Soul Sister

Starring the previously unknown Emi Wokoma, Soul Sister tracks the life of Tina Turner (otherwise known as Anna Mae Bullock). The story focuses on her younger years when Anna Mae meets Ike Turner, marries him and becomes a singing sensation. I didn't know the story of Tina Turner and there are certainly lots of dark moments. Ike Turner is a bad husband who cheats and beats Tina. There are clear similarities between Soul Sister and Dreamgirls.

Emi Wokoma, although not looking like Tina, delivered an excellent performance and managed to capture the physical movements of Tina superbly. The awkward stiff-legged movement, the energy and lets not forget the hair! Emi was supported with a wonderful cast and 6-piece band who rocked the house. Although the story focused most on Tina's younger years with Ike, it was great to end the performance with a back-to-back review of Tina's greatest solo songs including What's Love Got To Do and Simply The Best.

A new season

Shiora Kase, Tamara Rojo & Yonah Acosta 

Yesterday I had the lovely opportunity to be apart of ENB's press launch. Tamara Rojo ex-Royal Ballet principal became the Artistic Director in August and yesterday she announced her vision for the company and the upcoming season. Over 200 people turned up at the Corinthia Hotel to hear Tamara's announcement. In addition to explaining her vision and the upcoming productions, the guests were treated to a pas de deux from The Sleeping Beauty and having the opportunity to question Tamara directly. 

The launch went extremely well, so now my challenge is to sell tickets (and work out how to get to spend a night at the Corinthia hotel). 

2012 season includes: Emerging Dancer, My First Cinderella, Ecstasy and Death, and A Tribute to Rudolf Nureyev. 

A Month as Marketing Manager

They say that "times flies when you are having fun" and it sure does! This month has been a whirlwind and I seriously do not know where the time has gone. It's crazy to think just over a month ago I walked into Jay Mews on my first day full of anxiety and anticipation. Marketing is something I have always been passionate about, but seemed like a dream career that I wouldn't be able to break into. Being business minded I love how results orientated marketing is. You can measure your success and tell if you are doing a job. My mission is simple - get bums on seats and the more bums the better. 

I was ecstatic when I was offered the job of Marketing Manager. Not only was I getting the chance to solely focus on marketing but it was with a touring company and a dance company. For me I don't think there could be a better combination (unless Kiss or MTV comes along).

So far the reality is still as great as the fantasy. The works hard and the commutes long but I love it! I think the most exciting thing is working for a company that has a brand. I'm not talking a logo that gets puts on everything but an actual brand personality. There are prescribed fonts, palette and templates for everything under the sun. Yes it is prescriptive and some would say restrictive, limiting or controlling, but at least it means there is a cohesive message coming from the organisation. It feels like working for any other business rather than an organisation, which is a refreshing change. So one month in and I am still as excited to get up in the morning as my first day. Here is to next month :)