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

A week ago I had the privilege of going to watch a performance of 'Rooster' by the Rambert. The Rambert is one of Britain's oldest dance companies, which is full of talented dancers from all over the world. Their pieces are always different yet intriguing and their performances always polished. 'Rooster' was no different.

 

The actual Rooster performances come at the close of the evening and it is absolutely worth waiting for. The intricacy of the movements, the flexibility of the females and the strength and physical prowess of the males is all showcased beautifully. Every single dancer had great musicality and fully embraced the iconic music of the 60s that supported the final act. Aside from a few forgivable off-balance landings and losses of synchronicity - have you ever tried dancing with that amount of energy for that long? - the Rooster performance piece was beautiful. Miguel Altunaga, who finishes the piece with a little comic sigh, is a clear audience favourite but the performances of Vanessa Kang, Adam Blyde and Mark Kimmett that most impressed me.

 

Prior to Rooster came three very different performances, of varying enjoyment. A brilliant little solo skit titled 'Dutiful Ducks' initially brought about laughs, from the repetitive audio and word imagery that is hard to not find amusing. But the talent of the soloist in question quickly commandeered our attention and his performance was nothing short of perfect.

 

The first performance was, by and large, great. I loved the use of all the different all in one costumes, which ranged from red all the way through to galaxy print. It was the performance in between which I unfortunately cannot remember the name of - despite having the bought the programme! - that I found the least enjoyable. The dancing again I simply could not critique, even if I had the audacity to attempt to. Instead, I found myself feeling quite nauseous as a result of the somewhat chaotic soundtrack. Full of bird sounds and intense squawks, I felt a little like what I imagine a really bad trip feels like. I have never taken drugs so I can't verify the validity of my here claim, but my ears felt awful and my concentration was spent. The longer it lasted, the less I was able to focus solely on the dancing, as magnificent as it was.

 

It was fine though because as I mentioned, the wait and the anticipating following that somewhat unusual birdlike performance was so worth it by the time Rooster came to the stage. I could have watched it time and time again, and from the reception given by the audience following the performance, so could many others.

Fresh off tonight's final, I have never been more inspired to get back into dance! The amount of talent showcased on that stage tonight was incredible - everything got raised to the next level and beyond! Cheeky duo Duplic8 were crowned this year's champions in the tightest final I think I've ever watched!

(All images from Got To Dance Facebook page)

 Recap and Review

I have to say that every single act brought something new to that stage and absolutely danced their selves to death. It was so inspiring to watch and there were so many goosebump moments. First up were IMD, who were so slick and so polished in their performance. I love big group dynamics and their performance tonight absolutely blasted their semi-final show out the water. Following them came Unity Academy who again brought such a strong presence to the stage. Both these groups are so impressive to be so in sync with each other. They were both sharp and in time with each other and I can't imagine how many times they had to have drilled those routines.

 

Kaine was so good tonight but I think his young age let him get a little bit lost amongst all these big, show stopping groups. In terms of talent and technique and emotion, he is way up there. But where Lukas, last year's winner, was old enough to create a real presence, Kaine just got a bit overshadowed I feel. Which is a real shame because he was so, so good.

 

Boyband brought a real smile to my face. They were so sharp with all of their tricks and they have such a fun vibe going on. They really brought such a new dimension to the stage and I love how they (quite literally) bounce off and over each other. I have an inkling they'll have a good future after this.

 

The same can be said for the Original Kidz. These young boys were so impressive! I've grown up with professional dancers for parents and I've seen a lot of break dancing in my time but these kids had a fresh, new spin on it. I cannot believe how good they were and again, I think they have a long career in dance if they want it.

 

I was so hoping Dan-I and Sia would make it in to the top three because I thought they were so talented and original, and really represented a new branch of dance. I do think they were outstanding in both performances but I think their semi-final performance had a bit more of an edge to it. It was the one I preferred anyway, but these two have such a bright future together - as dance and hopefully as life partners too.

 

The top three

 

Dance Illusion I have to say I did think were going to win. Their performance on the final tonight was everything I love about dance. It had drama, it had astounding dance ability, it told a story, it was creepy, it was breath-taking and it was memorable. As an act, these are probably the ones I would most likely pay to see over and over again (and not so secretly wish I was part of too!) The amount of energy they dedicate to every performance is incredible and as the judges said, the featured soloists are out of this world. Definitely deserving of a top three spot!

 

Bitter Harvest had my heart. I was so happy to see a classical ballet act reach the top three and for it be with such consummate dancers. I actually preferred their semi-final routine so it was an honour to be able to witness them perform it again. These two are so in tune with each other that I never feel nervous watching them dance. They have been flawless from start to finish and has just made my love of ballet eternal.

 

But I have to say Duplic8 turned it up on the final! They were sick and smooth and I am fast falling in love with both boys. I was so happy to see them win because they defied the odds and are such a strange but dynamic duo. I do think in terms of pure dance technique and show stopping performance Dance Illusion could (should?) have nabbed the win but I take my hat off to Duplic8 because they brought the house down with every single performance. It's not easy to be that likable and infectious, so for that reason I do think they are rightful winners.

 

Not forgetting an amazing return from Lukas McFarlane, it is clear that tonight's Got To Dance final was full to the brim of talent. I defy anyone who watched not to feel at least a little bit inspired to slip on a dance shoe of some shape. As for me, I'm off to search for some new dance projects to get my teeth into!

 

In amongst all the reality shows and talent shows and reality talent shows, there's one programme that still gives me goosebumps. Don't get me wrong, I will probably (read: almost definitely) be tuning into X Factor this coming Saturday but it is Sky 1's Got To Dance that has my continued allegiance. And when you look at this year's finalists, is it any wonder why?

 

All of the acts who have made it through to the final and a few of those who didn't (I'm looking at you in particular Marvel) are talented beyond words. Watching performances like the ones we've been privileged enough to see are nothing short of inspiring and Got To Dance has me itching to get back into training myself. But of course there can be only one winner so out the nine remaining, here are my top favourites.

 

1. Dance Illusion.

 

 After being in university competition squads, I'm used to performing in big groups so watching an act like Dance Illusion always appeals to me. These guys were so tight in their performance and technique, and I am so excited to see what they bring to the final. I thought their Grecian-style semi-final piece was off the charts, so I really hope they showcase a performance as inspired as that one was.

 

2. Bitter Harvest.

 

I can't lie - I am a ballet girl at heart. I love everything about ballet and how antithetical it is; its rigidity versus its fluidity, strength versus suppleness, performance versus precision. Never underestimate how hard it is to make ballet look as effortless as Bitter Harvest manage to. Sometimes in a pas de deux it can look as if the man is little more than muscle but his primary role is to make his partner look good which, in Bitter Harvest,  happens with ease. Whether they'll have enough of a presence to compete with the larger groups in the final is yet to be seen, but I hope their performance is as beautiful as always.

 

3. Duplic8

 

These boys have absolutely stolen my heart. I love that they are such a fresh and unusual combination of dancers who clearly work well together. They're cheeky but they can afford to be with the talent they possess. I did think their semi final performance left a little to be desired when you compare it to other routines which focused solely on the dancing and not the gimmicks. But there is no doubt about it, they're amazing to watch and have a great shot if they can just marry their personalities with a high-level performance.

 

4. Dan-I and Sia

 

The final, and possibly my favourite, act worth watching is Dan-I and Sia. Watching these two dance is like watching water flow. It is gentle and it is refreshing and the two of them are always moving, so in sync. I absolutely loved their semi final performance and I hope the power of their ability shines through in the final in amongst the more animated, thematic performances. I can't wait to see what these two bring to the table and it's an absolute pleasure to watch such graceful dancers really commit to each other's performance.

 

All of the finalists are incredible performers so Friday's Got To Dance will be a show stopper no matter what. Bring on Friday night!

My usual, trustworthy types of post have well and truly failed me this week. Or rather, I've failed them - depends how you look at it! I haven't painted my nails all week and I've lived in outfits I definitely don't want people seeing! In short, I've been a bit of a bad blogger. (Sorry!)

What I have been doing in between uni work is browsing for quaint little things to decorate my uni room with. The spaces which I live in are very much an extension of me and I like to have active walls and shelves covered with all sorts, especially when I'm at uni and feeling a little bit homesick. I think it's nice to have a few home comforts and nothing makes me feel more at home than my interest in ballet. I've mentioned before that I dance at uni and that my parents are both professional dancers-turned-teachers, so dance does make me a feel a bit more at home. This is a bonus really because dance, ballet in particular, has really hit the high street of late. I already own a cacophony of ballet related paraphernalia but I've still managed to spot a few more I'd love to add to my collection!

I love both number two and three - I think the chrome finish for number three is really beautiful and I like that all of these can be bought for pretty much anyone of any age. The wall stickers would be great for a children's room and the Minnie Mouse one is perfect for any fan of dance and Disney!

 

Like I mentioned earlier, I already own quite a few ballet related items thanks to numerous birthday and Christmas presents over time. Since I enjoyed researching this post so much, I figured I'd include some of my own ornaments which I would love to say I had to dig around for but the truth is, all of them are currently on show in my bedroom at home. Doesn't say much for my non-girly protests, does it!

 

 

 

 

These a just a few of my favourites and I have a great fondness for all the ornaments I've collected over the years, perhaps none more so that the ballet shoe endorsed door sign. I know, I know, it's pink with smiley faces on it - everything I claim to dislike! But it was on my bedroom door for as long as I can remember and when we moved house in December, the sign somehow got forgotten and was left behind. It was still term time at uni when we moved so I didn't realise until a while after we moved that my door sign hadn't moved with us! Thankfully we were able to get it back eventually and though I no longer have it on my bedroom door, it does have pride of place on my bookshelf.

I know this post probably won't appeal to a whole host of people, but I love dance and I loved researching and writing this post - it was a perfect break from reading literary criticism!

Jade :)
 

Last Thursday was my university's annual dance ball and in typical dance girl behaviour, everyone got fully dressed up. With one exception (no guesses who!)

 

That's kind of half a lie. I did get dressed up, I just didn't wear a dress. Pretty good compromise I thought. I wore my faithful golden sequin shorts, my favourite long-sleeved blouse and a blazer (which, three hours later, I would sweatily regret.)

 

 

 

 

I love, love, love my blazer. It has 3/4 sleeves which is perfect for me as I always roll long sleeves up and the colour is, whilst a bit more girly than I usually dress, brilliant for summer. Having said all this, it is NOT good for getting a little bit tipsy and dancing like Beyonce. And to make matters even worse, Binky from Made In Chelsea came to the club we were all at and I had a photo with her looking horrendously sweaty!

 

 

Nevertheless the night was probably one of my favourite nights out this year at uni - everyone was on top form and to put the cherry on top, I was lucky enough to win three awards during the presentation at the ball! I've been feeling a bit disillusioned with my degree and with life in general recently so winning those really did cheer me up - I feel like a very lucky girl!

 

 

 

So even though I did feel a bit out of place being the only one not wearing a dress, the dance ball was - as it always is - a top night and I am so glad dance is such a big part of my university life. Especially since I'm currently in midst of a ton of coursework deadlines and exam prep - right now anything is a welcome distraction and dance is definitely top of that list!

 

Good luck to anyone else with deadlines and exams coming up - not long till summer now!

 

Jade :)

Despite the fact that we moved house just before Christmas because of uni I haven't actually spent that much time in the new house. As a result, I have yet to really make my room mine. So given that the weather hasn't been particularly (read: at ALL) spring like, I've been mostly indoors the last couple of days. Which has been a bit boring but seeing as my motivation for uni work has been very absent (I'd nearly go as far as to say worryingly so!) I took this prime opportunity to shift my room around a little and I think I love it.

I haven't changed the colour scheme since moving in to my new room but the cream/beige combo actually kind of suits me. I might decorate it in the future but for now, I'm more than happy with it as it is. My fairy lights are all cream and white anyway so in the evenings my room looks ever so cosy. I'd almost go as far as to say it's looks cute.

But by all means, see for yourself..





It's not particularly big or bright or impressive but now it feels more like it's mine. I love my big old bookcase: it has all the ornaments I collected as a child, all my dance trophies I'm incredibly proud of and all the books and DVDs I pore over on Easter holidays like this when the weather decides to punish us all.

I was bought the 'bonjour' mat as a birthday present from my two best friends from home and it really is me all over (especially now it's had me stand all over it. Poor joke. I'm sorry). I'm kind of obsessed with the idea of Paris - it seems so beautiful and I think part of the reason I like France is because ballet originated from there and that's probably been my favourite dance discipline in recent years. I also have a poster of France in my room; it's in the same place as in the picture below, the only difference is my bed is now directly underneath it. I liked the idea of having the fairy lights near my head - I'm a really, really bad sleeper. I'm talking the type who still uses a nightlight (embarrassing, or what?)


As a room it's quite understated but I think that's a large part of why I love it (along with my dog, who seems to be spending an increasing amount of time in it this Easter.) Now I've got it feeling more like my room, I'm a little less inclined to do back to university - I'm a returner in halls this year so it really doesn't feel homely at all. But it's only a few more months until I'll be back home (bringing with me a ton of uni stuff that I'm certain is going to ruin my room here!) Plus, I'm moving into a house for my final year at uni and I am so, so excited! Who knew interior design could get a girl so happy?


 

The whole of February seems to have literally flown right by me and the month isn't even over yet. It's an odd sensation because so very much has happened but at the same time, I feel like I almost haven't been present for most of it.

 

 

 

In short, February has been a blast.

 

February was always going to be fast and furious this year as three opposing events were all scheduled to occur. To be fair, I could happily of evaded two of them but alas, such is life.

 

So what happened in February? Firstly, I very reluctantly turned 21. I AM OFFICIALLY OLD and anyone who says otherwise is either not yet 21 or in some sort of denial. Aside from an intense hatred for celebrating my birthday, the day itself was borderline bearable this year. I had extra dance rehearsals on the actual day (BONUS) and my mum came up to spend the day with me which I have to admit was lovely. We went for dinner and I naturally ate far too much and had to run (on an incredibly full stomach) all the way across campus to make it (not quite) on time for even more dance. I don't think I've ever felt so full or so sick.

 

I was incredibly lucky though and got a few lovely little gifts from friends and family that I absolutely adore. Happy Jadey.

 

 

The start of semester two however made for a not-so-happy Jade. And not for want of trying. As much as I get bored terribly easy of doing absolutely nothing, starting new modules and learning new things just hasn't held as much appeal this time around. Still, we can't have it all and since the third event is probably going to be on the highlights of the entire year for me, I'll take a bit of degree-related despondency 

 

Unsurprisingly, February's final event is dance-related (what isn't?). As part of the university dance club, we hold an annual dance show for three consecutive nights in February and this year absolutely topped every other for me. If I'm totally honest, I pretty much threw myself into the deep end of dance because at times, it felt like the only really positive thing happening. It's certainly where I attain the most enjoyment and couple that with becoming disillusioned with my degree and despairing over turning 21, I decided to fill every spare hour doing something to do with dance.

 

The pros to this are that I am, without a doubt, the closest I've EVER been to having abs. Not most people's greatest life aspirations but I'm still excited. And I'm aware that this is rapidly becoming the most vomit-worthy 'I love dance' blog post ever but this year has been such a confidence boost that I find it hard not become some sort of soppy simpleton.

 

Because I - the shy, sarcastic, socially awkward soul - got on stage, in front on actual, real people and danced a solo I'd choreographed. It's not a big accomplishment in the grand scheme of the Earth's history but coming from the girl who, for most of her childhood, simply refused to even speak to people, it kind of feels like a big deal.

 

It proved to me a number of key things that I hope I don't ever forget. The most important one is that the stage is definitely my home away from home. I'm not some am-dram, super talented performer. I'm not the best ballerina or the most talented tapper and I doubt very much I'll make a career out of dance. But there's something so fantastically freeing about dancing on a stage, in having the knowledge that people are watching you - whether it's as a soloist, as a duet or group piece or part of a larger ensemble. And it's weird, because I am naturally such an anxious person but somehow all the hours of rehearsals and practice suddenly come together and the fear of disappointing people (dance teachers, the rest of the team, the audience or in other words everyone else alive) dissipates and all you're left with is energy and enjoyment and exhilaration.

 

So I'm exaggerating a little (guilty little English student). To sum it up succinctly, February's been fun because I've spent it doing something I genuinely love. I love the friends I've made, I love the things I've learnt to do and I love the costumes and craziness that comes part and parcel with it all. And yes, I'm aware that dance isn't for everyone but if you can find something you enjoy doing half as much as I enjoy dance, then I would consider your life well lived. I don't have many life tips to dish out but that one's golden.

 

I hope all of your Feburary's have been full of fun too :)

 

And all I can with is this: March, it looks like you have a lot to live up to.

I love ballet. Fact.

I've danced since the age of four and though I often claim I'm not the world's biggest girly girl, ballet is one of my main artistic outlets. And now my little outlet is finding its way to the high street and I for one couldn't be happier. Now granted, leotards are - in my opinion - one of the most unflattering items of clothing to wear. They're tight, they usually cut up higher than a tiny pair of bikini bottoms and more often than not, the ones with the pretty, delicate straps make it incredibly difficult to wear a bra. But stay with me, because ballet really is brilliant.

(x)

 

1) Ignore everything I just said about leotards. Fashion leotards, whilst posing a few of the same problems, can actually be used to create a beautifully sculpted outfit. For instance, wearing one under a skirt eradicates the problem of tucking in a top and leaving you with a mound of material around your waist. For example this collection of leotards by American Apparel via Asos would be perfect to be used under a skirt or pair of shorts. I personally own a lace and a plain black leotard, the latter of which I use for ballet practice and nights out (not on the same day though!) Two for the price of one!

 

2) Tights. Every ballet dancer needs a few trusty pairs of tights to wear under their leos (and that goes for the boys too!) Now if any of you have done ballet before, you'll be aware of the annoying seam that often travels up the back of your leg.  Luckily for fashion, this part need not be copied. Typically ballet tights are pink or pale peach in colour but whether you prefer plain or patterned, with autumn just round the corner tights can act as a perfect balletic barrier.

 

3) Dresses. Now ask anyone to draw a ballerina and nine times out of ten, they'll draw a young girl in a frilly tutu. As fun as tutus are, they're not the most practical item of clothing to wear out for lunch or in a busy night club. So instead, dresses with chiffon sections or skater-type skirts are brilliant copies. A few notable ones to try are this pleated dress from Rare, this zip chiffon dress from New Look or even this textured lace dress from Forever 21.

 

 

4) Ballet pumps are a perfect way to finish off a ballet-inspired outfits and there are plenty of pairs to be found. Asos in particular have a large number to choose between and in a variety of style, design and colour. Also, shoes with ribbon are ballet-inspired and I remember seeing a great pair on Miss Selfridge a few months back.

 

5) And finally, a ballet bun to - quite literally - top it all off. No longer are bun rings only for ballerinas. Now because I had to wear my hair in a bun for ballet examinations in the past, I was a little hesitant to try wearing a bun ring outside of dance but now I can't get enough of it. It's perfect for windy days when you want something pretty yet practical and really helps to make an outfit look completely different. With big buns being so on trend, you can find bun rings almost anywhere - I've been buying mine from Primark but I've seen them in Boots, Superdrug and online in places like Asos too.

 

So there we have it - balletic beauty! The best thing about using ballet as inspiration for fashion is that it breaks all the stereotypes. No longer do you need to be tall, slim and flexible to be as beautiful as a ballerina. And that goes for actual ballet too. I'm far from the typical ballet dancer - I'm average height and my flexibility needs a lot of work -  but I won't let that stop me from doing something I enjoy. So to finish, I thought I'd post a little picture from my past.





Yep, that's really me.



I think I was about 6 or 7 in this and it is not the best ballet photo ever! The tutu I'm wearing is far too small for me and my supposedly "pointed" foot is actually terribly sickled. But I thought I would share it all the same.

Do any of you dance? Or find your hobbies making a foray into fashion?