John Ruskin College dances into the limelight
14th March 2008
Students from Europe’s leading centre for contemporary dance gave a live performance at John Ruskin College (JRC) in South Croydon recently.
The final-year BA Dance students from Laban – which together with Trinity College of Music forms the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance – performed for an enthusiastic audience of students and staff at JRC’s theatre, known as the ‘Black Box’.
The night was a great success and attracted considerable interest from JRC students. The first piece, ‘Lessons in Thought and Motion’, was a stirring piece which allowed for the performers to explore the relationship between experience and communication, while the second, entitled ‘Route Maps’, was an improvisational performance dealing with aspects of movement, spatial relationships and real time composition.
Delores Kumah, JRC’s Dance teacher commented: “This has been an ideal opportunity for our students to witness contemporary dance first-hand, especially since they have been studying different dance genres tracing the heritage and influences which have impacted on their modern form.
“Each skilled performer weaved their way through the space gracefully and at times forcefully with great use of dynamics. Many JRC students were very moved by the LABAN performance, with some showing a particular interest and desire to pursue their interest in dance at a higher level. They were also very appreciative of the time and effort that was shown to them.”
Delores concluded: “We were very happy with the outcome and hope to build on the relationship that we have established with Laban, which is known throughout Europe for its contribution to contemporary dance.”
As part of their BTEC National Award in Dance (World Dance Unit), JRC students learn and acquire the skills of different dance genres, from African to Jazz Tap Dance, and study the heritage and diverse influences that have impacted on contemporary dance.
JRC students will be giving a demonstration of their own dance skills on Wednesday March 26, in a series of live performances during the college open evening, which runs from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.