MOVE IT 2015
I've just had a bit of whirlwind weekend during which I was laptopless and, thanks to my inability to remember my phone charger, was also on a serious battery conserving hype until this morning. All of which means my posts are a little behind the times (sorry). Anyway...
On Friday, dressed in dance wear, I boarded several trains all the way to Olympia ready to attend Move It for the first time ever. Move It is the biggest dance event in the UK - it's aimed at anyone who possesses a relationship with dance, from teachers and potential professionals through to dance enthusiasts. If you're looking to pursue a career in dance, it's basically unmissable; with the hundreds of stalls for the various dance colleges and courses, it's the perfect place to start planning your future. I, sadly, am too old for that now. Or rather too poor, after already spending four years at uni studying a more academic course, so I went more for the atmosphere and of course the main stage performances.
I literally have no limits in my capacity to watch dance. I can sit there like a human shaped sponge and absorb every performance, which is what I did since I had to experience Move It alone. Sob, sob, sob. I was lucky to have the day off work but I think I definitely would have enjoyed the day more had I had someone to mosey round with. Nevertheless, I got to witness some incredible performances and snapped a few shots while I was there. The day was split into little sets; World Class, Grace, Fresh, Reflect, Stateside, Curtain Up and Festival. Each one depicted a different branch of performances for example World Class explored dances from other cultures and countries, whilst Stateside explored dance styles originating from the States. Unsurprisingly my favourite sets were Grace, with brilliant ballet and contemporary performances from Performers College, as well as Reflect which consisted of two Romeo + Juliet inspired pieces from MADD college and Cambridge Performing Arts. Another great performance was by Wilkes Academy, with their Lion King inspired piece. There was also a heartwarming performance by the Larondina Dance Company and Dance Aid's lasting messages that we should all dance to make a difference. My main highlight was of course watching Duplic8 close the entire first day. They were incredible and I even got to watch a little interview with them (as well as Lizzie Gough and Tommy Franzen from So You Think You Can Dance Lukas McFarlane from Got to Dance fame and Kristina and Robin from Strictly Come Dancing). It is safe to say I fangirled a lot little.
Move It also presents the opportunity to try tons of different dance classes. As I booked my ticket last minute I missed the advance booking and so the classes I would have done were already full. Cry, cry, cry. There were a handful you could have booked on the day, which a lot of people did actually do, but I felt a little embarrassed being alone and covered in pineapple juice after a little accident with my snack food. (Check the definition of socially awkward and voila, there standeth I.) I did have little nosy at the classes going on throughout the day though and they looked amazing! If I were to attend Move It again I would definitely book earlier and sign up for more classes.
For now though, I'm going to catch up with all the blogging I've missed and repeatedly watch the video I took of Duplic8. Bliss.
Jade x
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