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Rehearsals for La Fille mal Gardee
Our next rehearsal, will be at the Lighthouse Theatre on Saturday 4th February.
Please arrive at the Stage Door, when arriving before 11am.
9.00am to 10.15am
Artistes
10.15am to 11.30am Coryphees
11.30am to 1.00pm Soloists and Leading Soloists - Cinderella and Sorcerer
1.00pm to 3.00pm Gala (from 2.30pm Maddie & Ibu for La Fille PdD)
3.00pm
to 5.30pm Sorcerer, Gala and Cinderella (Principals Only)
Girls to 5pm, Ibu to 5.30pm
PERFORMANCES ON 29th
Congratulations to everyone invvolved in our recent
performances of 'La Fille Mal Gardee' at both Lighthouse and Pavilion.
SPECIAL thanks must go to the parents
who assisted with Chaperoning, (both LIcenced and non-licenced), as well as those who helped with scene-changes and breaking
down the sets, as well as making the sets. Couldn't have done it without you, so many thanks from the deepest parts of
my heart go to...
Manjulaa Langoo
Justina Tucker
Sue Mills
Nazeer
Caroline West
Catherine
Wood
Sharon Powley
Cathy Morris
Fiona Brady
Phyllis Alexander
Theresa Hunt
Lyn Surridge
And
anyone else may have missed in error.
Can I also thank everyone involved with the Promotions held at the Dolphin
Centre in Poole on Sunday 8th January. Everybody worked so hard to promote the performances, and I am truly thankful for the
efforts involved.
If you would like to become a member of
South Coast Ballet, the company will be accepting new members to join us for our June/July season of 'Cinderella'.
Potential new members can attend a existing rehearsal, meet the other dancers and get a 'feel' for what the group
is like before they make a decision on Membership. The next session to join for Cinderella, and Sorcerers'
Apprentice, on February 4th. Please be in touch before then to check the most suitable time.
Latest News!!!
Misses Caitrin Barrett-Donlon and
Annabelle Buckfield, two of the most dedicated and hard working ballerina's in the company, are now hard at work swotting
for important school exams - Caitrin with A-levels and Annabelle with GCSE's. Both will miss out on our Cinderella and
Sorcerer seasons, reluctantly, as they are both two of the most passionate about their ballet and dedicated to their art.
They will be able to return to and take up their places when they are ready, but in the meantime we wish them all the very
best with these important studies.
With effect from 4th February,
Lauren Dawes will be a Soloist, Lauren has already experienced life in this rank, and is accomplished in her partnering work.
We also welcome four new Artistes and one new Coryphee to the group.
Bank Transfer Details
These details are in the
Information Handbook
About Us
If you are interested in joining South Coast Ballet as a dancing member, then you need only attend a Rehearsal
with us, followed by a short one-to-one discussion. Rehearsals are held every Saturday at the Lighthouse. There is no obligation
to join, but places are limited. We accept dancers from ANY dance school, ANY syllabus or teaching method, and ANY grade or
level from Grade 2 up, boys and girls, all abilities and standards!! All sorts of dancers choose to join us - from those who
aspire to be a ballet dancer one day, to those who want to be all-round performers or work in musical theatre, to those who
aspire towards acting and drama. Whatever the reason, the benefits of experiencing being a part of South Coast Ballet are
enormous.
All professional teachers of high standing in the Poole and Bournemouth areas are regularly informed
of our activities and receive information to hand out regarding joining South Coast Ballet and its performances.
The company only engages only between 30 and 36 dancers at any time, who are aged between 10 and 18 years old, along
with dancers 18+ who are interested in performing character and non-dance roles and actors who want to extend and expand their
stage experiences. Dancers must be studying ballet regularly with respected and competent local teachers. We rehearse at the
amazing and stimulating environment of the Lighthouse Theatre in Poole, staging and presenting our productions at a professional
level at The Lighthouse Theatre in the Poole and the Bournemouth Pavilion.
Principal
Dancers
Our Senior Principals are all students of ballet who ordinarily
train at an Advanced Vocational level with highly respected and competent teachers of ballet at reputable schools in Dorset.
They perform all the leading and main supporting roles, and may occasionally perform in small ensemble dances in our productions.
They train the Art of the Pas de Duex with the Artistic Director, and while they also receive Coaching as well, many of their
teachers also provide additional Coaching to help support them in being the best they can be.
Leading Soloists
Leading Soloists are ordinarily
the most technically advanced dancers in the group - working at Advanced 1 and above. They perform the most challenging and
demanding Solo dances as well as supporting lead, dramatic or character roles. They also sometimes dance in the main ensemble
dances
Soloist Dancers
Soloists perform a Solo Variation in almost every production, as well as Duets, Pas de Quatre and small ensemble
dances. They may at times be given dramatic supporting or lead character roles, and may even be a part of the large corps
de ballet dances. Soloist dancers study classical ballet at Intermediate or above and pointe work, and may be called upon
to learn Pas de Duex with South Coast Ballet.
Junior Male Principals
Junior Principals make up the male dancers of South Coast Ballet until
such time that they are promoted to Senior Principal. Ordinarily they are expected to dance Solo's, male only ensemble
dances and Pas de Deux. They work with a suitable partner, who is compatible in height and proportion, and with whom they
are technically matched. Males DO NOT dance as part of a female chorus, but will be called upon to part of the general stage
chorus in various scenes.
Coryphees
Coryphees are members of the Corps de Ballet - First Artistes who are female partners to the Junior Male Principals.
They take instruction in the Art of Pas de Deux and will perform Pas de Deux and Solo Variations with their Male partner.
Corps de Ballet - First Artistes
First Artistes dance in the large chorus and ensemble dances (Corps de Ballet) and sometimes within smaller
groupings, such as Pas de Quatre, Six, Huit etc. They may have the opportunity to understudy Soloist dances (depending on
the ballet) and will be given opportunities to play supporting character parts, develop mime scenes as well as be given Solo
experience.
Artistes
Artistes are the youngest members of the company and dance in ensemble dances - including ballet, character dance,
and neo-classical dances. They are also responsible for devising the drama for the large mime and background scenes in certain
ballets.
Rehearsal Auditions for New Members
If you are interested in becoming a Member and joining us for the start of rehearsals for 'Cinderella'
and 'The Sorcerers' Apprentice' please be in touch and let us know that you would like to participate
in a Rehearsal Audition with us. We only take on a limited number of dancers at a time, depending on where
places are available. Please make your intentions known the sooner rather than later. Contact SCB via email South_Coast_Ballet@live.co.uk leave a message via telephone
(01305) 839927
If there are any male dancers out there who might be remotely interested in becoming
involved with us, please get in touch with us. We would love to have you come along as a guest to see 'A Gala Programme
of Ballet', and then attend backstage for the same show, so that you can see both sides of the coin. You would NOT be
pressured into joining if you did not want to - but you have got to see what it is all about in order to believe it. SCB is
a great way to get some really good male dancing experience. Get in touch!!!
New Promotions
Congratulations to Lauren Dawes of Orchard Academy of Dance and Performing Arts who has
been promoted from Coryphee to Soloist. We also welcome four new Artistes to the group - names to be announced soon!!
Dancer of the Year 2011
The Dancer of the Year Vote 2011 was
unaniously won by Principal Madeleine West. This is a dancer-only vote on who they believe should be the Dancer
of the Year and with absolutely no influence on them whatsoever!! The dancers' written words and reasons for nominations
will be available in the foyer of the Lighthouse Theatre throughout the duration of our next Seasons' Rehearsals, and
I am sure you will be as touched as I am at the maturity and selfless comments that they have exhibited in their nominations.
I believe that this is an amazing troupe of young dancers, who have really honed in to the theatre, and what it is like to
be a performance artist. They have all adopted a true theatre spirit - all for one and one for all
- regardless of their teacher, school or training background. She follows in the footsteps of Stephanie
Walker who took the Award in 2009, and Chelcie Hunt in 2010.
Character Parts for Dancers and Actors!
Actors and Dancers of any age are most welcome to become involved and play
one of our many character roles available in any of our productions. Please contact the Artistic Director direct for full
details about what may be available. There are places available for 'La Fille mal Gardee' in January. We are
looking fora kookie Farmer and a Priest, and a male or female to play the almost pantomimic role of The Widow. By
the way, gents do not have to wear tights or do ballet!! It is a fabulous experience, you'll be gauranteed
to enjoy - so give us a call, an email or a text to find out more (without any committment).
In 2010 a drama student from Poole
College joined us to play the part of Dr Coppelius in our production of Coppelia at the Bournemouth Pavilion, and another
contingent of actors filled several roles in 'Giselle' and 'Magic Toyshop' in 2011. Non-dance parts, but richly
full of mime and theatricality, it allowed for plenty of personal interpretation and own original ideas to be utilised. We
most welcome senior students, actors, adults etc to come and join us to play the variety of parts on offer which complete
and make 'real' the ballets that we present. We hire a variety of theatres, and present an average of four performances
with each of three seasons per year. That's a lot of going on stage, if going on stage is what you enjoy! So whether you're
a dancer who loves being on stage, but isn't up to full out dancing anymore; or an actor that would like to develop and
expand their talents, or an adult with a range of experiences to offer us, as well as utilise on the stage, we'd love
to hear from you. Give us a call, or drop us an email if you are remotely interested and I will
be happy to explain the roles further, and answer any of your questions. (01305) 839927 South_Coast_Ballet@live.co.uk
Where are the Boys??
Our company is sadly lacking in Boys!! Where are they all? Surely there is more than
one young man learning ballet in the whole of Dorset! Our lone young man is a late starter to ballet, but having joined
us for performing experience, has grown to thoroughly enjoy the challenge and diversity of ballet, as a dance form as well
as its extraordinary theatricalness. As classic ballets require Pas de Duex as a standard part of any production, we teach
and coach it to the dancers who are members with us. Males find this aspect of ballet highly challenging, very difficult and
tiring, but hugely rewarding and probably one of the key factors in keeping young men learning the art of ballet, when they
may normally have given up and moved on. We welcome young male dancers to join us and add the art of partnering to their skills
and talents. We have some excellent female dancers who are 'ready' to take on the responsibility of learning partnering
- if only they had a partner!! We welcome enquiries from dancers, parents and teachers - no pressure or committment to joining.
But please do bear this in mind - the more well trained young men, from our excellent Dorset teachers and schools, that
go on stage and show what they can do, and look pretty good while doing it, the more it will encourage other young boys to
take up ballet too! (and others still to stick with it!)
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| View of the Wili's in Act 2 of 'Giselle' 2011 |
Helping South Coast Ballet
Supporting Us
Friends of SCB
The Snow Queen Casting
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| Former Principal Stephanie Walker as 'Swanilda' in Coppelia, 2010 |
Joining South Coast Ballet
Dancers
Creative
Guest Character Artistes
South Coast Ballet Ethos
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| Allanha Tucker as Prayer in 'Coppelia' 2010 |
Plea for the future of Ballet in The South West!
Artistic Director, Caron Yardley states that the company needs strong support
to continue its work in the area and invites any form of sponsorship, funding or philanthropic help that can be offered. Recently,
the Bournemouth Ballet Club had to disband and Bournemouth and Poole lost a magnificent and long standing organisation that
also gave professional performance experience to our young dancers. For those who have seen firsthand what we actually do,
and how we do it, they will agree that we are an entity worthy of longevity.
We are a unique organisation in both
the UK and the World, providing amazing opportunities to develop young performers and to enrich the artistic fabric of the
area. Our creative work does not set out to shock or offend, but is 'good' family entertainment that extends to being
enjoyed by a lot more people than just ballet enthusiasts (as we have been told time and time again). There over 100 dance
schools in the Poole and Bournemouth conurbation alone - a lot of dance enthusiasts, families and friends to enjoy appreciating
and engaging in the creative process as well as practicing and being examined in dance! There is a real chance that Bournemouth
or Poole could play host to a medium scale professional ballet company in the near future, that would give work to our local
young dancers once they've finished their professional vocational training. I know that I prefer to work in this beautiful
county, far away from the crowds of London or Manchester - the same too goes for many dancers!!! But support for a company
will not be given, if audiences are not cultivated in advance. Audiences need to want a locally based company - where the
work, money and profits stay in the area instead of going overseas to touring European companies!! A local company where the
traditional is produced well with ongoing new and original creative works too - not just the same tired out productions given
year after year, at exorbitant prices.
Please support our work and the future of dance in the area. We need the
support of all those who dance, all those who teach dance, all those who know people who dance, all those who love dance anyway,
and so on.... to get Bournemouth and Poole on the map with a highly creative and amazing ballet company.......... Just think,
the Royal Ballet started with only 6 part time dancers. If Ninette de Valois can achieve this, then surely we can achieve
a regional ballet company for the South West to be proud of. We've got great teachers and schools in the region, and some
schools who have the potential to become Professional Vocational Training Schools training dancers in the South West and potentially
feeding the dancers to a great regional company!
I urge you to come and see any of our productions, which are put together on
a shoestring budget. If you like what we can do with peanuts, then just think about what we could do with some support - financial
sponsorship and audience support!! We have the potential to truly grow into something special. We have great a orchestra based
in the area, why not a ballet company too!
Ballet Exam Successes!!
Congratulations to dancers from South
Coast Ballet who have recently had great success with the RAD Intermediate Foundation Classical Ballet examinations. Nancy
Morris, Chelsie Scadding and Ibrahim Langoo have all passed with Merit, and Giles Surridge and Kara Leatherbarrow have gained
Distinction. All these dancers are students of Sue Mills of Poole Academy of Dance. Well done to all them. They join Annabelle
Buckfield from Murilova Ballet School who gained Distinction for her Intermediate Foundaton earlier this year, Allanha Tucker
of Dorchester Ballet and Dance Club who passed her Advanced 1, Caitrin Barrett-Donlon a private student of Diane Gulliford
who gained her Advanced Foundation, and almost all our dancers from Orchard Academy of Dance and Performing Arts, Robin Alexander,
Keira Bailey, Lauren Dawes, Alex Dawes and Celeste Brady who also passed with Merits and Distinctions earlier this year and
are preparing to take their Intermediate in the New Year!!! It is fabulous to see so many young dancers working at the more
advanced Vocational Grades levels! Congratulations all of you - and of course all those who have taken Grades exams recently
as well!!
Mailing List
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to be a part of our Mailing List? Let us know your contact details and you will receive mailouts about performances and appearances
by South Coast Ballet to keep you up to date with what is coming up. Your details will be kept confidential and not shared
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