Week one (This week won't have as many logs because we only had one day of normal timetable college because we had our ballet exams. I only had one assessed lesson this week)
My project proposal plan for week 1:The brief over view for this weeks project proposal was, "Week 1- Select my 5 dance pieces. Select music and identify a theme for my solo performance. Inform college of my choices. I will use my computer to do this.” I have done this. I selected to do jazz (body language), lyrical (I have nothing), contemporary (angel), ballet (clockworks) and my solo. I have chosen my solo theme to be jazz and I want to do it to the song “luck be a lady” by frank Sinatra. I decided to pick all of these because I feel these are my stronger styles and I am interested in the research for each. So I feel I will perform my best with these in both practical and written.
Body language jazz piece : We began by reviewing the start section we learned before half term to refresh our memory. We focused on getting our alignment correct at the start because we begin in a fosse style pose. We also worked on timing because we all have to be in sync for the shoulder rolls and when we look to the front. We also worked on getting movements right such as the steps forward making sure it was all in the hips and making sure we really placed our arms .We then ran the start section multiple times to reinforce what we learned. In this lesson I focused on being precise, clear, and musical in my movements. Then Jess introduced the new choreography in the new bit I need to do a turn into a kick. I am going to work on this at home so it can look really controlled. I am going to focus on maintaining balance throughout the turn and executing the kick with control. I am going to do this by paying close attention to my body alignment throughout the turn and kick. Ensuring that I am really engaging my core. I also feel it would be beneficial for me to work on more core strength for this dance so I am going to. I also need to practice the new section at home to get it into my muscle memory. I also want to work on timing and working in some dynamics to make it look really good.
Week two (I was not in college on Tuesday because I was at an audition and unfortunately missed a ballet and contemporary lesson; however , I have watched the videos and caught myself up in my own time to make up for this.)
My project proposal plan for week 2:The brief over view for this weeks project proposal was, "Week 2- Start research into the music choices, dance styles and time frame for each piece. Practice everything we have learnt in my own time to really solidify the choreography in my head. I will use a studio and the videos we have taken in class to practice.” I have done this. I have started to research each style on my google site and I used a studio in my free time to go over choreography and have also gone over the choreography I missed on Tuesday because I was at an audition.
Body language jazz piece : Today, we spent a lot of time going over the section we learned last week. It was challenging trying to remember all the details and nuances, but it was satisfying to see improvement in our precision and timing. We were introduced to a new section today, and it was tough! The choreography was in the shape of a triangle, which added a whole new dimension to our performance. Breaking it down step by step helped, but it’s going to take a lot of practice to master. We drilled the new section over and over again, focusing on getting every movement just right. Our teacher Jess really emphasised the small details, like hand positions and body angles, which makes a huge difference in the overall look of the dance. Wrapping up the rehearsal with a full run-through of the entire piece was both exhilarating and exhausting. We’ve made progress, but there’s still work to be done. I am going to practice outside of rehearsal to reinforce what I have learned so I can get it into my muscle memory i am going to do this by focusing on perfecting both the old and new sections of the dance and making sure all of the sections flow so I don't forget any of it.
Angel contemporary piece: Started off by going over what we learned last term. It was great to refresh my memory and clean up some of the moves. We focused on making sure every angle was sharp and every movement synchronised perfectly. We got to learn a new part of the dance today. It was challenging but really fun to work on. We experimented with different angles and formations, trying to find the perfect fit for this section. I really like how are teacher Charlie encourages us to add our own flair to the moves. We focused on smoothing out the transitions between the old and new sections. It took some time, but by the end, it was starting to flow really nicely. In the last part of rehearsal, we talked about angels and heaven, and how we can bring that imagery into our performance. It was fascinating to discuss the deeper meaning behind our dance. We experimented with different ways of moving to create that feeling of angels and the celestial realm. It’s amazing how adding that imagery really changes how we dance and connect with each other. I am going to keep practicing and refining the transitions and working on embodying the imagery of angels and heaven in our movements and I am going to take some time to reflect individually on how I can bring more depth to the way I perform this piece. Overall, today was a really productive rehearsal. We made some great progress and I can’t wait to see how the piece evolves as we continue to work on it.
Week three (full normal timetable)
My project proposal plan for week 3:The brief over view for this weeks project proposal was, "Week 3- complete choreography for my solo I will use a college studio and my phone to connect the music to a speaker to choreograph." I have not fully done this I have got about half way through this week with choreographing but I feel with a few more hours in the studio this will happen on Tuesday after school this week I am going to use a studio to finish this so I can stay on track. So far with choreographing I have really enjoyed the process I have been looking at lots of other peoples dances to the song I picked on YouTube and I am feeling very inspired.
Body language jazz piece: We began today's rehearsal by revisiting all the material we've covered in the past two weeks. It was crucial to ensure that everyone was on the same page, especially since some members of the class were absent last week. We took the time to go over the sections they missed, ensuring that everyone was up to speed. This was also helpful for me because it allowed me time to think about the smaller details. Following the recap, we focused on cleaning up the choreography we've learned so far. Attention to detail is key, and we worked on refining our movements, transitions, and synchronization as a group. Today, our teacher Jess introduced a challenging new section where we form a diagonal line. Precision is super important in this segment as we need to hit specific beats. It presented a significant challenge, but it's an opportunity for growth. Personally, I acknowledge the difficulty but plan to dedicate extra time outside of class to master it. Another exciting development was the introduction of yet another new section. This segment involves executing a barrel turn and a calypso leap. Both moves require finesse and elevation, areas I'm eager to improve upon. I'm committed to practicing these elements to enhance my performance. I am really going to work on getting stronger as this is a criticism I get a lot. Overall, today's rehearsal was productive. Each week brings new challenges, but also opportunities for growth and improvement. I'm motivated to refine my skills and go over the choreography in my own time and contribute to the success of our jazz piece, "Body Language."
Clockwork ballet piece: As I missed the last rehearsal due to an audition, Mrs Aimee kindly recapped the material covered in previous weeks. It was helpful to catch up and ensure I was up to speed with the rest of the group. We went over key sequences and transitions, with detailed explanations provided to clarify any confusion we especially worked on one section where you have to do really difficult arms on beats of the music .After the recap, we moved on to learning a new section involving a leap and jete en tournant. I made a mental note to work on getting my jumps higher and sharper. Timing is crucial for this piece to convey the mechanical rhythm of a clock. We practiced executing movements with sharpness and clarity, ensuring we were perfectly synchronized with each other and the music. We discussed the importance of embodying the theme of "Clockwork" in our movements. I focused on portraying precision and strength, imagining myself as part of an intricate clock mechanism. Embracing the character of the clock added depth to my performance, and I made a mental note to further explore this in future rehearsals. I need to work on achieving higher elevations and cleaner lines in jumps and turns, focus on precise timing and execution to convey the mechanical theme effectively and enhance embodiment of the clock theme through movement and expression. Today's rehearsal was both challenging and rewarding. It was very difficult to get all the right timings but watching the video back that we recorded at the end of class really showed me what it will look like from an audience perspective and it looks awesome. I am really enjoying doing this dance.
I have nothing lyrical piece: We started by going over everything they did last week since I wasn't there because of an audition this was really helpful and i felt i was on the same page and new the choreography then when doing the new choreography Emily and I were given a partner lift which was an assisted barrel jump as we delved into the assisted barrel jump lift, we found ourselves seeking not just precision but a shared energy that elevated the movement. With each repetition, we honed our synchronicity, after a few failures we did get it and it looks good. Then after getting that perfected Jess taught us the next section. The new choreography brought a fresh challenge, demanding not only technical precision but I was also thinking about making sure I was planning how I would emote this section to really match the song as it is so emotional. In this new section I do a calypso leap to the floor which adds a dynamic flourish. I really want to work on this skill to make it look really good for the dance. Throughout the session, I was thinking about the deeper narrative woven into the routine, allowing the music to guide the intensity of my movements and infuse them with meaning. I am really enjoying this piece and I am very excited to see what it looks like done and I can't wait to showcase this in our dance show.
Angel contemporary piece: Today's rehearsal was dedicated entirely to refining and perfecting the choreography we learned last week. Our teacher led the session with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every count, step, and arm line was executed flawlessly. Everyone in the group was focused and determined Charlie took us through the choreography step by step, pausing frequently to correct nuances and emphasize key movements such as heads and arm lines. Throughout the rehearsal, we repeated sequences multiple times. I found this really helped my muscle memory and synchronization with the group. The emphasis on precision challenged me to elevate my performance and really think about those minor details that I tend to miss. Although the process was hard and at times frustrating it was so worth it to feel truly in control of this dance. By the end of the lesson, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. I found myself becoming more polished and cohesive with each run-through. The attention to detail paid off, and I felt more confident. Overall, today's rehearsal was invaluable in enhancing my understanding of the choreography and elevating my performance to a higher standard. I am grateful for the lesson as it was so helpful. I am confident that the dance is better because of this session, and I look forward to showcasing this dance in the show.
Solo rehearsal independent: Today marked a significant milestone in the creation of my solo piece. The process of choreographing has been an absolute joy, and I find myself deeply immersed in the world of movement and music. Luck Be a Lady, the song I've chosen, has been instrumental in shaping the choreography. Its jazzy and sassy vibe resonates perfectly with the vision I have for this piece, and I've been drawing inspiration from technical jazz elements and I feel these elements make the piece look cleaner and stronger. This week, my focus was on crafting the opening section of the dance. I've spent time listening to the music, allowing its rhythm and melody to guide my movements. I want every step, every gesture, to be in perfect harmony with the music, creating a seamless fusion of sound and motion. As I worked through the choreography, I found myself experimenting with different sequences and movements, exploring how they interact with the music. There's a sense of fluidity and spontaneity in the dance so far and I really love the dynamics because at the start of the dance it's more fluid then when the chorus kicks in I have a quick technical jazz section. Despite the challenges and moments of frustration, I'm incredibly proud of what I've accomplished so far. The first part of the solo captures the essence of the song beautifully, blending elements of jazz technique with my own artistic expression. There's a sense of excitement and anticipation as I envision how the rest of the piece will unfold. Looking ahead, my goal is to have the entire solo completed by next week. I'm eager to continue refining and polishing the choreography, ensuring that my movements are imbued with intention and emotion. I already feel that this piece showcases me as a dancer and I am really enjoying creating a strong masculine character since I don't usually dance this way in my solos.
Week 4 (bank holiday Monday this week so we missed a body language jazz lesson)
My project proposal week 4:The brief over view for this weeks project proposal was, "portfolio check, choreography, private practice. I will check my work on a computer and I will use a studio to practice the dances and my solo." I have completed my solo this week and I submitted it for the mid point check i want to go over and clean it next week. My research is getting there I just need to add some for my solo I plan to have the solo research done by next week. I also took some time last week at home to go over the choreography for the angel and body language dances and I feel this has really been beneficial.
Clockwork ballet piece: This week marked the completion of our ballet dance routine. Once we had finished it, Aimee went over our timings and we refined every detail, ensuring precision in our movements and synchronicity in our timing. With numerous cannons throughout the piece, it's crucial for each of us to be impeccably on count to achieve the desired visual impact because if one person goes on the wrong count you will be able to tell. We focused particularly on clarifying arm lines, we really need to work on these lines looking sharp so they look like the hands of a clock and the stronger and more placed they are the better they look. Cleaning every transition and step helped elevate the overall quality of our performance. Towards the end of the routine, I need to execute a devlopé leg. I want to work on this to make it look better. Recognising the importance of balance, especially as I transition onto relevé, I've committed to extra practice sessions to strengthen my core and improve stability. Overall, the dance is taking shape beautifully, and I'm thrilled at the prospect of showcasing our hard work.
I have nothing lyrical piece: This week in lyrical dance, we began by reviewing everything we had learned the week before. We focused particularly on the details, such as arm lines, ensuring they were precise and fluid. After solidifying the previous week's choreography, our teacher introduced a new section. In this part, I perform a needle while Coran and Armanda hold my hands and turn me to the front. This move requires me to engage my core to ensure a smooth and controlled transition. Following the needle, I move into turns in second position, leading into an aerial. The aerial is a very challenging skill, so I recognise the need to work on this extensively. Specifically, I need to practice initiating my aerial from one foot and work on decelerating my turns near the end. Breaking down this sequence into smaller parts will help make the transition smoother and allow me to perfect the skill. Overall, I feel the dance is really coming together. I want to focus on making all my lines clean and consistently engaging my core to ensure a strong performance.
Angel contemporary piece: Today’s rehearsal was focused on bringing Rory up to speed on the sections he missed last week. This session was not only crucial for Rory but also beneficial for me as it provided an opportunity to deeply internalise the moves and refine the choreography. We went through the choreography step-by-step. We drilled the more complex sections repeatedly. This was especially useful for me, as the repetition allowed me to embed the movements into my muscle memory and improve my overall fluidity and confidence. After Rory felt comfortable with the individual sections, we integrated them into the full routine. We ran the piece several times, focusing on synchronising our movements and ensuring cohesion. The detailed recap was essential in helping him catch up without feeling overwhelmed. Recapping the choreography for Rory allowed me to think more critically about the moves and their execution. The process of going through the dance and repeating the sequences helped solidify them in my body, boosting my confidence and precision. Overall, the rehearsal was productive and beneficial. Moving forward, I plan to continue refining my synchronisation with the rest of the group and addressing any remaining challenges to ensure a polished performance.
Solo rehearsal independent: This week, I completed the choreography for my solo and submitted it for the midpoint feedback check. I am really happy with what I have choreographed so far. I feel I have captured the jazzy "Luck Be a Lady" vibe effectively. The dance includes some of my more difficult skills alongside some nice technical jazz elements. I have thoroughly enjoyed creating this piece, and I believe my enthusiasm is evident in the choreography. I am pleased with the overall structure and flow of the dance. The combination of technical skills and jazz movements feels well-balanced and true to the style of the piece. I want to focus on refining movements and ensuring precision in every step and work on embedding the choreography into my muscle memory so I can perform it without worrying about recalling steps. I aim to enhance the performance aspect, allowing myself to fully enjoy and express the character of the piece and since I feel quite breathless by the end of the dance, I need to work on my stamina to maintain energy and performance quality throughout. Next week I plan to dedicate time in each rehearsal to run through the dance multiple times, focusing on different aspects (cleanliness, expression, stamina) each session. I also want to Implement targeted conditioning exercises to improve overall stamina and endurance. Next week I also want to Seek additional feedback from peers or teachers to gain different perspectives on the performance. Overall, this week has been very productive, and I feel the dance is coming together nicely. Completing the choreography is a significant milestone, and now my focus shifts to refining and perfecting it. I am confident that with continued effort and practice, I will be well-prepared to perform this solo with confidence if I get chosen.
Week 6
My project proposal week 6: My project proposal for this week was "To ensure the technical aspects of my dances are polished and all my lines are clean for the show, I will break Down Each Routine practicing each section slowly and deliberately, paying close attention to detail. I will make sure to utilize Video Resources and go ahead and really review videos taken during class rehearsals to observe my performance. Watch for areas where your execution may be lacking clarity or where adjustments are needed to improve your lines and timing." I definitely believe I have done this. The ballet piece is looking and feeling better it looks really clean after this week and I feel all the pieces are getting more clean I have been using the videos and working on the dances at home but i feel i need to do this more often so I can really get all my dances show ready.
Body language jazz piece: We started by quickly going over everything we did last week to refresh our memory. The main focus was on recalling the sequences and transitions smoothly. We learned the final section of the choreography. This part includes a series of intricate moves that end with a "melting" effect as the music fades out. I really like this dynamic and I think it looks really cool. Our teacher emphasized the importance of dynamics throughout the piece. I want to work on contrasting sharp and fluid movements and Emphasizing moments of stillness and sudden sharp motions. In this lesson we also cleaned sections of the dance that required sharpness. I plan to work on the choreography at home to reinforce muscle memory, focusing on the sharpness and dynamics emphasized during the rehearsal so I am not thinking about remembering choreography when the show comes around. I am going to do this by drilling the new section to ensure smooth transitions and accurate timing and practice the entire piece with attention to dynamic contrasts, making sure movements are sharp and precise. Today's rehearsal was productive. The focus on dynamics and sharpness really brought a new level of intensity to my performance. I feel more confident with the choreography and am excited to refine it further next week.
Clockwork ballet piece: This week’s rehearsal was focused on cleaning our ballet piece to ensure precision and uniformity. Miss Aimee was meticulous in going through every detail to make sure we all look as similar as possible, enhancing the overall effectiveness of our performance. She emphasized the importance of moving as one cohesive unit to really create that lovely clock visual. We spent a significant amount of time practicing sequences in front of the mirror to check for synchronization. Specific movements, such as arabesques and turns, were broken down and repeated until everyone matched perfectly in timing and execution. Miss Aimee counted out loud to help us understand the timing better and she would also say corrections while we were dancing so we wouldn't forget. The importance of maintaining tension through our arms was highlighted. We were reminded to engage our core and maintain proper posture throughout the piece to ensure stability. By the end of the rehearsal, I felt there was a noticeable improvement in our synchronization and the overall cohesiveness of the piece. The cannon sections started to look much more fluid and well-timed, adding a dynamic element to our performance. I plan to continue practicing the sequences at home, focusing on the areas that were highlighted during rehearsal to make sure I am all ready for the performance.
I have nothing lyrical piece: Today, we finally completed the entire choreography for our lyrical group dance! It feels incredibly rewarding to see the piece come together from start to finish. The transitions between sections are becoming smoother, and the emotion in our performance is starting to shine through. While I'm thrilled with our progress, I realized that I need to work on remembering all of the choreography. There are a few sections where I tend to blank out or hesitate, especially in the newer parts we learned today. To make sure I'm fully confident and ready for the show, I plan to practice at home as much as possible. I need to drill the entire routine repeatedly at home to ensure I remember all the steps. Breaking down the choreography into smaller segments and then gradually piecing them together should help solidify my muscle memory. I am excited and motivated to perfect this dance. Seeing the progress we've made as a group is inspiring, and I know that with continued hard work and dedication, we'll deliver a stunning performance. I’m committed to putting in the effort both in and out of the studio to ensure that I contribute my best to the team.
Angel contemporary piece: Today's rehearsal was quite eventful as we had to adapt our lyrical dance piece from a quartet to a trio. Our teacher decided to remove Rory from the piece due to his frequent absences from rehearsals. While this change was unexpected, we managed to adjust the choreography to fit our new trio formation. We started by reviewing the choreography as it was originally designed. This helped us identify the parts where Rory was crucial and where adjustments were needed. Charlie guided us through redistributing Rory's parts among the three of us. This involved adjusting formations to ensure the spacing didn't look off and reworking group sequences to ensure fluid transitions. We spent a significant portion of the rehearsal learning new sequences or changing old ones. Special attention was given to formations and spacing since the dynamics changed with one less person and we made sure that we were given different counts for the cannons at the start of the dance and the last section. By the end of the rehearsal, we did a full run-through of the piece with the new trio formation. It felt different, but with each run, we became more synchronized and confident in the new arrangement. This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and teamwork. We all agreed to practice extra on our own time to ensure we’re fully prepared for the next rehearsal. I think with practice I can do really well in this dance since I feel really emotionally connected to it and I am still excited to perform this dance.
Solo rehearsal independent: This week for my solo I wanted to concentrate on the technical aspects of my dance solo. I Worked on making sure each movement was sharp and defined. I went over the faster parts of my solo to make sure I really had the choreography set in my muscle memory so I could work on performing it instead of trying to remember the solo. Focused on maintaining balance during turns and jumps, ensuring controlled landings and transitions, I also finalized the way I want to prepare for my aerial to get optimum height. I have also spent time this week researching the musical "Guys and Dolls" to understand its jazz influences and dance style. I watched several dance numbers from the musical, paying attention to the choreography, energy, and style and took notes on specific elements that stood out, such as the character-driven movements and this has really helped me for the solo and is going to help me when it comes to performance and style. I also worked on the solo in my own time this week at the gym again and I used this time to check for any inconsistencies in movements and correct them. I Worked on the final touches, such as facial expressions and stage presence, to enhance the overall performance. Recorded my solo to evaluate my progress and identify areas that still need improvement.
Week 7
My project proposal week 7: My project proposal for this week is "To ensure the technical aspects of my dances are polished and all my lines are clean for the show, I will break Down Each Routine practicing each section slowly and deliberately, paying close attention to detail. I will make sure to utilize Video Resources and go ahead and really review videos taken during class rehearsals to observe my performance. Watch for areas where your execution may be lacking clarity or where adjustments are needed to improve your lines and timing." I have done this but I need to really continue to do this over the half term so that when i go back to college everything is all show ready.
Body language jazz piece: Today, we focused on ensuring our jazz piece is performance-ready. The rehearsal was intensive, aimed at cleaning up every segment and solidifying our choreography in muscle memory. We also discussed costume and hair requirements, which are crucial for our presentation. We ran through the entire jazz piece multiple times. Jess emphasized precision and synchronicity in our movements and key areas of focus included the transitions between sections and ensuring our formations were sharp and clean. Jess showed us the costumes for the dance: black and white tops with body imprints. The design was explained to complement the abstract, fluid nature of our piece body language. I feel this costume aligns well with the vibe of our dance, enhancing the overall visual impact. Jess also instructed us on our hair: slick back side part low ponytails. Initially, I wasn't thrilled about this hairstyle however, after reflecting, I understood the importance of following our teacher’s vision. It's crucial to maintain good etiquette and professionalism regarding costume and hair instructions. Today’s rehearsal was productive and highlighted the importance of attention to detail. The costumes and hair, though initially surprising, truly fit the aesthetic of our dance. It's a reminder that trust in our teacher’s expertise is crucial for our success.
Clockwork ballet piece: Today's rehearsal focused on refining the clean lines of our movements and ensuring precise timing, particularly with the cannons and intricate choreography. Running the piece in costume with masks was also part of the session to ensure comfort and functionality. We revisited key sections of the choreography to focus on extending through the lines, particularly in my développé at the end of the dance. I want to work on the balance of that so I can rise with ease. Specific attention was given to the arm positions and transitions to ensure sharp and precise movements especially in cannons. We performed the entire piece in costume, including the masks. This helped us adjust to the added elements and ensure no movement was restricted. The only thing that happened was that my ponytail got stuck on the mask but in the show we are going to have low ponytails so this won't make a difference. I love the masks. I feel they add to the character and mood of the piece. Running the dance in full costume significantly enhanced my performance and energy to this piece I feel. Wearing the costume and mask allowed me to fully immerse myself in the character, and I believe this will enhance my performance during the show. Overall, today's rehearsal was highly productive. I am feeling confident and excited to perform this dance for an audience. The dedication to these rehearsals has paid off, and I am eager to showcase our hard work.
I have nothing lyrical piece: We ran through the entire lyrical dance routine to identify any general areas that needed improvement. Jess provided feedback on timing, synchronization, and overall fluidity.
Emily and I worked extensively on the lift. Jess emphasized the importance of starting with the correct positioning. We practiced getting into the lift multiple times, ensuring our initial stance was strong and balanced. We spent time focusing on my legs during the lift. Jess reminded me to engage my core and leg muscles to keep both legs straight. We used the mirror to check alignment and made adjustments as needed. Achieving good elevation was another key point. Emily and I practiced the lift repeatedly. I started by incorporating small jumps then worked on really going for it to get good elevation. Repetition is key to achieving a consistent and flawless lift. We aim to practice the lift multiple times until it becomes second nature. Effective communication between Emily and I is essential for synchronization and safety during the lift. I also want to work on this whole dance in my own time so I can get it in my muscle memory and I want to work on my turns in second into the Ariel to get this more consistent. Overall We made significant progress during this session, especially in terms of leg alignment and elevation in the lift. With continued practice and dedication, I am confident that we will achieve a polished and graceful performance.
Angel contemporary piece: Today's rehearsal for our contemporary dance piece was shorter than planned as Coran was not able to attend due to illness. Since our piece is a trio, Coran's absence meant we couldn't fully practice the entire routine. However, it was important for Coran to take the time to rest and recover, and I support his decision to prioritize his health. Lucy and I began with a thorough warm-up session to prepare our bodies for the rehearsal. We focused on the sections of the dance that involve just the two of us. This allowed us to refine our movements and ensure our parts are synchronized and clean. We went over the transitions and interactions between our parts to make sure they are seamless and fluid. Attention was given to the details such as hand gestures, facial expressions, and timing and we worked on perfecting our alignment and coordination to enhance the overall performance quality. My energy and enthusiasm for the piece remains high, and I am excited to showcase our hard work at the upcoming show. Despite the setback, today's rehearsal was productive and uplifting. The dedication to making our parts clean has definitely helped. I am committed to delivering a stunning performance and look forward to doing this trio.