Dice and Men by Didem Pekun

I was invited to an exhibition to see the work of Didem Pekun a Turkish artist in her first London showing of Dice and Men. 

This was a very interesting viewing of individual existences caught on video that capture moments from Istanbul and London. 

It runs until 1/4/16 at the Delfina Foundation, 29/ 31 Catherine Place, London SW1E 6DY

Carol’s Dancing Adventures

                                               

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Carol’s Dancing Adventures

Time Twins

Complementary therapies part 2

Part 2

Complementary therapies for all groups of people as you search to find answers to our health problems.

We dancers should be taking full advantage of these facts and treatments. Remember not all complementary therapies are the same, so we just have to find the one that is of use to you.

We use our bodies so hard, we have to look after them more.

Here are some more therapies;

(You should always consult your doctor before undergoing any new forms of complementary therapies.)

Reflexology

This is when pressure is applied to parts of the feet or hands that relate to different organs. By using the bodies map to find the internal pathways to bring a balance to particular parts of the body.

When pressed, the reflex zones can harmonise imbalances of energy and release blockages. Sometimes the build up of toxins may occur in the body and cause stress in areas.

Reflexology helps with relaxation and encouraging your body’s natural healing process.

By releasing endorphins that helps your body to deal with its natural painkillers which can reduce anxiety.

Indian Head massage

This form of massage has been around for thousands of years.

By massaging the head or rubbing the hair and muscles of the head, the neck, the shoulders and upper arms you can release a lot of tension often because we tend to store our knots of tightness and stiffness here.

Hands Inc.

Holistic approach to your health needs

This is a, fantastic organization working with local people to introduce and encourage better self awareness and empowerment of ones health.

There has been a large rise towards complementary therapies for all groups of people as they search to find answers to their health problems.

We dancers should be taking full advantage of these facts and treatments.

Not all complementary therapies are the same, so we just have to find the one that is of particular to you. Because we use our bodies so very hard, we have to look after them more. 

Here are three to start.

Holistic massage promotes self healing of the whole body, mind and spirit. A full body massage can help relieve strains & stress.

Shiatsu is a Japanese massage based on the force energy chi which can nourish the cells and organs.

Aroma therapy is more used with essential plant oils which are absorbed though the skin into the bloodstream and because you are breathing in the vapours that can trigger, a feeling of calm and emotional wellbeing. 

Parade

LINK talent Urdang 3^rd Year Musical Presentations

Parade is a musical with a book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown.

The musical premiered on Broadway in 1998 and won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score (out of nine nominations) and six Drama Desk Awards.  

The musical dramatizes the 1913 trial of Jewish factory manager Leo Frank, who was accused and convicted of murdering a thirteen-year-old employee, Mary Phagan. 

This work is full of singing and much drama. It could bring a tear to the eye.

It was staged well and the whole stage was put to great use.

Set designer Jessica Miles and assistant Hanna Sivell allowed us, to view the story from many angles.

Katie Rose Cook played Lucille Frank the wife in the leading role. She was brilliant, fantastic and gripping as she embraced the role. Her voice was heavy with emotion and one really sided with her character.

Some other main characters were Michael Larcombe who did a good job as Leo Frank the husband.

Jaime Tait as Jim Conley and all the members of the chain gang.

Also Ella-Rose Whitehouse as Mary Phagan and Gleanne Purcell-Brown as Minnie McKnight did notable performances.

The whole cast of thirty performers under Sophie Banks the dance captain were outstanding.

A Man of No Importance: The Musical

A Man of No Importance: The Musical

LINK talent Urdang 3rd Year Musical Presentations

A Man of No Importance is a musical with music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and a book by Terrence McNally, based on the 1994 Albert Finney film.

It tells the story of an amateur theatre group in Dublin and their leader, who is determined to stage a version of Salome at his church, despite the objections of church authorities.

Urdang’s LINK shows, in order to preview the next up and coming West End performing stars.  

At the Pleasance Theatre I saw these budding young performers in the musical of The Man of No Importance. 

Sophie Huggett (Dance Captain) did a good job with the cast of twenty five which, performed to their best. 

The staring roles were all performed very well. The main character Alfie Byme was portrayed by Elander Moore. He was fantastic and accomplished a real sprite of the man. 

Other notables were Adele played by Linnea Lagerqvist.  Caitlin Devlin as Mrs. Curtin, Lauren Wilson as Mrs. Grace and Stuart Henderson as Carney/Oscar Wilde all portrayed strong singing 

We can look forward to bright future with this group of students, when they finish their training later on this year.

Bring It On!

Bring It On: The Musical

Urdang 3 rd Year Musical Presentations

I'm attending an Urdang show to the preview up and coming, West End stars. 

I went to see some of these budding young performers in the musical Bring It On at the Pleasance Theatre and this is what they did.

This was a brilliant musical to show off their talents in acting, B- dancing and singing. The show has a good deal of Break dancing, so they have to be real flyers.

Nicolle Matheu (Dance Captain) did an outstanding job.

All the students, in this cast of thirty, performed to their best.

The staring roles were all performed very well.

The main characters Bridget was played by Paige Ellen with her strong singing voice and Danielle played by Somer Scott-Clarkson with matching voice power, were both outstanding.

The role Campbell was played well by Amber Davies.  

Oscar Fonseca is also another up and coming star as he delivered his role of La Cienega at a very high standard.

Chante Ayres was also very good.

The entire ensemble was tight and they all showed their talents as great Break dancers.

We can look forward to a bright future again with this group of students, when they finish their training later on this year.