Recently with LYDC we have been working on a piece collaborated with Fearghus Ó Conchúir, using the ideas of interconnectivity and our relation to the earth and those around us. We have rehearsed both indoors and outdoors, with some performances too. Performing in different spaces gives the piece a new lease of life each time, highlighting something entirely different each time. The roots of trees were one of our starting points and we looked at how they are interconnected, when we performed at Williamson Park in Lancaster we were surrounded by trees, and this really stood out. Whereas when we performed in Market Square at Lancaster Music Festival, the piece was given a more urban feel, and made me as a performer feel like I could convey the message in the spoken word more clearly to the audience. The spoken word is a very strong political statement, which is topical currently and adds a new perspective to the movement. Alongside creating and performing, we have been working on our Arts Awards. I am completing silver currently and I have just finished delivering a scheme of beginner ballet classes as part of my leadership section. This will add to the earlier sections where I completed an arts challenge of learning a new style, the Indian Classical style Kathak. As well as reviewing other dance works, completing research into art careers, and completing interviews with dance artists. As well as completing my own, I have been involved in another LYDC alumni’s Gold Arts award, performing in her dance film.
– Laura Stevens (member of LYDC)
