My Silver Arts Award
WHAT IS ARTS AWARD?
To make myself to understand what is the purpose of this range of qualifications, I had to start with the very beginning, trying to scrutinise online as much information as I could.
"Arts Award inspires young people to grow their arts and leadership talents.''
I am young, and I love arts.
''Grow your own talents, explore the arts, be a creative leader and get yourself a qualification.''
I practice and learn methods to develop my art skills, and I always love to do something creative or constructive.
Arts Educational Schools, London 2008
''You can be the creator or performer of your own work, or develop your skills in essential roles like marketing or stage management.''
These words could follow the path of anyone's epiphany if indeed you realise or understand as I already have.
These words sound in my ear not just as an opportunity but as a perfect motivational speech needed when you expect probably nothing.
Photo by O. Alexandru
''You can do an Arts Award in any area of the arts from fashion to poetry, rapping to dancing, sculpture to film.''
I dance, I perform on stage as an actress, I am a young filmmaker. It seems that there are open doors for everything that I love to do.
Ballet Boyz Dance Studios 2017
And what it is even better,
''there are no entry requirements and no time limit for completing the awards, and no set rules on how to present final work''.
It sounds more than perfect.
For me, it was too good to be true: I've learned about Arts Awards recently, and I have already a deadline to deliver my work for the Silver Arts Awards.
But it's fine. Hope I will handle it.
Although I've heard for the first time about the Silver Arts Award, not so long ago, (when recently I've joined the Trinity Laban Dance Ambassadors programme), the good news is that instead of panic, I had to find an immediate balance in a well-structured plan first.
No time to waste when weekly I need to prepare something for the Silver Arts Awards and the first deadline is on 6th of December 2017.
So I had to reboot my schedule and try to find a way that it works for me.
It is good to know that such qualifications exist, to create a recognisable persona as an artist or an arts leader when often my young age doesn't give me much credibility in the real world.
My Dance Silver Award Presentation - Unit One
Name: Octavia Selena Alexandru
Age: 15 years old
I'm going to keep this simple, (talking about the record of my progress) even though it's tough work to achieve what I'm about to do in "a flash" and knowing that English is my second language.
Unit 1: art practice and pathways
Part A: arts challenge
My art challenge tells the story of everything I've achieved so far as a performer, combined with a study of Maurice Bejart's Boléro choreography.
I will follow the original dance structure; I will borrow Ravel's Boléro musical piece, and I will bring some new dance movements.
I've found it amusing the similarity of this challenge with the must-have bride's myth: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed.
My main strengths in dance are improvisation, my confidence in trying new things and my expression (creating a story to the song/choreography I'm doing).
My main weaknesses in dance is ballet technique. I know it sounds funny but its true. I don't look like your everyday ballerina or even dance like one unless I'm trained too.
So there it is my plan.
No. 1: The Schedule
I've started with identifying my routine tasks that I often perform, (daily / weekly) and I've made a plan how to use time-saving tools or ways when appropriate or allowed.
I've merged many of my needs, knowing my daily routine and my priorities.
I've rescheduled the difficult tasks when my energy levels are high, leaving the routine works for my low energy periods.
My homeschooling programme is busy and challenging itself so no room for wasting time.
And besides of the academical tuitions,
I study the GCSE Dance at Royal Academy of Dance (Saturdays);
Drama at Rose Youth Theatre Company (Sundays)
and contemporary dance at Rambert (Thursdays).
If the intended time for the already booked events works, mixed with a new agenda, it means (that even the pressure is still on), I will manage to carry on with my challenge.
The challange I'm doing is perfect to practice my weakness. So I will be learning more ballet techniques but of course, I will be adding my own twist to it.
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance 2017
Rambert, Rose Theatre & Royal Academy of Dance
Home studying with my assistant Nini :)
The next step, I've managed to receive the confirmation to use the Trinity Laban Library on Wednesdays before the Dance Ambassadors class starts.
Extremely useful is also the Royal Academy's Library where I was lucky enough to find the book LABANOTATION - The System of Analyzing and Recording Movement.
Royal Academy of Dance
No. 2: Arts Challenge - Boléro Choreography with a twist.
My first ever training was in classical ballet, and my dearest performer to watch on TV was Sylvie Guillem.
I was not just inspired but captivated by her dance abilities, and the incredible athletic performances delivered by such delicate posture.
My Fairy was not a fictional character but Sylvie. I was spellbound and intrigued whatever dance she would perform; I think she was filling me with the urge of learning dance, to do something creative.
I did not have the chance to witness any of her performance, but I follow her dance in any composition with the same emotions.
My ballet photo-album since I was just a toddler is a beautiful proof of loving the dance art.
Here there are some Mini-Me in a ballerina posture trying to follow my Muse Sylvie Guillem.
Young Ballet Academy
Arts Educational Schools, London
Covent Garden
italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
The Fantasio Theatre
Maurice Ravel's Boléro was Sylvie's last dance performed.
She brought Bejart's choreography to the highest level.
I'm willing to learn and understand this triple way combined masterpiece, designed and delivered by these three astonishing artists: Ravel, Bejart, Guillem.
Something old - Ravel's orchestral piece.
Something borrowed - Bejart's choreography.
Something new - Guillem's unique performance and touch.
REASON
Boléro embodies natural aptitudes, strength, brilliance, artistry, technique and virtuosity.
I am a dancer but not a ballerina.
I was told that I am a gifted child, but I'm so far from Sylvie's outstanding performance and experience; this is why I need to push myself out of my comfort zone and work on my ballet technique to learn the proper method and execution of movement.
I need to accustom not just my body but my brain with the core techniques of ballet.
Exercising at a barre is not my strength anymore for many years.
And is a must to study and train about all following elements:
Aplomb
Arabesque
Ballon
Battement
Chaînés
Chassé
Dégagé
Dessous
Élevé
Fouetté
Pas de bourrée
Pointe technique
Positions of the arms
Renversé
Rond de jambe
Split
Tendu
Turnout
Variation.
My strength comes from my positive attitude mixed up with my constant dance training. There are two significant contributors to my dance performance that I will mention too: my acting training and my performing experience. I feel confident to work under pressure, and I love Improvisation.
Thinking that improvisation is my strength, I have to admit that probably is also a cause for my weakness.
Now I realise how easy I've neglected the principles of body movement and form used in ballet and the must-have training routine, as an effect of too much confidence in my mind in what "I can handle" when a dance is happening.
Photo by O. Alexandru
What I have decided to do with my art challenge and who is my adviser
The decision is in my mind already. The realistic point of view is still far, far away from the final results, and this is why I need an adviser or several professional opinions.
Nowadays, you get a lot of information online; however, I cannot act delusional and think that I know entirely what I am doing.
So I need guidance for sure.
Trinity Laban Dance Ambassadors teachers and coordinators are the first ones encouraging my wish to pursue my idea.
I am helped, supported and advised, so I've got the opportunity, the foundation and guidance assured already.
Identify and plan
I decided to use mainly Wednesdays for my work on Arts Award and planned a functional and efficient timetable to study, to train and to create my study art product.
For the rest of the weekly days with no exception, I've drawn a scheme for all the video dance choreographies that I've found on the subject of Bolero creation, followed by researching of history, articles, the way of training, valuable resources with references to dancing and music genre called Bolero.
I've recorded my daily progress in the form of a funny diary.
Nothing smooth or flawless as I expected.
My reflections were not all the time satisfactory, many of them being generated by things or situations out of my hand to control.
I've planned all in detail, but I don't live in a perfect world so, no any warranty agreement for my good intentions. Delays in traffic, unexpected selfish behaviour from older fellow student dancers, noisy migraines, muscle aches, forgetting to remove lens cap when I've finally decided to record on camera my performance... and other distracting and unpleasant situations fooling around with my effort, faith and time.
Dancing around Bolero studies:
Spanish Bolero
Ravel's Boléro
Béjart’s Boléro
Guillem's Boléro
My Boléro time
Spanish Bolero
Bolero is a form of musical traditions, originated in Spain, a combination of popular dances (contradanza and the sevillana) and classical ballet, meant to perform for larger venues.
The Italian Ballet performers who often danced in Spain during the 18th century brought the technique and choreography influencing the dance structure in Spanish dance repertoire.
Ravel's Boléro
Boléro premiered at the Paris Opéra on 22 November 1928, is (a one-movement orchestral piece based on the Spanish art music and dance called bolero) the most famous musical composition by the French composer, pianist and conductor Joseph Maurice Ravel.
Ravel’s music, was commissioned by the famous Belle Époque figure and da Ida Rubenstein
The composition and rhythm are designed to impersonate the Spanish bolero.
Ravel's explanation:
“My Boléro has to stick in one’s head!”
And it does indeed.
Béjart’s Boléro
The Boléro (1961) choreographed by Maurice Bejart is a Masterpiece of the modern ballet, created in 1960 for the Serbian ballerina, Dušanka Sifnios.
The dance features the Principal on a tabletop surrounded by seated men. Bejart's choreography begins in a simple yet intriguing single spotlight aimed at the right arm of the principal, followed by the second spotlight on the left arm; then both of her arms are in the spotlight following, and next, the entire stage is illuminated.
Gradually from the beginning, the principle movements build up the dance, adding complexity to the dance core in the orchestration, culminating in a climactic union of the dancers atop the table.
Surrounded by a large number of men who sit at the edges of the stage.
It premiered on January 10, 1961, featuring Dušanka Sifnios dancing on the tabletop, first stepping to the tune's simplicity, surrounded by seated men, who, in turn, slowly participate in the dance, adding complexity to the building in the orchestration, culminating in a climactic union of the dancers atop the table.
The choreography begins with a single spotlight aimed at the arm of the principle. The second time the theme sounds, there is the second spotlight on both of her arms.
Next, the stage is entirely lit.
Also, the movement the principle begins by simply moving from one bare foot to another, continuing with more intense motion as the music becomes louder.
At first, the men around move along minimally, but one by one they join principle’s tempting dance.
There is constant, elastic motion; Principles’ arms are supple as wings, and the men make sensual movements with their hips. The piece slowly builds up along a stretched crescendo to an inevitable climax, and one cannot help but give in and go along with it.
The drums, getting stronger and stronger, along with the Spanish melody will hypnotise even the spectator in the highest gallery seat. When the music suddenly stops, this unchains an immense applause from the audience that feels like a release.
Among the dancers, who performed Béjart's interpretation of "Bolero", was Sylvie Guillem.
Classical ballet and concert dance.
Training
Performance
Trinity Laban Young Dance Ambassadors
Challange Night
With the lovely dance teacher and choreographer Bethan Peters
I was proud of my two performances and it was pretty hard for me to stay focused that I had to do more ballet technique movements.
First Video
The feedback I got was better than I thought! I appreciate how everyone is also so supportive.
Second Video
Feed Back
Karl Morgan
He trained at Birds College and specialised in ballet, Jazz and contemporary dance.
Karl went on to have a varied and very successful dance career, which has included touring with Sylvie Guillem in Bolero.
And this Is Not Just A Fortunate Coincidence Meeting him at BalletBoyz Studios but A Joy too.
He's a lovely, humble, professional and passionate dancer and choreographer.
I am so lucky to have the privilege to talk to him about Sylvie and Bolero!!
Unbelievable!!
Mrs. Anastasia Sosnovskaya Girolamo
School Principal
Professional highly educated Ballet and Theatre Craft Teacher with more than 10 years teaching experience in Belarus, Europe, and the UK.
Originally from Minsk, Belarus, Anastasia has received her B.A. in Dance Teaching and Choreography following by second bachelor’s degree in Children Psychology. She has also completed MBA in the UK and studied English method of ballet training with IDTA (International Dance Teaching Association).
In her teaching experience, she combines Russian Ballet style together with the English system of education by taking the best of two worlds. Russian teaching style is focusing on student results, while English style is very encouraging.
Dance School Principal at Lyric Dance School
Studied at Belarusian University of Culture and Arts
Studied at Maxim Tank Belarusian State Pedagogical University
My Channel
The video above is a montage of many long shots of my training for the challenge.
As I've said, this would all be improvised on the day and not rehearsed as I like to keep things fresh!
I've of course trained with teachers for the ballet technique and took their knowledge to Laban where I have practised in the hallways as there were no studios free.
Tasks, Experiences and Achievements in the Artistic World
December 2017 - April 2018
I have been lucky enough to be asked to be one of the runners in different shows at the Laban Theatre and also at The Broadway Theatre in Catford (where I have actually performed as leading dancer when I was seven years old in The Witchcraft The Musical).
My first review of a dance performance at
Trinity Laban.
Sadler's Wells Theatre,
Rambert A Linha Curva, and other Works
My favourite Creative Dance Show so far.
I had the privilege to watch the dancers' rehearsals at Rambert and I cherish the opportunity of studying this amazing and complex choreography on both Rambert and Royal Academy of Dance. It is mesmerising.
The Choreography, The special designed Lighting, The Costumes, The Music, The Unbelievable Dancers, all these elements brought together by Itzik Galili, create an unforgettable Brazilian-inspired carnival movement.
"Witness for the Prosecution" was Christie's favourite of all her works ('It was one of
Thank you, Agatha Christie, for such enlighting experience.
I'm speechless.
My very first experience as a 'JUROR' at the Central Criminal Court, at London County Council on 1st December 2017: my plays that I like best myself,’ she recalls in her autobiography).
When my "jury summons notice" (Ticket) appeared in the mail, all I could do was breathe a sigh of panic. I knew nothing about the jury's responsibilities; all that I knew was watching courtroom drama movies. My lovely parents and my kindhearted friend Daniela Dobrin got me a ticket to the new production Agatha Christie’s 1953 play, "Witness for the Prosecution" and the location is breathtakingly real.
I've understood from the beginning that my privileged seat (as a jury panel member) is one of the best and I have to take an oath (an obligation either be “sworn” or “affirmed” before I become a juror).
So, I wrote down a plan thinking not just as a spectator of the play, but as a juror itself in real life. Later on, while "witnessing" the show I felt instantly another character on my skin... my real call as a performer watching the actors playing; I've thought I was part of the cast, and I didn't know any of my lines... AHH!! So, I've felt in one seat these three views so different: a spectator, a real juror and a performer. And I was so emotional; I had to handle my Joy and Tears and Awe. It was hard but wonderful.
Although I did my researching and read The Juror Information Booklet including the Jurors Dress Code, I decided to know nothing about The Play itself. I just wanted to test myself, my power of judgment knowing that I need to be: "Fair; Impartial; Willing to listen; and Willing to keep an open mind."
I've learned Juror's oath and affirmation by heart and performed flawlessly when asked. Small role, but honouring. :)
P.S. I love Marlene Dietrich
Main role "Charlotte" in Charlotte's Web Theatrical Adaptation, Performed at The Rose Theatre Kingston
Main role "Persephone" in collaboration with London Philharmonic Orchestra and Rambert's Generation 2, at South Bank Centre on 11th of April 2018.
Performing the 2nd time in an abstract play at The Victoria & Albert Museum, at The Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre with The Rose Theatre Youth Company on 25th of March 2018.
Great Way to Start A Day!! Shakespeare, here I come!! This is my first step in an extraordinary Shakespearean Journey started in January 2018. Thanks to my awesome parents for all their support. Thanks to my Absolute Super Talented Acting and Dialect Coach Mrs Julie Austin. Thanks to all my RADA examiners and Thanks God. Looking forward to studying and achieving the next step Shakespeare Bronze Awards for both Individual and Duologue!!
