In the run up to the next stage of youth performance project Dancing Parallel, Aaron Markwell, a participant from London, looks back at the first week of the project in Aberdeen.
Dancing Parallel’s trip to Aberdeen can only be described as the most exciting youth dance project I have ever had the opportunity to take part in. I am honoured to have had the chance to work with Scottish Ballet and English National Ballet on a national project that explores movement in various forms and genres, and allows you the chance to collaborate with a group of gifted individuals with extraordinary creative ideas.
Aberdeen itself was beautiful, if not occasionally very cold. Our trip into the city allowed us to explore the way physical space effects and shapes the way that we move as performers and experience this through Chris Grant’s exemplary knowledge of Parkour. This was also applied on a trip to the beach where we danced (in the rain) and gained insight into more development of movement through our envrionment.
The week, although physically demanding, allowed the other dancers and I to explore the way that we dance and the choreographic process of other dancers and movement artists.
I look forward to the finished project of our film, with site specific performances in each participating city and would recommend this project to anyone with an interest in dance. It was amazing to work with Hayley Arundel (ENB Dance Artist) and create links with dancers and teachers in Scotland. It was a great opportunity to network and develop myself as an artist and would definitely do this again!
In the run up to the next stage in youth performance project Dancing Parallel, Felicity Turnbull, Aberdeen Participant, takes a look back at the first week of the project in July.
The week in Aberdeen was amazing. I was thrilled and very pleased to be involved in this experience. The opportunity to dance with Scottish Ballet, English National Ballet, National Dance Company Wales, the parkour teacher and other young talented dancers from across the UK was very exciting.
I was getting nervous about all these silly little things like how difficult it was going to be, would I be able to keep up or would I slow the other dancers down, would we all get along and what would happen, but when I got there I immediately started to relax. At first, it was obvious who the dancers from London and Aberdeen were, but that didn’t last long at all. When we all got started, I felt a lot more comfortable and confident, and this was nice because when I dance, I am normally really self conscious. I think I might have felt more comfortable because of the atmosphere that was created; it was exciting and calming at the same time, and made you want to try hard and have fun.
All the teachers were lovely. The Scottish Ballet, National English Ballet and parkour coaches were more like friends who helped you to improve your dancing and choreography skills. I liked that. We all had a good laugh and got on really well, and we also got a lot of successful dancing done. I know that I have made some very good friends.
My favourite part is hard to say because the whole of the week in Aberdeen was wonderful. I liked meeting everyone and making new friends. The trust games were fun because even though you didn’t know the people very well you had to really trust them. I think this helped in making everyone become better friends. I loved getting to dance and choreograph pieces ourselves with help from the teachers. I also liked trying a little parkour: even though it was hard and I wasn’t too good at it, it was fun. The most memorable moment for me was dancing on the beach in the rain; it felt wonderful and free. I loved it!!!
I have never done anything like this before and I am honoured to be part of this inspirational team.
