Powerhouse Ballet Extract from La Sylphide Chrima Q Theatre, Leeds, 25 Nov 2023 15:00 and 19:00
Every Autumn The Dance Studio Leeds presents a Celebration of Dance at the Chroma Q Theatre in Leeds. It is a gala to which the studio's students and dance groups and companies from Leeds and beyond contribute. We took part in it for the first time last year when we danced an extract of Giselle (see A Celebration of Dance: Wilis and More 23 Nov 2022). We were invited back this year to dance an extract from La Sylphide on 25 Nov 2023. (see Powerhouse Ballet's Romantic Ballet Workshop 26 Sept 2023 Powerhouse Ballet's website).
For the first time since our formation, we staged a show with a mixed cast. We have always welcomed gentlemen to our classes but we have been unable to persuade any of them to perform in public. This year Frank Lee danced James for us, a role that he performed with flair and gallantry. He was supported by the ladies in the above photograph who excelled themselves.
Our performances could easily have gone wrong because two of our most talented and experienced members were indisposed through illness and injury. I sensed a ripple of despair as the news sank in which was arrested abruptly by our wonderful choreographer, director and producer, Jane Tucker, by assuring us that our show would be wonderful. I have to say that I thought she had her work cut out because the tech rehearsal had exposed several issues. In a rehearsal in our dressing room which she called immediately afterwards, she adjusted the choreography and reassigned roles. Confidence quickly returned and our cast was ready for anything.
There were two performances on 25 Nov: a matinee at 15:00 and an evening show at 19:00. Jane and I watched the matinee and were very impressed. Many styles of dance were represented. All had been thought out well and rehearsed. I enjoyed all the pieces but I particularly liked the Indian dancers. I have invited their teacher to give us an exhibition class in the New Year. Having been one of the founder members of the St Andrews Dance Club I was delighted to make contact with the director of the Leeds Union University Ballet Society. I shall do all I can to support the Society with reviews and announcements, Their dancers will be very welcome at all our classes and workshops.
Our dancers performed magnificently in the matinee. I think the absence of two of our number encouraged them to dance as they had never danced before. I have never been more proud of them. They also danced well in the evening though I only saw them from the wings. After the matinee the cast presented Jane and me with beautiful bouquets of roses, I am glad to say that mine are still going strong.
The purpose of the gala is to raise money for charity. This year the cause was bowel cancer research and relief which this publication is proud to support. We were one of the sponsors of this year's show. Anybody who wishes to contribute to the charity can donate to Bowel Cancer UK.
Powerhouse Ballet is now on a roll. We have been invited to dance in Shake Your Tutu (Northern Dance Academy's Christmas show) at the Creative Centre Theatre, York, YO31 7EX on 10 Dec 2023 at 19:30. Karen Lester Sant has offered us a slot in KNT Danceworks's next show in Manchester. Our next company class will take place on 27 Jan 2024 between 09:45 and 11:15 at Dance Studio Lees when we shall welcome back Annemarie Donoghue of Northern Ballet Academy. Karen will give us our next class in Manchester on 17 Feb 2024, Anyone wishing to join any of our activities should call me on 07966 373922 or send me a message through this contact form.
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