Thato Picks up the Pace at Trinity Laban
Boys Dancing apprentice Thato Malebye recently attended Trinity Laban's 'Pick up the Pace Revisited', a day of dance activity which celebrates 10 years of male dance community participation programmes, and featured films, performances by male dance groups from around the UK and workshops for young men.
Here's Thato's blog of his experiences at Pick up the Pace:
"Around 9:00 a.m. I hear music from Dave McKenna's car as he parks outside
my house to pick me up. I think to myself he's early or maybe I'm
running late, but either way I'm not quite ready. So once again I'm off
to my usual rushed start to the day, frantically trying to make sure I
have everything. I finally get myself together and we get on the way.
Weather is nice and Dave and myself always find plenty to talk about so
the 3 hour long journey flies by.
"Just gone 12:00pm when we
arrive at Trinity Laban. As soon as we enter the building we can feel
the vibrance in the atmosphere. The sounds of mumbling voices fills the
background. There are boys and young men heading to the cafe for lunch
after the morning dance workshops with smiles on their faces. Various
all-male dance pieces are being projected on screens in the foyer.
"We
get ourselves signed in, get our maps of the building and schedule for
the day then we are let loose to explore. Our first stop was the cafe
for some lunch. We'd barely sat down to eat before somebody recognises
Dave and just like that, we switch to work mode; discussing projects,
funding and various other things relating to boys dancing. Then it's off
the feedback room where I'm instantly asked to be on camera discussing
the obstacles that impede boys from dancing, as well as the benefits of
having days like these, which cater dance specifically to boys. I must
say I felt like I rocked that interview! Then it was off to the studio
theatre to watch a few performances. John Ross Company took to the
stage and blew us away. The piece was about a boys night out! It was
very cleverly choreographed as a retrospective look at the events that
led up to the groups opening pose. The seamless and creative use of
humour while staying very true to the antics that can be observed during
some boys' real-life nights out was incredible.
"As the
piece finished it was time for my first class, Contemporary, with Will.
This was my first ever purely contemporary class although nothing we did
was completely new to me I really enjoyed myself. The atmosphere in the
room was very laid back yet challenging. It felt like we had all known
each other for sometime.
"Then after a 15 minute break, a workshop with
members of Frantic Assembly. Really fun and simple cardiovascular
warm up followed by an exercise that challenged the mind and body which
gave me ideas for the work I do for Boys Dancing. We worked on some
lifts then did some creative exercises focusing on a pedestrian approach
to movement, which I really enjoyed.
"Then it was time for the
Q&A with our panel of professional male artists, to which
Dave and myself were late due to some reason I can't quite remember. The
discussion included topics such as going into the profession world,
best single advice to give to a young dancer, whether geographical
learning environment affects future prospects and many more.
"We
had some drinks and snacks at the pre-show drinks reception then made
our way to the theatre. The event was brought to a close by performances
from various all-male groups of different style and ages. My favourite
of which was Edge FWD from Edge Hill University. The piece was dynamic, creative,
humorous, very well thought out and put together. Great choreography and a
well executed performance. Before I knew it, it was time to go home.
"Pick up
the Pace was a great event. One I am very glad I went to, and an
experience that will stay with me for some time. I really would
encourage other young dancers to go to the event in years to come."