The journey so far Brockhill 122748

The journey so far….a dance company in the making: 

The journey so far….a dance company in the making Brockhill Park Performing Arts College with The Cholmondeleys and the Featherstonehaughs

The first Step: 

The first Step Creative Partnerships broker the project matching the artists and college with a vision for a project of substantial quality. Nov – Dec 2004

Onwards: 

Onwards Key staff are identified and a project proposal is drawn up and costed Project will span two financial years and one school year…total cost £120.000 March 2005

The vision: 

The vision An ambitious dance education project. Unique in conception and execution To reconstruct a complex piece of repertory with accompanied live music from composer Steve Blake A dance work of professional standard with high quality design from Sandy Powell and Simon Corder

The Partnership is extended: 

The Partnership is extended Another Local school joins the project . They will work alongside Steve Blake and create the score. August 2005 Chris Nash – dance photographer joins the team. BPPAC 6th form Travel and Tourism students agree to work as administrators for the project

The Company: 

The Company The dance company is identified. 8 boys and 8 girls from years 8 – 13. They are invited to make the commitment Families are contacted and an initial meeting takes place. Lea Anderson talks to the families. A collective understanding is reached regarding time commitment and impact on school studies

Scale of Project: 

Scale of Project Term 1- 16 school days and 2 weekends Term 2 – 10 school days and 2 weekends Term 3 – 11 school days and 2 weekends Production week at The Place Tour- Summer 2006 The Place, Margate, Brockhill Park Performing Arts College

Impact: 

Impact The companies begin work Sept 2005. Identity: The Marchbanks and The Colqohouns Whole School commitment to release students from lessons and to support them in managing school work. A new family of students begin to form a real relationship .. The company takes shape

The team: 

The team The Team of Six teachers all take the first session. A rota is drawn for the other sessions. The students begin to make connections with their teachers. Respect is always evident. From the youngest to the oldest the attention to detail is professional

Rehearsals move on..: 

Rehearsals move on.. The work which is divided into sections is taught to all students Dance Material is complex and difficult but the students work to achieve the movement language without compromise

And on…..: 

And on….. As dance material is taught casting begins and rehearsals are re – focussed and targeted. We are in February 2006…we have a dance company We are already very proud…and the best is yet to come..

As for the other stuff?: 

As for the other stuff? We notice: A sense of community. Leaders emerge. Support and nurture are a part of every session Commitment to the task and each other Ability to overcome problems Focus and work- rate- are amazing Re – organisation of personal schedules to meet rehearsal requirements

and more..: 

and more.. Ability to negotiate deadlines for other school work A real sense of purpose and increasing belief in self Communication skills are developing Creative language is often heard Lots of laughter Students’ achievement is high and in some cases extra – ordinary..leading school staff to consider the need for even higher expectation when working with young people

And even more…: 

And even more… So when they go into the real world they already know: How to be in a team How to work to strengths and overcome weaknesses How to solve problems How to work to deadline How to negotiate How to focus and work

The future…: 

The future… We move into the next term with excitement The individual components will come together…dance, design and accompaniment The Photo shoot… The work will go to performance…. The experience has already changed lives and there is much to lead us to expect that these young people will move forward with self assurance and confidence……

What of the teachers?: 

What of the teachers? We have had to work long hours to support the weekend sessions and to facilitate the project. BUT we have also learnt: To expect even more of our students Set ceilings high… Chase every opportunity for our young people To enjoy their progress and success..it will leave a legacy that will impact upon school dance for years to come.