PART TWO
Ever since Marylebone Dance Studio closed last July, I have felt that Dissidents needs to find a new base where they can have regular rehearsals and somewhere to call home! For now, we have been rehearsing in Laban, which has been wonderful! However, without a base we often struggle with the costs of rehearsal space before a big performance.
Last Sunday the Dissidents performed at (B)old Festival at Queen Elizabeth Hall foyer in a mixed programme of work by senior artists.
The previous day, Saturday 19 May, was the day of the Royal Wedding and the group met up in the foyer to take a look at the space, have a catch up and have a little rehearsal outside in the sun.
When we arrived in the foyer at 11am, a big screen had been put up for people to watch the wedding and a large crowd was gathering. As union jacks were waving and people were taking their seats in front of the screen, the Dissidents went outside to look for a quiet space to rehearse. I was so impressed by this group of people, who despite all the festivities around them, just wanted to concentrate on their performance the next day. I think this extra rehearsal in the sun really proved vital in making the performance more precise and aided with eliminating some hesitancy. It felt wonderful to not have the time constraints of a studio booking and therefore we just rehearsed until we were happy and until it got too hot!
The previous day, Saturday 19 May, was the day of the Royal Wedding and the group met up in the foyer to take a look at the space, have a catch up and have a little rehearsal outside in the sun.
When we arrived in the foyer at 11am, a big screen had been put up for people to watch the wedding and a large crowd was gathering. As union jacks were waving and people were taking their seats in front of the screen, the Dissidents went outside to look for a quiet space to rehearse. I was so impressed by this group of people, who despite all the festivities around them, just wanted to concentrate on their performance the next day. I think this extra rehearsal in the sun really proved vital in making the performance more precise and aided with eliminating some hesitancy. It felt wonderful to not have the time constraints of a studio booking and therefore we just rehearsed until we were happy and until it got too hot!
What I feel holds Dissidents together is we want to fight stereotypes that anyone over a certain age is a doddery old person who does not have much energy or ability. I hope that by presenting a slightly surprising performance of an iconic rock track, which is full of vibrance and energy, that we can in some way fight this image.
The next blog will include footage and pictures from the performance at Queen Elizabeth Hall, which we are still all BUZZING from! :-)
The next blog will include footage and pictures from the performance at Queen Elizabeth Hall, which we are still all BUZZING from! :-)
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