I remember the first session at Ludus, we were in a huge studio in the LICA building at Lancaster University which was a really exciting new space for me to explore as I had never been to dance lessons outside of West Yorkshire. The lessons gave me the encouragement to always try my best as everyone in the youth company has excitement and energy about performance and learning which I find is sometimes hard to come by in youth dance.
The technique classes in contemporary (Cunnigham) technique were really interesting to me as I was already familiar with the technique but had never really understood it, the classes however made me admire and enjoy dancing different dance styles.
We were also taught about different ways to choreograph ourselves and were given creative freedom, we used movement games and flocking improvisation to come up with our own solos that were developed into the final piece we created. Working with a choreographer (this year Fearghus Ó Conchúir) is a part of the year in the company. It was the first time I was able to work with an upstanding choreographer and it amazed me at how the younger dancers in the company were able to work and dance with a professional choreographer as I never had opportunities like that when I was younger.
I have loved the lessons with Fearghus Ó Conchúir as he teaches with wisdom and kindness about how working together and being connected as a group, as an ensemble, is one of the most important elements in creating dance, I believe it is also an integral part of Ludus Youth Company also. Everyone there is very welcoming and kind, I was very nervous going as it is really far away from where I am from. I didn’t know many people there but everyone’s genuine interest and excitement in dance connects us all at Ludus.
Ludus is an excellent way to create connections within the dance world and find out events to take part in, from my time at Ludus they have presented the company with workshops with the CAT scheme and explaining what it entails, offering dance intensive projects (where I met someone who referred me for Company Chameleon which I am now a part of), got into U.DANCE festival that allowed us to take part in all sorts of online workshops, and of course getting to work and create the piece ‘Nature’s Calling’ with a renowned choreographer. I have really enjoyed my time at Ludus and hope to keep dancing with them!
