MOVE IT – Dance Direct Blog. News, Reviews & Advice About Dance

MOVE IT 2014

MOVE IT 2014 For another year running the UK’s largest dance event, MOVE IT, played to full capacity at London’s Olympia. A wonderful haven for dance enthusiasts everywhere, MOVE IT is the central event for dance shopping, performances, classes, seminars, networking, and all under one roof!

Spread over three days, MOVE IT played host to a number of dance organisation and institution stands, as well as more commercial dancewear shopping brands such as Dance Direct and Capezio. It seemed there were innumerate classes on offer over the weekend, a variety for all ages and abilities such as an Introduction to Swan Lake workshop or Advanced Street Dance, taught by some of the most leading practitioners in their fields. There is definitely something for everyone at MOVE IT.

Classes such as Advanced Commercial Jazz were well attended by MOVE IT participants, eager to get a slice of the current dance action and to learn from professionals who have made their living from dance. For Advanced Commercial Jazz in particular, the fast paced routine was a taster of future auditions for the dancers, lead by a member of performing arts institute Urdang faculty. Gaining experience and the tips and tricks from someone who has been there and done it is invaluable experience for any young dance hopeful.

Despite this, it was the main stage that held the real gems of MOVE IT. Throughout the weekend different sets of colleges present their students in a huge MOVE IT showcase, advertising their students’ abilities to prospective students who may be toying with the idea of auditioning for that particular college. There were a variety of performances, however each college and institution displayed vibrancy and talent, a clear indication of the future of the performing arts.

Excitement for MOVE IT!

MOVE IT 2014 The UK’s biggest dance event is just around the corner! MOVE IT is a dance haven for any fan, young or old and no matter what style of dance you love! The event offers classes, seminars, workshops, performances, shopping – the list goes on!

Spread over three days from 7-9 March at London’s Olympia, there is huge choice of what to do at MOVE IT, even if it is just soaking up the atmosphere. For many the most exciting and important part of the MOVE IT experience is watching performing arts colleges demonstrate their talent on the main stage, with the aim of one day becoming a professional dancer, actor, singer or musical theatre performer.

Whilst there is an abundance of entertainment on the main stage, there is also the chance to learn repertoire from your favourite musicals or dance productions. In a classical ballet repertoire workshop, participants will have the chance to learn the choreography from the particular show or production, taking them even closer to the world of performing arts. This is not to mention the incredibly talented teachers and workshop leaders who conduct the sessions. Many have extensive performing and choreographic careers and have worked with some of the biggest names in the dance industry.

Aside from watching performances, taking part in exciting classes or even performing on the freestyle stage at the wonderful world of MOVE IT, the dance shopping at the event is second to none. Shop for the latest dancewear brands and return from MOVE IT with an entirely new wardrobe! Be the envy of your dancing friends with the latest dance gadgets and training equipment, full inspired by the performances on stage!

http://www.moveitdance.co.uk/

P.S. You will find us at MOVE IT again this year, at stand 104… close to the main entrance! See you there! 😉

MOVE IT For Gemma Coldicott

Gemma Coldicott, Step into Dance’s Inclusive Dance Development Officer, has a wealth of dance experience. From studying Dance in the Community at Laban to gaining a Masters in Inclusive Arts Practice from the University of Brighton, Gemma is a leader in her field. Since her studies Gemma now works to mentor and support freelancers teaching inclusive dance sessions, leads inclusive dance training courses, writes training resources and is currently the company Director of SLiDE (South London Inclusive Dance Experience).

When did you begin dancing, where and why?

I started dancing aged 3 in my hometown of Norwich. My mum took me to the local ballet school, I guessed I asked to go but maybe she dragged me along. But I’m so glad she did!

What were your early years of dancing and training like?

I did 15 years of ISTD Ballet, Tap and Modern, until I was 18.

What does dance mean for you?

Dance means expression and freedom. It has the power to change lives and to bring diverse groups of people together.

How long have you been working as an inclusive dance practitioner? How did it begin?

Ever since I left Laban in 2007! Shortly after I finished training I participated in a project with Heart n Soul, a learning disabled arts organisation based in Deptford. It was a dance project with 60 people, disabled/non disabled, and culminated in a performance on the steps outside the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square. It was an amazing experience and I understood from then on what I wanted to do, to give people access to dance who might not ordinarily get the chance.

What is a ‘typical’ day like?

Answer emails from 8am and post on social media. 10am, visit a dance class at an SEN school on the Step into Dance School somewhere in London, give the teacher feedback and support. Head back to the RAD office and complete emails, observation reports. I then attend or teach a community dance class.

What’s the best part of dance for you?

That it brings a smile to people’s faces who are both dancing and watching! It’s also the relationship between music and dance, it connects the mind, body and soul.

What would you say was your greatest dance achievement to date?

That 80 people attended my inclusive dance training days at the RAD last year, from all across the country. To share my skills and knowledge in this way feels great.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be part of the dance industry?

Do as much assisting, shadowing as you can with teachers and practitioners you respect. Be professional at all times, always be on time and be reliable. Attend courses and workshops at venues such as gDA for professional development; you never know who you are going to meet at these things. The key word is networking!

What’s next for you?

At the moment I am working hard at Step into Dance to get SEN and mainstream schools dancing together. I am hosting afternoons of dance called ‘Step togethers’ whereby disabled and nondisabled students dance together and perform for each other. Our aim on the Step into Dance programme is to promote inclusion and equality for young people across London and I think we are really achieving this.

Which classes are you holding at MOVE IT?

At MOVE IT I am running a workshop called ‘Introduction to Inclusive Dance Practice’. I shall be focusing on facilitation skills and running creative tasks with mixed ability groups. I hope to give everyone more confidence in leading creative dance sessions and some key ‘tools’ to take back and apply in their own settings.

MOVE IT 2014: The UK’s Biggest Dance Event

MOVE IT, the UK’s biggest dance event is back for 2014. From 7-9 March, Olympia London will be the home to over 100 live performances, inspirational dance classes spanning all genres and live interviews with renowned dancers and celebrities from the dance world. Tickets for this fantastic dance event are now on sale, in addition to MOVE IT 2014 merchandise, is available to pre-order online at http://www.moveitdance.co.uk/Content/MOVE-IT-2014-merchandise/5_50/

Join over 20,000 dancers at the UK’s biggest festival dedicated to dance of all styles and levels and enjoy an array of spectator and participatory activities. MOVE IT 2014 includes…

The interview sofa: discover useful expert knowledge from dance stars with interviews on the latest dance topics with guests including Darcey Bussell CBE, Strictly Come Dancing judge and Prima Ballerina. Darcey will answer questions, pass on invaluable tips and talk about her work as President of the Royal Academy of Dance.

The main stage: this central performance area is THE destination for live dance, with performances from the UK’s biggest dance stars and fresh new talents from all over the UK including Lukas McFarlane (presented by Beautiful Movements), Boy Blue, the English National Ballet Youth Company, the cast of West End show STOMP, BalletBoyz, and the Royal Academy of Dance.

Tasters and masterclasses: over 220 dance classes in a huge range of styles are available to try, open to budding dancers, enthusiasts and professionals. Masterclasses are taught by some of the UK’s leading choreographers and dance experts from the worlds of hip hop, ballet and contemporary, and will host a series of intensive dance lessons for those wishing to progress and take their skills to the next level.

MOVE IT still has much more to offer! Catch the latest spins, freezes, flips, shimmies and dance moves live on the Freestyle Stage in a showcase of raw talent. Bag the latest trends in dancewear at the range of retail stands and top up on your careers advice at MOVE IT to find out everything about the dance industry and community from experts, workshops and every major performing arts university/colleges under one roof.

Dance Direct at MOVE IT! 2013

Dance Direct at Move IT! 2013

MOVE IT, the ultimate dance experience, is the UK’s biggest dance event, and since its inception has welcomed 20,000 dance fans to share their passion for dance in one huge celebration.

2013 saw MOVE IT take place from 8-10 March, and the event presented fantastic performances by dance schools and colleges, great opportunities for dancewear shopping, an array of over 200 classes to take part in, and even some very special guests on the stage and on the Interview Sofa. These included Twist and Pulse, the winner of the first series of So You Think You Can Dance Charlie Bruce, Got to Dance judge and former Pussycat Doll Kimberley Wyatt, Principal of English National Ballet Daria Klimentova, a special performance by Wayne McGregor | Random Dance and even former prima ballerina and newly appointed Royal Academy of Dance President Darcey Bussell. Dance and ballet enthusiasts had the chance to hear her talk about her work with the RAD and what the year ahead has in store.

The Dance Direct stand was busy throughout the weekend, with dance fans, students and teachers eager to snap up the latest dancewear and dance shoe fashions. From leotards, to new tights, to ballet shoes, jazz pants, hoodies and t-shirts, Dance Direct look sure to be clothing most of the dance population for the year ahead! The Dance Direct team also had lots of new Dance Direct catalogues to give out to the dance-hungry crowd, and gave out vouchers of different values to winners who texted in their email addresses and free water bottles to keen tweeters. Teachers had the opportunity to join the team to learn about Dance Direct’s new costume ranges, with lots of sparkling tutus and costumes on display around the area!

MOVE IT will next take place from 7-9 March 2014.

MOVE IT 2013

MOVE IT, the UK’s biggest dance event is the ultimate dance experience for dance fans, students, teachers and parent alike. Whether your interest is flared jazz pants-style commercial, pretty-in-pink ballet shoes or rock-and-ready street dance complete with the latest dancewear, MOVE IT has something for you.

Taking place between 8 and 10 March 2013, MOVE IT is gearing up to welcome 20,000 dance fans to Kensington, Olympia in London. Visitors to the venue will be able to watch performances in the showcase theatre and on the main stage, take part in classes or the freestyle stage, shop for dancewear, meet dancing stars on the interview sofa and talk to experts for advice in one of the biggest celebrations of dance.

There will be a huge variety of dance classes (over 200) and taster sessions on offer. The UK’s leading dance teachers will be presenting classes, covering everything from Ballet to Lindy Hop, Krump to Ballroom. The range on offer is enough to satisfy every dance enthusiast, no matter your ability level or aim for taking part. Also on offer is the chance to learn the routines from A Chorus Line set to hit the West End this year, develop your ballet technique with English National Ballet, and try out the latest hip hop moves with ZooNation’s Kate Prince to build up your style. Also appearing at MOVE IT will be Sean Cheesman (previous choreographer to Janet Jackson), Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy of Boy Blue Entertainment, Twist and Pulse, Shobana Jeyasingh dance, Got To Dance finalists Boadicea and many more!

New this year will be the chance to discover a career in dance with CDET as a new series of dance classes and interviews. These will offer advice and guidance for anyone thinking of working in the dance industry.

Dust off your dancing shoes and get your tickets!