Task One: Rehearsal log for SIX
Review of own technical performance in each rehearsal
7th of September Ex - Wives
This was our first rehearsal for SIX the musical, so we started with the opening song 'Ex-wives'. This song is the first that the audience will hear and see, meaning it has to start of super strong to keep our audience entertained and engaged from the second the lights go on. The start of the dance begins with creating our own poses to match the beat of the song. These poses don't only need to be sassy; they need to be strong and on time, making sure these poses are sharp is so vital for the overall look of this section. We all have to work as one to ensure that we all have the timing correct whilst creating these shapes. This song has quite a difficult beat/rhythm to follow so using the lyrics to keep with the timing was something that helped me especially on the 'revealing' lyric where we have to do a move that mirrors this lyric. For the small section we have learnt, we have to make sure all our movements have purpose, making them strong and sharp, we have to over exaugurated these moves to make them look effective and overall good on stage. For me, I know I need to work on my timing for the chorus section and making sure all my actions are in time with everyone else, I will do this by watching back the video and rehearsing repetitively and also by asking the choreographer the counts so I can learn them in detail. See full video below:
14th September - Ex Wives
This was our second rehearsal learning the Ex - Wives choreography, from last lesson I can confidently say that I have worked on my timing accuracy and now I understand the timing for the chorus. This lesson I felt that I was really focusing and working on my interpretation of character, making sure I was capturing a strong and sassy persona to match the song. This skill heavily helped to improve my overall performance this lesson, letting myself create a character for myself allowed me to fully express and perform during this song. We continued learning more of the choreography including the first dance break, this break is very fast with many small details and intricate moves. This break is something I need to work on for next lesson, making sure I am working on my technical accuracy and rhythmic control to make sure I am executing these small, detailed moves properly and with confidence. With this section I also need to work on my overall timing as that was something I receptively got wrong. This section took a lot of focus for me personally and as shown on this video wasn't something I picked up the first time. We also worked a lot on our spatial control and awareness whilst being put into our set places with the queens, this was important for the overall look of the number on stage, ensuring everyone was in the correct/appropriate space. For next lesson I need to make sure that I work heavily on the dance break, making sure I fully understand the counts, now being the dance captain, I need to make sure that I know the counts to make sure that I can help others if they need it. See video below:
14th of September - SIX
After learning more of 'Ex Wives,' we moved on to the finale, 'SIX,' which is a really lively and lighthearted dance/song that will put the audience in a positive mood. The song links a lot of its moves to the lyrics, so timing is crucial to make these moves look effective. I felt that I picked up the choreography quickly, but I need to make sure my technical accuracy is there, giving the movements purpose, linking them to the lyrics and making them sharp. I also have a small lyrical section in the dance; technical accuracy is critical for this small moment, ensuring that I am elongating my movements, extending my arms, and pointing my feet, making the movements look soft and gentle; this contrasts with the rest of the dance, so working on my dynamics is essential. This dance is also a lot about character, making my facial expressions are always working and matching the energy of each section of the dance. The timing is something I will also work on for next lesson. See full video below:
22nd of September - Get down
This was the second rehearsal for 'Get down', I join the stage during the second verse so today was my first-time learning choreography. This choreography needs a lot of timing accuracy, I have to make sure I am listing to the lyrics and rhythm to make sure I know where each move goes. There are a lot of pauses and sharp stops, meaning I really have to work on my own personal timing as I felt that I wasn't in time with the other dancers. We also learnt a new section which at first, I found difficult so I need to make sure I am completely sure of the choreography to make sure I can use my characterization and facial expressions to fully communicate the sassy and sensual notion of this number and the queen we are portraying.
26th of September - No way
Today we started learning the choreography for No way. This number has been choreographed to be inspired by the highly acclaimed Bob Fosse, personally a style I enjoy performing a lot. With Fosse, we have to make sure each of our movements are sharp whilst also having a fluidity to them. Fosse is very specific and sensual; we all must portray this in this song for it to look effective. The timing at the very beginning is very strong, our poses all work and look great with the beat of the song. For feature lessons, we all need to make sure that we work on timing, for most of the dance we are all out of time, this dance requires a lot of accurate timing in order for it to look effective. Full video below:
29th of September
Me and Chloe were asked to create a dance break for the song 'no way'. We wanted a strong and fast paced dance that was different from the rest of the choreography to lift it up a bit and make it more upbeat. We used strong movements and gestures to communicate the strong and almost angry nature of this song and the queen we are all portraying. First rehearsal of this dance break below:
This session I learnt the choreography of heart of stone. I was very unsure of it as I have not learnt it however was able to pick up the end of the choreography. I need to make sure I am using dynamics, when we lift our arm upwards it starts quickly then becomes slow and sharp which looks very effective. A lot of the movements are very flowy however do we run backwards suddenly and quickly then I reach my arm out above my head softly and slowly to create an almost water like movement which looks once again very effective.
Wednesday 5th October
This session I learnt 'Don't lose your head'. This number has very simple and minimal choreography meaning most of it is reacting to what the queen is saying. This means I really have to use my facial expressions, body language and just overall how I am standing and reacting on stage. My approach is definitely comical and very over the top to really show cheesy but still sass filled reactions. I think it was great working with the other members of the ensemble, using them to react to as I feel we are all giving the same energy.
We also went back over and finalized 'get down' I now feel very confident with this number especially with my characterization however I do feel I could make a lot of my movement's sharper. For example, the line 'can't, stop, me' I feel that the jolting to the side movement could have been a lot sharper and harsher which is something I will work on for next lesson. I also need to assure my poster is very upright when clicking on stage and that my arm is strong and not sloppy looking. I also messed up the timing for one part as I was unsure of the space in the music so this is something I need to work on, watching the video and listening to the track to insure this is accurate. See video below:
2nd of October - house of Holbein
This rehearsal we were able to refine and finish house of Holbein. We made a few changes to the choreography for example on the dance break section of the song we crossed Infront and flipped ourselves to face inwards however this was changed to just moving from side to side which I prefer. I need to work on my timing for the toe heel move as I find myself falling behind with this move. I also need to make sure that I am always using my facial expressions to really fully communicate this. I have to make sure my posture is strong and upright during this number, and I need to ensure my arms are strong and at the right angle during the pre-chorus of this song to make it look fully effective. I need to keep my stamina up, using all of my body to communicate the energy and fun of this dance. I also need to make sure all of my movements are sharp and in time with the music and the other dancers especially during the chorus and pre chorus. I need to make sure I am stepping on the correct leg and tapping it on the floor with the correct amount of force to make it look fully effective and clean on the lyric 'and you'll be fine'. I also need to start using my head when turning (spotting) and to make sure I am always looking up, I feel this song is quite snooty and overdramatic so lifting my chin will communicate this. It also allows the audience to fully see my face and expressions, also allowing for my vocals to be fully heard.
10th October - All you wanna do
We started the song 'All you want to do' this week. The choreography is greatly influenced by Bob Fosse and his dancing style; the routine is very jazz dance inspired. This means that each movement must be exact and correct in order to appear effective. In this number, we use a characteristic Fosses dance gesture, splayed fingers, as shown in the line 'Blowing the flute.' For this motion to look smooth and effective, I must ensure that my fingers are properly splayed and stretched. We must also emphasize the sensuality in this dance, which is a hallmark of jazz dance and Bob Fosse. To bring the sexual element of the song to life, we must all work on our characterization. This is seen in the phrase 'touch me, love me, can't get enough see,' where we must wrap our arms around ourselves and glide them down our bodies while swaying our hips. I certainly need to work on my time for this dance, especially in the tight group bits that require precise timing to seem fully effective. I also need to concentrate on my character communication for the next lessons, making sure I express sass and sensuality in my face and body, which I didn't accomplish in today's rehearsal because I was just picking up the choreography. Full video seen below:
all you wanna do Monday 17th oct
After rehearsing this number a few times, I have found some of the timing difficult especially on the lyric 'passion in all that he touches' this lyric we click twice when glide our hands across our bodies. I have found this timing to be a bit difficult and notices on videos that this was the case as we all often are out of time. After finishing the choreography, it is clear that we need to work on being more in time as a lot of these small movements have to have effective timing in order for it to look good, I need to listen to the music to make sure I am always in time, also linking the lyrics to the movements has helped me greatly to understand when and where each movement/ gesture goes.
I also need to again work on my characterization which I have found easy in the other numbers however feel that this one is more difficult to portray the sass and sensuality through my face. I need to embody the queen that is singing the number and portray her sassy side in my dancing to make this look effective. This also links to fully knowing the dance, I do find myself forgetting steps, so I do just need to clean up the dance elements to fully allow myself to find the acting element of this number. After watching videos back, it is event that the choreography is much cleaner and finished. We are all a lot more in time with each other and we are definitely picking up the choreography quicker. See video above.
19th October
Ex - wives
We have been running numbers over again now focusing on facial expressions as we are now fully aware of the choreography. I need to work and improve on my timing for the dance break of ex-wives however I do now feel fully comfortable with each dance break during this beginning which is a huge improvement from our first rehearsal. I am now hitting each move with accuracy and strength, now being fully aware of where the moves are placed however during the first dance break, I do find myself speeding up and finishing the final move before everyone else, so I need to watch back the videos and listen to the song to make sure my counts are accurate for the next run through.
26th October
Going through numbers:
Ex wives
After my reflection of this dance from last week I can confidently say that I have improved the movements and my timing for the first dance break, I watched back the videos and asked the other dance captains to help me with the timing of the first dance break and now feel it is much more accurate. I also feel that I am now adding more character to this dance, using my facial even more and really communicating a sassy character. I have also seen a lot of improvement in my movements in general as I am finishing each movement with strength, keeping this consistent throughout.
Don't lose your head
Looking back on first rehearsals of this song I can defiantly say that I have improved a lot during this song. I can see that my movements are linking not only to the music but also to the lyrics, having a good sense of musicality during this song. I also feel that my character has developed a lot from first rehearsal, I am lifting my head up and using my body language and facial expressions, going completely over the top throughput the whole of this dance and communicating the lightheartedness and almost childish nature of this song, adding elements of comedy to my gestures and movements to once again show the nature of this song and the queen singing it. I feel that I am now fully in time with the other dancers and feel that we are all matching the energy of the queens in front of us.
No way
This number is now completely finished and me and Chloe where able to create our own dance break and teach it to the rest of the group. The first time we performed this all together it was messy and out of time, now after rehearsing it, it looks sharp and strong. We have also mastered the cannon part on the drum section of this break where we shake our firsts over our heads like we are playing the drums which looks effective. I am still finding it a bit difficult to add characterization to this number to match the movements however I have seen an improvement, I just need to take this to the next level to match the sassy and driven character of the queen we are all portraying. I also need to watch my timing on 'bible verse' as I do tend to do it not in canon when we are all supposed to open our hands flat in cannon. I need to watch my spacing during the final section as well when we are allowed to freestyle as I find myself directly behind Chloe where people cannot see me. Personally, I can feel and see a big improvement from the first few rehearsals of this song however I do need to continue working on timing.
House of Holbein
I now feel fully confident with this number, knowing the choreography fully and well so I can now properly perform and characterize it. and I also need to make certain that I constantly use facial expressions to effectively communicate the funny and overdramatic nature to seem totally effective, I must maintain a firm and upright stance throughout this number, as well as keep my arms strong and at the proper angle throughout the pre-chorus. I need to maintain my stamina by using my entire body to convey the excitement and fun of this dance. I must also ensure that all of my motions are precise and in sync with the music and the other dancers, particularly during the chorus and pre-chorus. I need to be certain that I am stepping on and tapping on the correct leg.
get down
I am now fully confident with this number and the choreography. I feel that I am always overexaggerating my facial expressions to match the energy of this song and doing the same with my movements. My timing has also improved a lot from the first rehearsals as I am now always fully in time with the other dancers, the song and the lyrics. I need to make sure I am keeping my energy consistent however as I do lose some of my characterization throughout this number. I feel that my movements are strong and precise, always connecting the lyrics to the movements and overall maintaining a consistent and strong sense of musicality.
heart of stone
Now being fully aware of the choreography I need to consider the technical accuracy of this dance. I need to make sure I am elongating and pointing my toes and legs to create accurate and flowing lines that match with the lyrical genera of this dance. I must make sure that for the show I am stretching my right leg full upwards on the lyric 'any blaze' when we balance on our hands and gently lift up our legs, this needs to be stretched and pretty to make a nice soft line that looks fully stretched. I now need to also make sure I am communicating the sadness and emotion of this song through my facial expressions, connecting with the lyrics and the overall solemn rhythm of this dance to communicate how the queen we are portraying is feeling.
I don't need your love
For this number I need to make sure my timing is accurate as I lead the line. I need to make sure my clicks and claps are full of energy and that the final pose is strong and accurate.
SIX
I can see that I have improved on this number a lot. I am adding characterization and my movements are now a lot sharper. I also am communicating the happy and upbeat nature of this song now which is obviously a huge improvement. I am elongating my arms and legs, stretching my splayed hands and feet and overall using my body to finish each movement in this dance and a whole. I also understand the dynamics of this song as we can go from slow to fast in the matter of seconds during this number which I am much more accurate with now.
2nd of November
Ex wives
Upon reflecting on this dance from last week, I am certain that I have improved the motions and time for the second dance break. I watched back the videos and asked the other dance captains to help me with the timing of the first dance break, and I now feel it is significantly more correct. I also feel like I'm adding more character to this dance by using my facial expressions more and portraying a sassy character. I've also noticed a significant gain in my overall motions, as I'm finishing each action with strength and maintaining this consistency throughout.
House of Holbein
I feel that I have improved a lot working on this number and on the parts I was unsure of. I am using my body to create lines and I now add my own touches to add a more dramatic and strong feeling to the choreography which I think looks highly effective and ready for the show. I must now ensure that I am conveying the grief and emotion of this song through my facial expressions, as well as connecting with the lyrics and the overall gloomy rhythm of this dance, in order to convey how the queen, we are portraying is feeling.
5th of November open day
We were able to run through all numbers which was hugely helpful as we had an audience. We were able to stop and start on our own terms and go over things we were unsure of together which was nice.
Understudies run through - 10th November
This lesson was used to allow the understudies to run through the whole show with the help of the queens which was very helpful for all of us. I was unsure of the movements for a lot of the sections, but the queens made them clearer. I need to work on my timing for 'the one you've been waiting for', the short section near the beginning of the show. I found myself struggling with this section as I didn't know it, I need to make sure that I know the timing for the slice hand gesture to make sure it matches with the backing track to make it look smooth and in time. I also need to make sure I am going on the correct left leg when we all say 'Anne'. I also need to work on my timing for the end of this section being the part where we lift our hands up one by one the walking towards the sides of the stage, I need to make sure this is on time. I also need to make sure I am confident with 'get down' as the dance is completely different. I need to make sure I am in the correct spacing at all times, also ensuring I am in time with the other queens. Overall, the run through was good for our first time however I need to focus on spacing and timing as an understudy if I needed to be pulled in last minute.
9th November - all you wanna do video
We have now fully finished this number and polished it, from the first video I can see that I have improved, I am adding a lot more characterization and my timing is much more accurate. I also feel my movements have become a lot stronger and sharper. I am now no longer thinking about what I am doing as I know the choreography, so I am interacting with the other dancers on stage, adding more characterization. My poses and positions are much stronger and fit the music a lot more, overall, I look and feel a lot more in sync with the music and the other dancers.
11th November - spacing/spikingThis rehearsal was very useful for spacing of numbers as we had to run through each number and change a lot of things with the staging being put up. This was difficult as I am now in a different place for many of the numbers however, I am clear of my now new spaces.
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