Week 2 !

This week saw the start of Joanna Bridge the company’s new Education and Development Administrator. Joanna recently graduated from Roehampton University with a BA (Hons) Degree in Dance Studies and I am looking forward to working alongside a fellow Roehamptoner over the next few months!  With a full house in the office there is already a buzzing atmosphere, as we are all working hard towards the Spring 2012 Tour! I am learning more each day and thoroughly enjoy experiencing the work of a professional organisation within the dance sector. 

My second week with the company has been exciting, busy and inspiring! The week started with a production meeting for ‘Sensual Africa’ and I had the opportunity to meet Rosie Jacobs the costume designer and Antony Hately lighting manager. It was a great to be involved within the decision making process and get an insight into all other elements of the work and how they will come together to support Bawren’s vision of the end result.    

                                            

 

  

Jenny and I also had the opportunity to go into the studio and have a look at what Bawren and the dancers have also been up to. The movement is developing and there is a clear reflection of the complex and distinctive tribal movement interpreted from the Tumbuka and Chewa Tribes. The dancers have been working on traditional African dances and I was completely engrossed by the strong punching and stamping actions combined with disturbing music! I am stunned by the dancers stamina and ability to perform such fierce and powerful movement.  You can see Bawren’s enthusiasm and excitement for the work that is being produced and his trip to Malawi is emphasised and displayed through the company’s technically outstanding dancers. (Dates for ‘Sensual Africa’ are now up on our new website for a sneak preview visit www.tavazivadance.com – full website coming soon!)

I myself will be attending and observing company class soon and will keep you updated with my experience. The company offers classes for professional dancers and students who are close to completing their full time training (degree level or equivalent). The classes are led by Artistic Director Bawren Tavaziva, guest ballet teachers or one of the company dancers.  Bawren’s class combines the aesthetic line of contemporary dance with the rhythmical patterns of African Dance. For those of you who would also be interested in attending company class and would like further information for all class dates please email admin@tavazivadance.com with an attached CV and look forward to seeing you there!

Laura

                                   

My first week with Tavaziva Dance!

Hello there, I’m Laura and this will be my first week working as a Marketing and Admin Assistant for Tavaziva Dance! I have recently graduated from Roehampton University with a BA(Hons) Degree in Dance Studies and since graduating I have become the co- founder of ‘ImpelDance’; a contemporary dance company based in the South of England. Each week I will be giving an insight into the job role and what it‘s like to be working for a professional dance company.  I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people and hope to learn and grow throughout my 5 months with the company.

My week so far has flown by and I have loved every minute of it! Working within close proximity of the dancers and Bawren has given me a clear insight into how they work as a team and it is apparent that there is a real sense of closeness and support. Having the opportunity to work with professionals on a day to day basis has already given me an outlook of what the company needs and strives for in order to succeed. Tavaziva are one of only 57 organisations to be accepted for continuing support from the Arts Council England, displaying the continued success of the company and impact the company has already made on the UK dance scene!

The company are currently working towards the Spring 2012 tour of ‘Sensual Africa’ and it is thrilling to be involved within the creative process. I spent part of an afternoon in the studio watching duets for the new piece and was completely in awe! The work so far is physical, sensual, powerful, and there is a sense of intimacy between dancers. African beats are heard throughout the music creating an atmosphere and emphasising the stimulus of the piece. Even watching just a small snippet of the work, I can already see it forming quickly and Bawren has got a clear direction of where he wants the work to go.

The days are already filling up on the calendar and I am excited for what is to come over the next few weeks. I have already had the opportunity to liaise with venues and help to promote the winter intensive lead by Bawren over the 20^th,21^st,22^nd December (for more info please go to http://www.tavazivadance.com/ or email me on admin@tavazivadance.com). Week two is quickly approaching, so watch this space for my next post and I look forward to sharing the rest of my experience with you!

Laura