Joss Arnott Workshop

Joss Arnott Dance Company visited the dance department recently to take our BTEC Dance students through a vigorous technique workshop and choreography session. These workshops are a valuable  insight into the type of career that could be pursued in dance as well as a fantastic opportunity to ask questions to a professional dancer.

Boys Dance Workshop - Part 2

If you read our arts blog on a regular basis you will certainly be familiar with the boys dance group. It all started here, when they started work with all-male dance group Fuzzy Logic. Since then the group has performed in local primary schools with a dance piece about commuting and twice at South Hill Park, with the last performance based on the theme of superheroes. 

The boys are now working along-side Dean Sodden (pictured below) from '4 Motion Dance Theatre' and are learning more physical, athletic moves with their partners. The ideas they gain from the workshop with Dean will go towards the choreography for their final piece, to be showcased in the New Year.

Yateley's Rememberance Sunday Ceremony

One of our talented Year 11 trumpet players, Finn Bradley, attended the Yateley Remembrance Sunday ceremony, performing 'The Last post' and 'Ravielle' to mark the 100th Remembrance Service. It is a proud moment for Yateley School to see Finn play at such an important service and the spectators were clearly moved by the performance.

Finn is currently preparing for his GCSE exams, including music and is also getting ready to take his grade 8 trumpet and grade 5 theory. He is also a member of the Junior Royal Academy of Music and is soon to perform at Ronnie Scott's in Soho. 

Gamelan Workshop in the Music Department

Last week the music department received a visit from Hampshire Music Service for a Gamelan workshop. Gamelan refers to an ensemble of percussion instruments traditionally played in Indonesia, typically used for ceremonies and celebrations but also for dance and puppetry.

Yateley School students were taken through a variety of Gamelan techniques and had a chance to try several instruments too.

Here is an example of gamelan music being played...

Oliver Rehearsal Schedule

For the full rehearsal schedule for Oliver (from November to December) please see the 'Performers' tab where you will find a printable version.

Students: Please continue to check in the Drama department as there may be last minute adjustments to this schedule.

If you have any questions please see Miss Tottman.

House Dance 2014

Opportunity for Dancers aged 13 to 21 yrs

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE

Rock Challenge 2015 *Update!*

New Opportunity in Boys' Dance

The Dance Department will be holding three dance workshops for Boys' in Year 7 to 9 next academic year! The workshops will be on Tuesday 23rd September, Monday 24th November and Monday 9th February, from 9am to 12pm, in the Dance Studio.

If you are interested please see Mrs Wearing! 

Rock Challenge Auditions - Date for your planner!

The dance audition is open to all students who have a strong interest in dance and acting. You do not need to prepare anything for the audition - just bring your dance kit!

Auditions will be held in the Dance Studio and you must sign up on the audition sheets outside the studio door before the audition date. These will be displayed at the beginning of September.

Need to know more about Rock Challenge?

Rock Challenge is a unique opportunity where young people are the stars!

Performances

While the result is a professional event staged in some of the UK's top venues, the main aim of Rock Challenge® is to encourage participants to have fun while enjoying a 100% drug-free, alcohol-free and smoke-free experience. 

Each team creates a 5 to 8 minute dance-drama-based performance on a theme of their choice. 

Schools can create whatever set, props, costumes, hair and make-up, lighting, choreography, drama, and soundtrack that they wish for their theme. 

Forming a Rock Challenge® team is a fantastic opportunity to work on a team project with your friends and peers, unite the school and increase your school's confidence, pride and profile...as well as your own!

The big day

The height of this involvement is an event day at a professional venue full of fun and rehearsals culminating in a spellbinding evening performance in front of a packed audience of family members, peers, VIPs, and a panel of judges.

Awards and recognition

Awards are given out at the end of the show including the top-scoring schools announced with, in most cases, the top school winning through to the regional final.

Learn Skills

Many students with a passion for performance relish the chance to perform on a professional stage with a professional production and technical team. 

Importantly, you'll learn important social, communication and organisational skills just by getting involved and sticking to a commitment with your team. 

Skills like leadership and problem solving are best learned outside the classroom - so this is a great chance.

Here are some of the pictures from this years Rock Challenge:

Lower School Production 2014

TUESDAY 1ST & WEDNESDAY 2ND JULY 2014

LOWER SCHOOL PRODUCTION

If you are a performer and want to check your rehearsal schedules for the show, don't forget you can use the 'Performers' tab and click on the links to take you through to a printable schedule (please bear in mind that this may change so always check with your teacher too!).

Information will be added shortly about tickets!

Interested in joing a dance company?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in dance when you finish school why not consider auditioning for the Berkshire County Dance Company Youth? You can apply if you are aged between 13 and 21 years old so if you are interested please have a look at their website for all the details! For an application form please email Lena Dee at South Hill Park on: lena.dee@southhillpark.org.uk.

The company train and perform alongside professional dance companies and meet at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell on Sundays from 1-3pm during term time and half term in October and February.

Spaces are filling up fast so please get applications in asap to confirm your place at the audition.

Auditions take place on Sunday 1st June from 1-3pm at South Hill Park. 

House Dance - UPDATE!

This is an annual dance event led by selected Year 9 and 10 students as Captains to devise and perform a 6 minute dance piece in their Houses. This year the theme for House Dance is ‘1980’s Britain’. 

The House Dance show will take place over 2 evening performances in October 2014.

The auditions are open to anyone interested in performing in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. 

If you are interested in taking part you will need to sign up on the audition sheets on the ‘What’s On?’ noticeboard outside the Dance Studio. Please note the dates of the auditions:

·         Monday 12 May 3.10-4.30pm, Dance Studio – for NEWTON HOUSE

·         Tuesday 13 May 3.10-4.30pm, Dance Studio – for ARNOLD HOUSE

·         Wednesday 14 May 3.10-4.30pm, Dance Studio – for LISTER HOUSE

Students do not need to prepare a dance for the audition; you must wear their dance kit.

The House Captains will lead the auditions and the Dance Department will be selecting the teams. The team lists will be displayed on Friday 16 May at lunch time on the notice board.

The House Dance Teams will rehearse once a week from the week commencing 19 May until the end of the Summer Term. Please note the rehearsal days for each House:

·         Mondays (3.10-4.30pm, Dance Studio) – NEWTON HOUSE

·         Tuesdays (3.10-4.30pm, Dance Studio) – ARNOLD HOUSE

·         Wednesdays (3.10-4.30pm, Dance Studio) – LISTER HOUSE

In September, each House may have the option of rehearsing twice a week, but this is dependent on the space available.

We will also be inviting students to audition their own work after June half term. (Date to be confirmed). Please note we will be looking for a variety of groupings e.g. soloists, duets and small groups. We are keen to include a variety of dance styles and themes. The dance piece does not need to be about ‘1980’s Britain’.  If your child would like to audition their own work, this piece must be no longer than 3 minutes and be fully rehearsed with their music on CD by the audition.

For any further questions, please contact Mrs Wearing/Joint Head of Dance.

House Dance 2014 - About the Competition

What is the House Dance Competition?
House Dance is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for students who enjoy dancing to make new friends and help create a dance performance to perform live to an audience.

How can I get involved?
Year 10 House Dance Captains will hold open auditions for students in Years 7 to 10 in the week commencing Monday 12th May in the Dance Studio. You must wear your dance kit to audition.

What happens in the audition?
Year 10 House Dance Captains will do a warm-up and then teach you a short phrase. You will then perform it in small groups to the Captains. The Dance Teacher and the Captains will be looking for students who show lots of effort, look like they are enjoy performing and are willing to work hard!

How will I know if I have been selected for the House Dance Team?
Team lists for Arnold, Lister and Newton will be displayed on the notice board on Friday 16th May by lunch time!

When do rehearsals take place?
Each House will rehearse once a week from 3.15-4.30pm in the Dance Studio. There will be six weeks of rehearsals between May and July and then another 5/6 between September and the performance date. You will receive more details on this if you are selected for the team.

When will the rehearsals start?
Rehearsals start on Monday 19th May. It is essential that you look at the Team List and rehearsal schedule for your House on Friday 16th May.

Does it cost anything to be involved?
All students are asked to donate £3.00 towards the cost of buying costumes for the dance. This will need to  be paid at the first rehearsal. Please bring cash and hand it to your Dance Captains.

When is the House Dance Competition?
You will perform your Dance Show in October 2014 in Drama Studio One over two evenings. The date for this will be confirmed asap.

What awards are there in the competition?
The following awards are available: 'Winner of House Dance', 'Best Soundtrack', 'Best Costume', 'Best Performance Skill' and 'Most Committed Dancers'.

Am I a good enough dancer?
You will never know unless you try! We are looking for motivated male and female dancers!


This year the House Dance auditions are on the following dates: 

Monday 12th May

Tuesday 13th May

Wednesday 14th May

from 3.10-4.30pm in the dance studio. They are open to all students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Specific house dates to follow, sign up sheets will be up after Easter! If you have any questions please pop in to see Mrs Wearing in the Dance Studio!

Boys' Dance Opportunity for students aged 11-18

Aged 11-18 years old? A male dancer wanting to work alongside a professional company? ZoieLogic needs you...

This summer ZoiLogic are offering you the chance to take part in a brand new co-commission dance piece between the Mayflower Theatre and The Point. As a small company of young male dancers you will work alongside professional dancers and choreographer Zoie Golding to create an exciting new piece called 'Stolen Wishes'.

You will then perform the piece on 9th and 11th August as part of an outdoor festival in the centre of Southampton.

Interested?

Go along to the open auditions which will be held on 24th April at 6-7.45pm. Just visit www.mayflower.org.uk to register - take a look HERE to see what you would be involved in! 

You must be available for all 5 rehearsal dates on 26-30 May (Half Term) at The Point in Eastleigh and be available for both the performance dates. The project is very high profile and would require your full commitment. 

If you have any additional questions please email engage@mayflower.org.uk

GCSE Dance Show

House Dance Audition Dates 2014!

This year the House Dance auditions are on the following dates: 

Monday 12th May

Tuesday 13th May

Wednesday 14th May

from 3.10-4.30pm in the dance studio. They are open to all students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Specific house dates to follow, sign up sheets will be up after Easter! If you have any questions please pop in to see Mrs Wearing in the Dance Studio!

Year 10 Students - Apply to be a House Dance Captain - here's how...

Are you in Year 10?

Do you have a keen interest in Dance and want to gain new skills/responsibilities?

Are you interested in applying to be a House Dance captain?

Here's a note from mrs Wearing telling you how...

Dear student,

I am delighted that you are interested in applying for the role of ‘House Dance Captain’ this year.  It is a challenging, demanding and very rewarding job.  It will look impressive in your Record of Achievement in Year 11 and offers the opportunity for your leadership skills to shine.

This year students will need to apply for the role. You will need to write one side of A4 paper explaining why you would make a good House Dance Captain.  We are looking for students who can demonstrate strong organisational skills, have the ability to motivate a young team of dancers and are highly reliable. You will also need to show you can work successfully with other Year 10 Captains to create a safe, positive environment at all times. The Dance Department will consider all applications and select the most suitable students for the role. The deadline for the application is Tuesday 22 April (first day back after Easter Holidays).

Selected House Dance Captains will be expected to attend two after school meetings on Tuesday 29 April & 6 May until 4.30pm to plan audition material, create audition posters, share concepts and music suggestions for their pieces.  Auditions will be held on the 12, 13 and 14 May in the Dance Studio.  On Friday 16 May, all House Dance Captains will meet with a member of dance staff at lunch time and give their chosen team lists to her.

House Dance rehearsals will officially begin the week commencing Monday 19^th May (this will give you 8 weeks until the end of the term). In the Autumn Term, you will have 5-6 weeks to finalise and complete the dance ready for the Competition.

House Dance Captains are organised, friendly and positive role models for younger students at Yateley School. The most important part about House Dance is that it is fun and challenging. Each House will rehearse once a week after school in the Dance Studio. These rehearsals will be led by the House Dance Captains and supervised by a member of the Dance Department. The rehearsal nights will be Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 4.30pm.

There are many ways that you can be involved in House Dance as a Captain. Many students enjoy choreographing the dance. You may wish to consider other roles that are equally important such as Costume Designer, Make up and Hair Designer, Warm up Coach or Lighting Designer.

If you would like to be considered, please hand in your letter of application to the Dance Office by Tuesday 22 April.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Mrs Wearing

Joint Head of Dance and Teacher responsible for the House Dance Competition

Gremlin Dance Show

On Thursday 20th March a small group of Year 9 students performed in the Gremlin Dance Challenge at The Princess Hall in Aldershot, There piece was a retelling of Aesop's old fable of 'The North Wind and The Sun'. It explored the battle of the two weathers and focused on the moral that gentle persuasion is more powerful than using aggression or force.

The dancers looked fantastic in the costumes on stage, and the judges obviously agreed as we won 'Best Costume'. I believe the Dancers did a lovely performance and the feedback from members of the crowd were amazing, I hope the girls enjoyed themselves, and thank you to the parental support we received during the event.

Well Done Ladies.

Mrs Evans

How to order tickets for the Year 11 GCSE Dance Show 2014...

Dear Students who have an interest in Dance…

Our current Year 11 GCSE Dance students will be showcasing their performance and choreography exam pieces on Tuesday 25 March.  The show will be held in Drama Studio One and will start at 7.30pm.If you would like tickets to come and see the show please collect a n information sheet from the dance office or school reception. Please return the reply slip in an envelope with your cheque or cash (cheques made payable to Yateley School) stating how many tickets you require. Envelopes can be handed in Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.30 am to 9.00 am at reception.  Tickets will be issued through your son/daughter’s register. 

Ticket prices are:

Adult £3.00 each

Children under 16 £2.00 each

GCSE Dance students and Year 9 students £1.00 each

Mrs Wearing

Joint Head of Dance

Performance Opportunity with South Hill Park Arts Centre

I have been contacted by Katherine hurst, at Scene Productions, a company that some of you may be familiar with as we bring them into drama quite regularly! Katherine has told me that Scene productions will be in charge of producing the South Hill Park 'Summer Show' this year. They are going to be doing a production of 'Oh What a Lovely War' and are looking to cast local people, aged 16 to 60, for the show! 

This will be a wonderful experience for older students to take part in a large scale, installation/promenade within South Hill Park and to work alongside Scene Productions and the team at the arts centre.

If you are enthusiastic, committed and keen to audition for the part, please get in touch immediately! You need to contact Joe Malyan at South Hill Park on joe.malyan@southhillpark.org.uk. You need to include a few specific bits and pieces in this email - to find out all the information please click HERE to go to the South Hill Park page - you will also find scripts and roles there. If you miss the audition deadline you may also contact Katherine (Scene Productions) on khurst63@yahoo.co.uk as they will be holding further auditions at a later date.

Rehearsals start in June, the full schedule is on the site linked above.

Good luck!

Lucy Carter

Arts Development Officer

Boys Dance Group - Now Recruiting!

Darwin Dance Company

D@win Dance Company is an undergraduate dance company of Dance Degree students from Winchester University. The company will visit Yateley School on Wednesday 2^nd April to lead workshops and perform their new show in our dance studio.

The following students will be taking part in the workshop:

Natasha Bench 9NS

Sian Cronin 9NE

Katie Day 9NE

Jessica Dugdale-Moore 9NN

Holly Everest 9AS

Katie Madge 9NE

Grace O’Sullivan 9LS

Iona Reid 9AN

Naomi Gray 9NS

Rowena Pittock 9AE

Matilda Andrews 9LS

Hannah Barnard 9LE

Saffron Harrington 9NN

Emily Parr 9NN

Georgia Pascoe 9NE

Amelia Smith 9AN

Emily Marr 9LE

Alice Skates 9LE

Rachel Holmes 9LE

Rhianne Charman 9LS

Charlie Johnson-Hall 9AE

Lauren Mason 9AE

Cerys Morgan 9AS

Cerys Goddard 9LS

Alessia Matthews 9NE

Jasmine Windsor 9LS

Eleanor Keelty 9LS

Alice Ronney 9NN

Anna Stimson 9AS

If you have any questions please see Mrs Wearing in the Dance office.

The Academy of Contemporary Music - Open Day!

Interested in studying music after you have finished school?

Interested to see what career paths there may be in the industry?

On Sunday 16th March, between 11am and 3pm, The Academy of Contemporary Music, in Guildford, are holding an open day! All you need to do is register your attendance HERE!

More about 'ACM'...

As well as offering some fantastic industry links the academy offers a vast amount of courses including; guitars, drums, bass guitar, vocals, keyboard, music production, electronic music production, sound design, music business, artist development and tour production and management. To see more information see their website on: http://www.acm.ac.uk/ 

Bring Your Own Device in Art!

The new 'Bring Your Own Device' scheme has been up and running since September and the devices have been put to great use in many subjects, including art. In Mrs Breen's class they have been exploring ways to make instructional videos to help other students work with the medium of clay. Here are two examples:

If you have used your device to create piece of work you are proud of why not let me know and I will showcase it here for you, email me on lucy.carter@yateley.hants.sch.uk

Lucy Carter

Arts Development Officer

BTEC Dance Show 2014

The BTEC Dance Show took place on Tuesday 4th February, in the dance studio. As usual our students demonstrated a huge amount of creativity and talent as they performed their pieces of work (whilst being marked at the same time...no pressure!). The variety of dance on show really blew me away and I was captivated by how hard all the performers worked and how well the music was interpreted. Here are some pictures from the performance!

Lucy Carter, Arts Development Officer