Breakin' Convention 2012

This year for the third year running I had the pleasure of working at Breakin' Convetion. Under the artistic direction of Jonzi D, Breakin' Convention is an international hip-hop dance theatre festival at Sadler's Wells. The three-day weekend is immense and a highlight of my dancing calendar. It is a jam-packed programme with the main show kicking off at 6pm each day and combining the best of UK and international hip-hop.  

What is I find the most exciting about the programme is the range of work. This year at one end there was Zoonation Youth Dance with a true piece of hip-hop dance theatre that was lyrical and emotional. Whilst at the other there was the breath taking Wagabond Crew from France. Now the French kill it when it comes to hip-hop. I remember back in 2010 watching Pro-Phenomen and being in awe of their sheer power and intensity. They were back this year and on form, but as the closing act of the final night Wagabond Crew proved why they are the current champions of the two most prestigious bboy events - Battle of the Year and Uk Bboy Championships. The Wagabond Crew for what seemed forever threw their bodies across the stage. Moments were breath-taking, some crowd pleasures, but also just solid technique Bboying. 


I also want to mention Storyboard P from Brooklyn, New York. He described his style as mutant. I am guessing this is because he moves his body unlike anything on this earth. Full of charisma, the incredible smooth Storyboard P glided through a range of movement to sweet and sometimes seductive sounds. Storyboard P took charge of the stage and without all of the speed, tricks and strength that is usually seen. Instead, Storyboard P used his body and expression to demand the attention. And all of this in the tightest trousers I have ever seen a 'hip-hop' male wear. 


This year the Breakin' Convention experience was taken to a new level with the final day being streamed live at breakinconvention.com, sadlerswells.com and thespace.org. This was all part of The Space initiative, which has been set up by the Arts Council of England to instigate the production of digitally recorded art. I am guessing with the overall intention being more people will be able to access the artistic products. With a mixture of live interviews, filming around the festivals and recording of the performances it was a crazy hectic day. I ran underneath Sadler's Wells stage too many times but for the final product it was definitely worth it. An amazing festival and a great live stream too and I am sure all of those who watched would agree to. 


If you didn't manage to see the festival don't worry because Breakin' Convention is currently on a UK tour. Check out the tour dates here. If you are not lucky enough to see a touring performance then you can still watch clips, when they become uploaded, on The Space website.

Wild Swans

Last night I went to see Wild Swans at Young Vic. Wild Swans is a worldwide bestseller memoir written by Yung Chan. It seemed the popularity of the book had translated to amazing audiences.  It was press night for Wild Swans and the house was full. As a co-production between Young Vic, American Repertory Theater and Actors Touring Company, this is the second half of the productions journey, which started its run in Boston and the American Repertory Theatre. Having met Yung Chan and heard so much about the show in the office I was excited to see what the final show live.

When we entered the performers were already on the stage bustling about in a very condensed stage that was covered in soil. There was a strong spell in the air, which made me instantly remember Shared Experience's A Passage To India.  I wondered if this would be the set for the entire night, but with each new act there was a scene change. I have to say it was the most remarkable scene changes I have even seen. Everything happens before the audience's eyes but with precision and seamless choreography. The scene changes were pieces of art in themselves and my favourite was when all of sudden the stage was covered in water. I hadn't noticed it entering so it felt magical.

I haven't read Wild Swans so I have no idea whether the adaptation by Alexandra Wood did the memoir justice. However, I was just shocked because everything I had read about the memoir had suggested it tracking three generations of women. Yet, throughout the play it felt that the male husband/father character was the main thread. Prehaps it was felt that story was the most compelling or it was the best way to have a coherent through-line. When adapting a memoir that many have told me is large enough to be used as a door stop, it is clear that considerable cuts will have to be made.

Overall, I enjoyed Wild Swans it was an interesting story that raised issues about class, capitalism and communism without appearing to force a particular stance. I am sure this will depend on who an audience member felt empathy for. However, at the heart it appeared to be about belief and standing up for what you believed no matter what. This is a theme that transcends both China's history and politics in general. It is a theme that effects every one of us as we go about our lives doing what is right. 

Robbed - 3rd place in Dance Marathon

Last week I was let out of the ATC office and after 4.5 hours of what can only be described as train torture I arrived in Edinburgh. It was my first time in Scotland, first time in Edinburgh and first time at the Festival Fringe. Friday night comes around and the opportunities are endless but I decide to embark on a four-hour endurance extravaganza Dance Marathon.Created by the Canadian company bluemouth inc, Dance Marathon is advertised as a ‘new duration-based performance event which has been taking the world by storm’.

On arrival at the Traverse Theatre I was given a number to wear and a questionnaire to fill in with questions such as do you have any special skills? What are you waiting for? What have you lost? Once everyone was ready, numbers on chests, we were walked over to a secret location, which could only be described as a broken down gym hall. It was perfect though and I felt like I had been transported to America for a High School dance that I have always dreamed of.

We were instructed to find our feet (the number on our chest corresponded to a number in a pair of feet on the floor). I found my 85, and met my partner for the night 86, otherwise known as Adam Palolozza. Then for the next four hours I was transported into a whirlwind of dance styles crossing genres alongside music from the last 100 years.

Through sheer determination and talent I made it through to the semi-final where 6 couples got to slow dance under the watching eyes of failed contestants. As I was led around the dance floor, twirling like a Princess, I didn’t want it to end. I felt like Cinderella and knew soon it would strike midnight and I would have to return to reality.

Only one thing stood in between me and the final – dancing the hula. For a second I thought I could make it through to the final. I picked up the dance quick and ‘shaking it’ was what I was born to do. Only two couples would go through to the final and three faced the judges ‘hulaing’ for their lives. Then the dreaded moment came when the judges walked over to me and tapped my shoulder. In a furious rage my partner and I ripped off our numbers and chucked them to the ground.  We’ve been robbed we proclaimed!

However, all was not lost as numerous spectators came forth and informed us that we were the best and that we had been robbed. Even the Referee said he has been routing for us. Sometimes in life the best don’t win, but Dance Marathon wasn’t about winning the trophy it was about the experience. As I left that sweaty, sweaty hall I felt a sense of achievement. Everyone in the room had been apart of something special and I had the chance to ‘dance under the stars’ and be a dancer one more time.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Last week I was lucky enough to leave England and visit Scotland for the first time. As I sat on the 4.5 hour train journey from London to Edinburgh, I couldn't help but question why I was leaving dry London for wet, wet Scotland in the middle of Summer. Even now I am not sure why so many theatrical people would choose to spend the best month of the year in a place that is wetter and colder than England.

I imagine what drives people is that unique experience. Anyone who is anyone is in Edinburgh and although I felt moving to London I was where everything was happening, I was wrong! Everything is happening in Edinburgh. On arriving in one day I watched two of my ex-freshers performing and then an ex-manager. I mean only in Edinburgh would that happen. The numerous theatrical faces I bumped into that I hadn't seen in London for ages. To be honest, it was a little bit freaky.

The amount of stuff to see was overwhelming and if you are not that into reading reviews how do you choose? Well I went for love, bit more love and what I thought would be glitz and glamour. The beauty of Edinburgh was the fact you can see dance, theatre, musicals, live art and comedy... oh yes COMEDY! Now anyone who knows me, knows that I can't be bothered with comedy and Edinburgh is full of it, with every second someone giving you a flyer for a 2 for 1 on a comedy night. I couldn't think of anything worse.

Leaving Edinburgh after four days I was exhausted and I don't think I even pushed myself that hard. I was left with a sense of sadness, because it was so lovely to be surrounded by so many people who are passionate about performing. They save every penny they have to get on a bike, coach, back of a van and perform for as many days as they can possibly afford. It's beautiful to see, much like the hills of Edinburgh too.

Will I be back? Yes! 2013 with a show... you heard it here first.

Total Football by Ridculusmus at the Barbican Centre

After what seems forever Sarah and I returned to what used to be our fourth home (after internship, university, london house) the BARBICAN. We delved to the depths of the Barbican Centre, which sees no light and goes by the fitting name of THE PIT. We went to watch a performance entitled 'Total Football' by Ridiculusmus. As the title suggests it was about football, but rather than the actual game it looked at the behind the scenes of the Olympic Games and creating Great Britain's football team, as well as getting to the essence of why football is important to Britishness. 

Britishness is a topic that thoroughly interests me with my undergraduate dissertation being based on the topic. What is it to be British? One of the characters in the play was preparing for his citizenship test. However, I have had friends who have taken that test and although I am second generation I still struggled with some of the answers. To be honest I think families who can track their British heritage to 1606 would still struggle. 

Football is quintessential to British life but why? The sport apparently is loved by 500 million people across the world, but what makes so many people love to watch "22 millionaires ruining a lawn"? The piece suggests that it is because it gives an individual a sense of community, a tribe to belong to. A tribe with a dress code and anthems and rivals. Football gives the individual who is bored with their life a purpose. I found myself agreeing and although I do not like football, it summed up exactly why I loved being a cheerleader. 

The two performers played a range of characters and although one of the accents sounded suspiciously like Tony Blair, overall the portrayal of the various individuals was excellent. I particularly liked the role of the DCMS and the concerns of trying to improve the General Well-Being of the nation. It was a simple but effective setting, with a lovely twist Overall, a lovely night in the Barbican Pit. I am not sure I understand the offside rule more than I did before and I am not interested in watching an actual match, but it has reignited my passion for the topic of Britishness. I can feel part 2 of both paper and performance coming soon. 

The curse is over - I'm employed!

That's right guys, I have managed to find a full-time Arts Administrator position in London. Only a mere 8 months, after finishing my Masters, and probably after 10 months of applying I have managed to blag my first position. All it took was 1 cover letter, 1 CV and 2 interviews and FINALLY I have got my first official foot on the ladder :). 

It all happened very quickly, hence the lack of blogging. But I have been working for over a week now and moved back to London. I am the Administrator for ATC, which is an touring theatre company. Perfect, since I love touring and feel that my Masters research may actually be of some use now and has allowed me to return to the wonderful world of theatre. Already I have read 2 scripts and realised how much I missed theatre. 


So hurray the curse the over. Onwards and upwards! It is just the first step and there is a lot further to go before all my dreams come true and I conquer the world!