Rehearsal footage, Company 4

Rehearsal footage, Company 4

Costume Designs, Annalise Harvey, Company 4

Diary Entry - Day 3 & 4, Laban CAT Student Vivienne West, Sunday 1st Monday 2nd May 2011

On May 1^st and 2^nd we finally met for two intensive days of final rehearsals at the Urdang Academy in London. I was really looking forward to seeing the group and Daniel again and couldn’t wait to also watch the setting process which started to emerge throughout the two days. As usual Daniel led our warm up whilst also preparing us to recap our movement phrases for our two dance pieces. For the first time Daniel set a few students tasks of creating new material using a similar style of contrasting movement. Daniel asked me to complete this and observed and helped me develop my own movement which he later used. I really enjoyed the time to think of my own movement and for Daniel to ask me and comment and approve of my work it meant a lot and I was so happy.

A similar atmosphere was present throughout the two rehearsals showing hard work, our excitement and enthusiasm for the final dance and also helping Daniel to stop, start and change movement or timing he wished to. Other people joined us throughout the two days including a photographer, who captured elements of the movement and the relationship between the group and Daniel, our costume designer who took measurements and lastly an animator who openly explained the work she is doing and the contribution it hopes to make to Daniel’s movement and overall vision. The arrival of these guests really motivated and excited the group even more as we all were being informed on costumes and lighting which created a real visualisation of what the whole project will eventually look like. It was only at this time, it hit me that I will be performing at the famous Sadler’s Wells Theatre which was daunting yet unbelievable. At the end of these two days, we all had a clear view of our two dance pieces and although it was sad to end, these rehearsals were vital and so enjoyable. I now feel prepared and will continue to look forward to the Sum of Parts show.

Photo: Gigi Giannella

Diary Entry - Day 2, The Place CAT Student Esther Goldsmith , Monday 18th April 2011

Like all dancers, I woke up bruised, and aching in every muscle. And like all dancers, I gritted my teeth and got on with the task at hand. Although we were all feeling it, none of us wanted to look sloppy in front of each other, or in front of Danny, so we pushed ourselves to re-learn, clean and perfect the phrases we’d been taught the previous day. Having to quickly work out what I was supposed to be doing, I got to know the people from Laban CAT better, and together we performed the first section of the piece over and over, with each repetition modified slightly by Danny. It soon began to feel exciting, and hopefully it looked as good as it felt to do. The prospect of dancing at Sadler’s Wells, being on the stage that I have watched many a professional dance on, has begun to hit me - I just hope I can remember the choreography for the next rehearsals! 

Photo: Gigi Giannella

Diary Entry - Day 1, The Place CAT Student Esther Goldsmith , Sunday 17th April 2011

After dragging myself out of bed rather too early - for a holiday at least -, and almost getting lost on the way to Laban, I arrived with high expectations for the following two days. Soon we were learning phrases pre-choreographed by Daniel Proietto (from Russell Maliphant company), and my mind began working overtime in order to process and perform the three motifs, all of which required maximum use of the space, and durability of our knees! Even with the pressure to remember all the movement, I found myself transfixed on watching Danny when he demonstrated for us what he wanted. Collectively we tried our best to copy his way of moving, but none of us could capture his grace, skill and use of his body - it was inspiring to be working with him. The end of the first day and we had learnt choreography and gotten to know one another (not just through accidentally hitting each other though), we left with anticipation for the following day. 

Photo: Gigi Giannella

Diary Entry - Day 2, Laban CAT Student Vivienne West, Monday 18th April 2011

Our second rehearsal was as productive as our first and it was evident from me and our group of young dancers of how much more we understood about the dance piece itself, but also the movement, the quality of performance and the relationship between the group and Daniel, our teacher. As we had met previously and now knew each other, I felt that the group worked more closely as a team and there was even more of a hardworking and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the day. This element of teamwork of the process I really enjoyed and once again I was quite surprised of how much we completed. We recapped the movement phrases we learnt on our first meeting and defined details, counts and performance and began to compose and set the piece. This took some time, however I have always really enjoyed the setting process as I find it very exciting. We achieved a lot and Daniel seemed to be very proud of our work from this second meeting.

Photo: Gigi Giannella

Diary Entry - Day 1, Laban CAT Student Vivienne West, Sunday 17th April 2011

I didn’t know what to expect on our first day of rehearsal with Daniel. All I know is that it was absolutely brilliant and has excited us all to work even harder to our fullest potential in order to create a beautiful piece of dance. It surprised me of how much we as a group achieved in one day completing 3 whole phrases and also two sections, working individually with the girls and boys. This is a credit to Daniel and his ability to teach so well. The day was quite exhausting but so worthwhile. This is only the start of a great experience and I will continue to enjoy and be inspired by the talent of our group and especially our guest teacher.

Photo: Gigi Giannella