Digital @ The Arts Unit Creative Classes
Hold Back The River
Learn the choreography created for the Year 12 item for Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed
Student dance resource developed by The Arts Unit
Years 7 to 12 dance
What will I learn?
In this Creative Class you will be learning from renowned choreographers and performing artists, Neale Whittaker and Pete Evans.
Neale and Pete are part of the choreographic team for the Schools Spectacular, working with ensembles to create innovative, challenging and engaging works for the show.
In 2020, Neale and Pete were invited to choreograph an item for a group of Year 12 students as part of Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed.
In this creative class you will get the opportunity to learn and perform this choreography.
You will:
utilise a variety of spatial, temporal and dynamic features in a dance
explore dance technique in the performance of both contemporary and hip hop dance combinations
perform sequences with increasing fluency, precision and articulation
celebrate resilience in the arts in 2020.
Watch the Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed Year 12 virtual item - Hold Back The River before you begin.
Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed Year 12 virtual item - Hold Back The River
Duration: 05:00Before you begin
Before you begin:
make sure you have a clear space to dance safely
you will need a recording device such as a phone or camera.
Safety tips for online movement classes if you wish to participate
When you decide to take part in these activities you agree to the following:
You have been given approval from your parent/caregiver prior
You will clear a spot big enough to give you space to move around. Be sure there are no coffee tables, plants or chairs in the way.
Be aware of any pets or small humans that may sneak into your dance space.
Check the height of ceiling fans and light fittings so the area is clear as you reach above your head.
You will wear comfortable clothing that allows a full range of movement.
This will include appropriate footwear:
Sneakers, socks, ballet slippers, jazz shoes or bare feet.
You may have to adjust based on the flooring you are dancing on.
Bare feet may be better than ballet slippers on a slippery floor. Socks may be better on carpet.
Be careful if you are on a rug on a slippery floor.
If you have an injury or a medical condition please follow the advice of your health professional. It is suggested you view the exercises beforehand and adjust according to your limitations. Ask your parent/caregiver if you are unsure.
Please stay safe, listen carefully to all the instructions.
If you study dance please think about your knowledge of safe dance practice as you execute the instructions.
Devise and perform your own warm-up. Think about what major muscle groups you will need to engage while you are learning and performing these contemporary and hip hop sequences.
Chorus one - Contemporary combination
Learn the contemporary combination by following the instructional video Hold Back The River - Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed - Chorus one.
Choreographer Pete Evans will lead you through the combination step-by-step.
Stop, rewind or pause the video as required to assist you in learning each phrase.
Hold Back The River - Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed - Chorus one
Duration: 10:12Rehearse the choreography multiple times so you know it well.
Play the audio track Hold Back The River - Instrumental (MP3 8MB) to rehearse the combination.
This combination begins at 01:28 in the music.
Hold Back The River - Instrumental (MP3 8MB)
Duration: 04:28
Hold Back The River Export.mp3Chorus two - Hip hop combination
Learn the hip hop combination by following the instructional video Hold Back The River - Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed - Chorus one.
Choreographer Neale Whittaker will lead you through the combination step-by-step.
Stop, rewind or pause the video as required to assist you in learning each phrase.
Hold Back The River - Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed - Chorus two
Duration: 10:35Rehearse the choreography multiple times so you know it well.
Play the audio track Hold Back The River - Instrumental (MP3 8MB) to rehearse the combination.
This combination begins at 03:07 in the music.
Hold Back The River - Instrumental (MP3 8MB)
Duration: 04:28Hold Back The River Export.mp3Dance break
Learn the dance break by following the instructional video Hold Back The River - Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed - Dance break.
Choreographers Pete Evans and Neale Whittaker will lead you through the combination step-by-step.
Stop, rewind or pause the video as required to assist you in learning each phrase.
Good luck with learning this final piece of the choreography!
Hold Back The River - Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed - Dance break
Duration: 07:59Rehearse the choreography multiple times so you know it well.
Play the audio track Hold Back The River - Instrumental (MP3 8MB) to rehearse the combination.
This combination begins at 03:36 in the music.
Hold Back The River - Instrumental (MP3 8MB)
Duration: 04:28Hold Back The River Export.mp3Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed
Now it is your turn!
Join in the fun and perform along with the students during their performance of Hold Back The River.
Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed Year 12 virtual item - Hold Back The River
Duration: 05:00Third-party content attributions
Schools Spectacular image, photographer: Anna Warr.