Dance Showcase Logs

Show Performance Review:  Robyn’s Jazz – “Big Time”: Because this number opened the show, and it required high energy, slick execution, and performance precision this had the pressure of starting off well. I found the tight formations and group unison sections especially challenging in earlier rehearsals, but during the show I managed to stay connected to the group while still performing with projection. One thing I noticed was how easy it is to let facial tension or over-concentration show when you’re trying to hit sharp movements and I'll continue t keep working on this. That said, the routine felt tight, and Robyn’s feedback about dancing “bigger” in space finally clicked for me on stage. I pushed further with performance energy and really tried to fill the space especially as the stage was larger than I'd anticipated. Because hadn't been able to settle nerves yet properly, I found some sections became more wobbly than they are usually are, such as the turns and unison d...

Dress Run’s Rehearsal Log~ Session Summary: Over the last few weeks, we’ve completed several full runs of the show. These rehearsals were essential for ironing out technical issues, building stamina, and most importantly, refining characterisation and performance across each number. Robyn’s main message throughout our classes, full runs and dress runs in the last week was that without using our proper technique and strength, we cannot use dynamics, performance and musicality in the correct way. The repeated runs allowed us to focus more on intention, consistency, and adapting under pressure and especially when adding costumes, props, and quick changes into the mix. Personal Observation: Spacing was one of the most challenging aspects throughout the dress run period. Much of our early rehearsal took place in studios that didn’t match the actual stage dimensions, which made it difficult to set reliable physical markers. That said, this is often the reality in the industry, so I took it a...

Rehearsal log 11~ Robyn’s Jazz Session Summary: The primary focus of this rehearsal was refining choreography with an emphasis on  spatial awareness, transitions , and achieving precision in  unison . Robyn directed our attention toward the “ intentionality  of movement”, highlighting the importance of technical proficiency to fully realise the musicality and dynamics of the piece. We began by working through  body positions and placements , whilst making sure our formations were consistent and accurate. Robyn offered feedback to help us physically understand the arm lines required, which became especially important for more intricate movements involving the arms and head. Emma was also present for this rehearsal and was there for extra notes. It was particularly useful when they both made us hold positions to make sure we were all understanding the physicality of the movements the same and therefore practicing the right muscle memory.  A large part of the rehea...

Rehearsal log  9~ Emma’s Lyrical Session Summary: This rehearsal focused primarily on developing character through dynamics and breath. Halfway through, we watched a video of our performance to self-correct any visible mistakes or irregularities, which proved to be a helpful time-saving tool during the cleaning process. Emma made some adjustments to the timing of the final cannon, making it more manageable and allowing the ending to flow better. She also changed the direction of our exits to add a sense of spontaneity to the piece. Personal Observation: I struggled during this session with executing turns, spins, and sliding motions, as the floor felt rough on my bare feet and aggravated my blisters. Emma advised me and others dealing with the same issue to wear socks to prevent further damage to the soles of our feet. This experience made me realise that I need to incorporate better foot care into my weekly routine to avoid these issues in the future. Research: As a dancer, I’ve c...

  Rehearsal Log  8~ Robyn’s Opening Session Summary: This week’s rehearsal focused heavily on spacing, learning new choreography, and cleaning up the number. I’m becoming quite comfortable with the choreography, though there are still a few new sections that I'm struggling to count accurately. As third-year dancers, we’ve been given sections to improvise and showcase our individuality, which is a great opportunity for self-expression. Robyn gave us specific notes regarding footwork, head, and arm lines. With so many of us on stage during the larger dance breaks, it's essential that I remain precise and fulfill my role in maintaining the visual cohesion of the piece. The choreography is high-intensity and demands a lot of agility and stamina. Personal Observation: So far, I’ve been experimenting with my individual sections, but I need to solidify my choices to avoid confusion, both for myself and for others who might be using my movements as a visual cue. There were a few momen...

  Rehearsal log  7- Emma’s Lyrical Session Summary: In this rehearsal, we focused on resolving spacing and entrances due to the absence of a company member. Emma also took time to explain the deeper meaning behind each section of the piece, providing more context for the storytelling involved. As an ensemble member, my role isn’t to portray the central story but rather to amplify the atmosphere by supporting the main characters through facial expressions and dynamic movement. While I’m beginning to understand the timing better, my entrance has changed due to the new spacing. This means I need to anticipate the timing more carefully, so practicing it throughout the week will be important to get it right. Personal Observation: Emma encouraged us to draw upon personal experiences to enhance the authenticity of the storytelling. Once I did so, I felt much more expressive and connected to the piece. However, I did struggle with some of the jumps, particularly with elevation. I beli...