, so Emile had to re-choreograph it with some of the moves we could remember. This took up a lot of time and I aim to remember and practise this new bit so that we don't come across the same problem next week. To solve the problem Tierney and I agreed that she should remember the first half and I should remember the second half, so that we don't each have too much to remember when we are still trying to learn lots of other pieces of choreography. Emile also added in a lift between me, Millie, Imogen and Amber and I feel confident that I can safely support Millie and I like how the three of us work together to do so.

Singing vlog 3/6/15

https://youtu.be/wWUuycXHqXY

Show log week 5

Monday 18/5/15 to Wednesday 20/5/15

I wasn't in college due to illness. Therefore, so I wasn't behind, I researched some moves that I could incorporate into my solo and other semi groups. I also watched the videos of the group numbers so that I don't spend my next studio time recapping the dances I already knew.

Thursday 21/5/15

Today I only came in for contemporary because I had an appointment in the morning. In contemporary we learnt a lot more of the routine and started to split off into our characters with our partner (who plays the same character). I didn't really struggle with the choreography and I am really looking forward to performing this piece in the show. I aim to keep practising at home and make sure that I don't forget the choreography for when we come back after half term. I will also think about what my character is like (rapunzel) so that I can start to perform more in the rehearsals and run throughs.

Show log week 4

Monday 11/5/15

Today in drama we split into our groups and discussed each of our characters. I came up with a good idea that my character (Anna) should be younger than Imogen's (Tricia) because Anna looks up to Tricia. We also briefly discussed the setting and costume. I am not really sure if I like our script because it is a bit strange and not funny, however when we perform it properly I might enjoy it more. I aim to start learning my lines so I am prepared to perform it properly.

In modern we recapped the dance because we were having trouble remembering it. Then we added a bit more on. I am still enjoying this dance and I quite like the style of it. 

Tuesday 12/5/15

Today we had two lots of solo studio time. I found this really helpful as I have now choreographed just over a minute of my solo. I tested out some moves that I thought might seem impressive and I added a speaking section in the music at the beginning to make the story of my dance more apparent. I think it also shows variation and makes my solo stand out. I am pleased with my time keeping and aim to roughly finish it for next week to show to Mary. I can then work on cleaning it.

In today's commercial we recapped the dance and also added on a bit more. I remembered the choreography from last week quite well. I struggled with the style in the rap section, however I aim to practise this so I can get the right feel for it.

In the afternoon's studio time we started with the singing trio. We sang through the song and learnt which parts each of us had to sing. We struggled a bit with harmonies so Mary is going to teach them to us next week. At first I felt really nervous because it was the first time that I sang in front of others, however after a few practises I think my confidence grew and I was able to sing a bit louder. I am looking forward to this number in the show and I think it will sound quite good. I aim to start to learn the lyrics so I can concentrate on the harmonies. 

In the second part of studio time me and Tierney carried on with our contemporary trio. We didn't choreograph as much as we would have liked to have done, however e discussed movements and ideas that we could include. Next week we would like to choreograph quite a lot so that we don't run out of time.

Wednesday 13/5/15

In street we learnt two more sections that would be in our group piece; "peanut butter" and "work". We started with "peanut butter" and Emile went through it really slowly and lots of times. Then he gradually built up the speed so we were able to do it faster. I found this really helpful and doing it a lot of times helped me to remember the choreography. There was a little bit that I struggled with because the hips had to move one way and the hand had to go the other way, however I practised this a lot in class and at home and I can now confidently do this move. Then we learnt "work". I really enjoyed this routine and found that I picked up the choreography really well, especially the faster bit at the end. Because I didn't have to worry too much about the choreography I was able to get the correct feel for this style of dance and perform it more. I aim to learn all of the sections this well so that I can do the same and perform it all confidently with the right attitude. I really like the street piece so far and am excited to perform it in the show.

Thursday 14/5/15

In tap we recapped the routine step by step to make sure that everyone knew what they were doing and were in perfect unison. Last week I struggled massively with the "shuffle pickup tap" move on the left foot, however I was able to do it in some of the run throughout and I will continue to practise it so that I can do this move confidently in every run through. I am excited to perform this piece and I now need to work on standing in the correct place and being aware of people around me because at some moments I felt like we weren't in the correct formations.

Today in contemporary we were informed that the group piece was changing to something that uses more characterisation. I really like this dance because I enjoy playing a character when I dance as I like connecting to different emotions besides my own. I struggled with the backwards roll into the splits however I feel that I will be able to do it with practise. Then we were put in our places and we ran the choreography in formations.

Singing vlog 13/5/15

http://youtu.be/Yv68ztyEOik

Singing vlog 6/5/15

https://youtu.be/xWmgLBh_UnQ

Singing vlog 29/4/15

https://youtu.be/SlFYFZbSNkE

Singing vlog 22/4/15

http://youtu.be/nOMFvFq3R2Y

Show log week 3

Tuesday 5/5/15

Today in commercial we recapped the show dance. We cleaned some of the harder and more intricate moves, which I found really beneficial as I was unsure on some of the moves. Then we added a bit more on to the dance. I found it difficult to pick up the fast movements in the rap part of the song, however I will watch the video and practise this for next week. I really enjoyed the rest of the choreography and I think the group works well together in this number to watch each other and keep in time.

In the first part of studio time me and Tierney continued to choreograph the contemporary trio. We were able to think of a few moves, however without all three of us being there it was hard to think of ideas and movements that everyone liked. Due to the fact that we don't have a lot of time left and we wanted to choreograph a lot in this studio time, towards the end we suggested that Millie could come and join us. This was a lot more helpful because we could get more movement ideas and see the formations easier. 

In the second part of studio time we split off into our rock and roll group. We didn't add as much choreography on as last week, however we thought of a little bit more, and we discussed and tested out some lifts. I suggested one lift where someone is on the floor and jumps onto their partner's back (like a piggy back). This went down well with the rest of us and we decided to put it into the routine. I struggled a bit with one of the lifts where I roll over Shannon's back because I felt like I couldn't get far off the ground enough and I was a bit scared of hurting her. Therefore, as a collective, we decided to change it to a cartwheel over the legs. Later on in the dance, on a climax, we all agreed to do a double cartwheel section with our partners, which I am really looking forward to.

Wednesday 6/5/15

In ballet today we continued to choreograph the group piece, after recapping. In the first week I struggled with a certain turn section because of my balance, however after practising at home I feel that I was able to execute this movements quite well. I now need to work on getting my leg higher on the developpe. In today's class I made sure that I kept to my timings in the cannon sections and I watched other people to make sure I was doing the correct moves.

Today in street we started by discussing what music we would like to use for the street piece. Then we went on to learn a section that will be in our show group dance. This was very different to the section we had previously been learning ("trini dem girls") because it was more dynamic and we had to bend our knees more on certain moves to get the correct bouncy feel. I was able to pick up the choreography, however I will go home and practise getting the correct feel for it. 

Thursday 7/5/15

Today in tap we recapped what we had already learnt and then we added some more on. I was able to remember the choreography and pick up the new choreography quite well, however I struggled with the 'pickup spring shuffle' move. I will practise this at home and maybe ask someone who does tap to help me with it because I don't want to be behind for next week.

In the last class we went over our street number "trini dem girls" and cleaned it. Emile had each of us teach a count of 8, which I found really beneficial because it made sure that I remembered it. After running it once I found that I had remembered the choreography really well, however Emile gave some corrections to the class (such as hand placements) and I can now focus on executing the moves correctly. I think I applied his corrections really well and u will continue to practise. 

After street we recapped the contemporary group piece. I could remember some of the things, however I think everyone struggled to remember the choreography. Therefore I will watch the video and prepare myself for next week. Emile said that once he had watched the video he noticed that no one did an important move (circular leg swing after getting up from the floor). I made sure that I applied this correction in the class, which allowed me to understand that I should always do it as it  is a more interesting way of getting up without just standing straight up. 

 

Show log week 2

Monday 27/4/15
Today in drama we were given our pieces that we would perform in the show. We got in our groups and read through our play then selected which bits we would like to use. My groups play is 'journey to the centre of the earth'. At first I didn't really like the play because I found the language a bit strange and we found it difficult to find an interesting section to use. However, after talking to Anna we decided to use these strange things to our advantage by taking the piece seem more comical than dramatic. We also decided on our characters so that we could go home and start learning our lines so we are prepared to start working on other things like back story, units, objectives, tempo, intentions and traits of our character.
In musical theatre today we did our normal warm up and corner work exercises and then we went on to continue learning the group piece. I found some of the new choreography quite fast and hard to pick up, however I will make sure that I go home and practise so that I am not behind next week. I still enjoy this dance and I like playing this certain character as I think it will help improve my confidence as a dancer. I had a little bit of input in this lesson where Kelly asked me (and two others) to come up with a pose that everyone would copy.
During studio time I mindmapped some ideas for my solo; ie props, costume, music, floor work. I am still struggling to chose a song so I have left a little extra time for me to decide. To make sure that I used the studio time productively I experimented with some moves that I would like to include and I also researched some other dances for inspiration.
Lastly, in modern today we started learning the group piece. I enjoy the choreography, especially mine, Tierney, Shannon and Amber's section because the music gets a bit faster. I will make sure that I practise at home and that I think of something that I can do on the floor section where we have to improve something.

Tuesday 28/4/15
In commercial we changed the group piece to a routine that we had already started learning a couple of weeks ago. I think that everyone was pleased about this because the new dance was more fun to do and suited us better as a group. I found that I was able to pick up the choreography quickly, however I need to go home and work on building a character for this piece, as I am not normally connected to this style of dance.
In studio time me, maddie, imogen and shannon started to choreograph our rock n roll semi group. We had already decided on music ("broken heels" by Alexandra Burke) so we were able to start choreography straight away. I feel that I had a lot of good input into this piece and I hope to continue to confidently put my ideas across in this and other numbers. We started by doing individual movements as this went well with the start of the music, then we went into pairs to do some lifts. We were able to choreograph about 20 seconds of the dance, which is a really good start. Then we mindmapped ideas we had regarding costume, props, canon, unison, music, etc. I am really excited to continue to choreograph this piece as I think we all work really well together to create a good dance with everybody's input.
In the second half of studio time, me, Millie and Tierney started to choreograph our contemporary semi group. We decided to use "high on your love" by Sharon Doors on as there are some repeated words and beats that could be good for canon sections. We start the piece by joining in one at a time on the intro, then doing unison. I enjoyed doing this piece because I felt comfortable to experiment with some moves and put my ideas forward. We choreographed 20 seconds of the dance and made another mindmap of our ideas (costume, music, canon, unison, floor work, contact, props, etc)

Thursday 30/4/15
Today we continued to learn the tap piece. We had to change the formations slightly however this didn't really affect me. I didn't really have many problems with the old steps because I practice's a lot at home, however with the new steps I struggled with the section where we turn and go round in a circle. I was OK with the tap spring shuffle ball-change steps however I found it difficult to do them whilst turning. Like last week, I will go home and practise this so that I am not behind next week.
Today in contemporary we started learning the first part of the group dance. This was really different to the section that we learned last week, however I prefer this style as I find it difficult to be sharp on certain moves and I like performing the 'pretty' and flowy style of contemporary. I found some of the choreography difficult to pick up as it was repetative but different (eg arm comes over head into a turn, arm comes over head into a hop). Therefore I will watch the video and practise at home so that I know the moves confidently and can start to work on making my movements flow and keeping my body on the correct angles.

Some more ballet terminology

1) Gargouillade - To gurgle

Release front foot and leap sideways performing a double rond de jambe en l'air en dehors

2) Balancè en tournant - Balanced step whilst turning

3) Promenade - Walks

Pivots in a held position are described as 'promenade en dehors or en dedans'

4) Courus - To run

A series of very small, rapid, even steps in 5th position

Show log week 1

Tuesday 21/04/15

Today we started learning the commercial group piece for the show. I found it difficult to pick up some of the intricate and fast arm movements, therefore I will go home and practice this for next week. As it was a group piece I made sure that I watched and followed along with other people in order to keep in perfect unison. 

During today's studio time I started to think about what I might do for my solo. I think that I would like to do a contemporary or lyrical piece. During the studio time I found a few pieces of music and improvised movements to the songs to see which one I preferred dancing to. By the end I had narrowed the choices down to a couple. I aim to go home and choose which song I will definitely use so that I can start choreographing and using studio time productively.

Wednesday 22/4/15

Today we started to learn our contemporary group piece. I enjoyed the standing up choreography, however I found the floorwork hard to pick up, especially the backwards roll. Therefore I will practise this at home so that I'm not behind for next weeks lesson. 

Thursday 23/4/15

Today we patterned the tap trio piece. I enjoy this dance and don't normally struggle with the steps however in this class I had to concentrate on making sure that I stood in the right place and kept to my counts in the canon sections. I look forward to learning the rest and I will continue to practise the steps at home.

We also started to learn the street piece. I like the dance, however I found it hard to pick up the fast choreography and dance that particular style. I will practise the steps at home and make sure that all my movements flow. 

Singing vlog 25/3/15

http://youtu.be/yXg1RjDi71Q

Show log Monday 20/4/15

Today we started by learning the first bit of the ballet group piece for our upcoming show in June. I really enjoyed it and I like the moves so far. I did however struggle with the step turns with an unfolding of the leg because I wasn't able to balance very well. I will go home and work on this and make sure that I engage my stomach muscles and pull up.

After ballet we had musical theatre jazz where we also learnt our group piece for the show. I am excited by this piece and I think that the group worked well together in keeping good unison. At first I found the choreography hard to pick up however, after many practices during the lesson, I was able to execute the choreography confidently by the end. 

After lunch we discussed what numbers would be in the show and what each person would be doing. Then we made a schedule as to when we would like to have rehearsed, completed and shown  our solos and semi groups. I think I had good input into the discussion as I suggested that we could practice solos during Monday studio time and practice semi groups during Tuesday studio time as this was a longer session. I feel that making the schedule was helpful because it meant that we could plan ahead and therefore make sure that we have enough time to choreograph, rehearse and clean everything before the show. 

Singing vlog 18/3/15

https://youtu.be/k6grh2uG0Xg

Chosen song

My house - Matilda

Singing vlog 11/3/15

https://youtu.be/y-7h8qnkiRU

Ballet workshop

Overall I really enjoyed the workshop and found it a good experience. I did struggle at times, especially during the barre work, to keep up with the teacher and the music so I would have preferred if she had broken down/talked through the exercises more. However I enjoyed doing the cornerwork and feel that the teacher was really helpful by giving me useful critique. My favourite part was learning the dances at the end.

Singing assessment

My list of songs for the singing assessment are
•my house - Matilda
•im not that girl - wicked
•no one is alone - into the woods
•dont forget me - smash
•one day I'll fly away - moulin rouge