Month: April 2018

The multi-tasking dancer

Dancers are the ultimate masters of multi-tasking, and it seems now there is scientific research to support this. Studies at the University of Maryland in partnership with the University of Houston over the past few years have revealed that dancers use multiple areas of their brains simultaneously while dancing: one part controls movement without expressive intention, another part imagines movement qualities. These parts work together to execute movement while also making higher-level decisions. Continue reading The multi-tasking dancer

The Greatest Showman screening

The hit film The Greatest Showman, which has taken theatrical audiences everywhere by storm, will be screened as part of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre programme, featured in a special events line-up. The outdoor venue has announced its one-off events for the summer, the The Greatest Showman is amongst those to be shown in the west London arts venue. Continue reading The Greatest Showman screening

Dancing on tour

The chaos and excitement of touring isn’t for everyone. It can be hugely energised and fulfilling, but it does not suit every dancer. For the dancers it does suit, travelling to different places to perform means that few of your days are the same, including what you’re eating, where you’re staying and what the stage feels like. It takes a special level of effort to shape the unpredictability of tour-life into a schedule that works for you. Continue reading Dancing on tour

Circolombia

Rounding off a hugely successful global tour, including a smash hit Edinburgh Fringe run, critically acclaimed Circolombia comes to London to headline the Underbelly Southbank Festival from 24 May-14 July. Audiences will experience the power of fourteen performers deliver some of the most technically challenging circus skills including the Russian Bar, and ‘teeth hang’, the jaw dropping aerial act for the first time as part of the festival. Paired with original music, Circolombia delivers world-class, gravity defying performances to a beat-heavy soundscape. Continue reading Circolombia

Artsmark in question

Questions have been raised about Artsmark, Arts Council England’s flagship scheme promoting creative learning in schools, following engagement figures which have slowed. The proportion of schools engaged in the scheme increased by just 1% between 2005 and 2017, despite an overhaul of the project in 2015 and over £10m of investment since 2006/07. It seems the scheme is not as popular as it once was, with the majority of schools that have either applied for or held the award in the past have decided not to re-engage with the scheme. Continue reading Artsmark in question

VERVE embarks on 2018 international tour

Northern School of Contemporary Dance’s acclaimed postgraduate company VERVE has commenced its international spring tour. Under the direction of Matthew Robinson, the company will perform four bold new dance works in 18 towns and cities across the UK and Europe, culminating in a performance at The Place, London on 26 May. VERVE performances offer audiences a chance to witness the next generation of dance artists, on the cusp of their professional careers, and an opportunity to sample current, innovative voices in contemporary choreography. Continue reading VERVE embarks on 2018 international tour

Let’s Play – training for primary school teachers

The Let’s Play programme aims to give primary school teachers adequate training and guidance on directing a series of specially commissioned plays, and creating opportunities for young students to be involved in every stage of a theatre production. Considering the fact that many creative subjects have been squashed from the curriculum across schools, this appears to be a hugely positive move. Continue reading Let’s Play – training for primary school teachers