Archive for the ‘Dance’ Category

All photos by Kathrin Simon

The first workshop done. There is now something to show of that which has only lived in our heads and our hearts. ‘let me sing you gentle songs’, the ballet now exists in its embryonic first stage.
The result of the initial four day workshop was presented 27 June.

There are moments when you feel like the heavens are smiling upon you. This was such an event for me.
Turid Revfiem has made my text her own when she has created the movements that give life to my characters.

In Kilda Northcott she has found the most susceptible artist to present the choreography. Kilda does more than dance. She embodies my character Astrid totally. It was utterly moving to watch.

Adriana Harper and Rory Fairweather-Neylan rose to the challenge of merging the choreography that they had rehearsed in advance of the workshop with the new music. An extraordinary achievement.

Sensitive to the pre-existing folk music and the Brahms sonata that forms part of the score, Peter Scholes has composed new music that is so beautiful and so moving that it was decided to have one piece performed with no dancing on stage.

The next workshop is scheduled for 22-25 September. I will be in Europe then, participating only electronically. It will be hard, though I trust the artists implicitly. Can’t wait to see the results. And be part of the process to take ithis work to completion.

Photo: Kathrin Simon, models Pamela Lamm/ Lisa Taylor

Just when I was ready to resign myself and give up this dream, magic intervened. Well, as is usually the case, behind the magic there was a hardworking, stubborn person: Vanessa Zigliani. And some very visionary people at The Edge. I am forever indebted to them for this opportunity. A dream come true.

Work on a ballet based on my first novel, Astrid & Veronika/Let me sing you gentle songs has been a long held dream, fuelled by my own and some other people’s unwavering enthusiasm in spite of financial obstacles. And here it is, finally under way! In the first stage the concept will now be developed during two workshops presented by The Edge here in Auckland, New Zealand.

Each workshop will provide all involved with an opportunity to come togethere for four intense days, showcasing the result in a public performance on the last day. The first workshop will take place 24-27 June, and the second 21-25 September, both in Auckland Town Hall.

I am very excited – and very, very grateful to the the group of people who have agreed to work together on this project:

the choreographer, Turid Revfeim and the composer Peter Scholes, Kilda Northcott who has agreed to dance the role of Astrid, Claire Scholes who will perform solo song and Pamela Lamm who has accepted to read the voice of Astrid.

Other participating artists will be confirmed shortly.

Vanessa Zigliani of Olsson & Zigliani Consultants will produce the workshops, supported by Sue Paterson and Stephen Blackburn.