Mon 14th June 2010 23.39GMT: Well, after nine months of work, the UK performance of Swanning Around was a huge hit. The dancers were in top form and the audience loved every minute of it. It was clear that the dancers had worked incredibly hard and it showed in their performance. Bravo and congratulations to all. You have achieved an incredible accomplishment. Thank you for all your hard work.
Please share your thoughts on the show in the comment section below. And check out My e-book for full and in-depth coverage by student reporters from Lincolnshire Young Journalists Academy of the entire weekend’s rehearsals.
Click on the photo below to launch the Swanning Around My e-book
MONDAY 14th JUNE
Dress Rehearsal
At 17:53: The Dress Rehearsal was a success and the dancers are now having their dinner (can they eat or are they too nervous?) and getting ready for the final performance at 7pm. Stay tuned for photos and videos and check out My e-book to see full coverage from today’s rehearsals. GOOD LUCK SWANNING AROUND DANCERS!
13.09 more photos below. I’m posting them as they’re rehearsing! this is from just a few minutes ago.
Holland Park Rehearsing
12.56 The amazing yet challenging thing about this show is that it is in the round. As a result, Jenna needed to make sure that no matter where the audience is sitting that they get a good view of the dance and that it looks beautiful. I think she’s done a great job. But it also means that it is harder for the dancers to remember where they should be and more important than ever that they hit their correct mark, or they’ll ruin the stage picture. So much to think about!
12.58 Wait until they see themselves on the big screen! The orchestra sounds gorgeous! Gavin is such a wonderful conductor. The music reverberates right through you!
MON 14th 12.39gmt: So many details to take care of before the dress rehearsal at 3.30. There are helpers backstage who organize getting the groups on and off stage. Now they are handing them radios so that they can communicate backstage. Now we have to run it with the radios and cues so that it all goes smoothlly.
Jenna takes the time to go through some last minute notes with individuals. Jenna and Laura are so organzied and focused. there’s a lot still to do but they are staying cool. The kids look tired but excited!
MON 14th June 12.10GMT
I am watching the reherarsal in the darkened audience so my typing isn’t great! I have to use the light on my mobile to see the keyboard!
They are rehearsing with the full orchestra! The sound is amazing and the students look so professional! The stage is so big the dancers have to really work hard and lengthen their steps to move across it all! They are doing fab. There are big screens and everything is being projected on them! Like rock stars!
Here's a webcam photo: !http://webplay.stardotserver.co.uk:80/pictures/Webplay/1825/large/on_stage_1.JPG?1276515217(rah rehearsal 1)!Mon 14th 10.50GMT: Students are in the Royal Albert Hall rehearsing their dances on the HUGE stage for the first time. They are excited and also trying to figure out what to do with so much space!
SUNDAY 13th JUNE
Don’t forget to check out My e-book to see more videos and interviews with the students!
Sun 13th 15.37GMT: Sydney from WebPlay took the video camera around the building while the students were on break and here are some things she found:
Latymer students relaxing on break and Tasha from Latymer blogging on the website
Swanning Around – Latymer School from WebPlay on Vimeo.
Fleur from English National Ballet tells us how she think’s it’s going and reveals her inner domestic goddess. . ."
Swanning Around – Fleur Derbyshire-Fox from WebPlay on Vimeo.
Sun 13th 14.22GMT: Dancers from China give a very special message to their family and friends in China from the English National Ballet studios:
Swanning Around – A special message to China! from WebPlay on Vimeo.
Sun 13th 14.05GMT: All the groups are rehearsing their individual dances. We’ll post some video soon
Sun 13th 12.05GMT: Videos of the unison rehearsals. It’s looking good!
Putting the party together
Untitled from WebPlay on Vimeo.
Salford students from Manchester rehearse their dance
Swanning Around – more rehearsals from day 2 from WebPlay on Vimeo.
Everyone working together on the finale – it’s coming together!
Untitled from WebPlay on Vimeo.
Sun 13th 11.29GMT: Well, it’s a lot cooler in the rehearsal room today! The students are working on putting the whole thing together for the first time. Check out the comment section below to see what some people in the room are thinking!
Sun 13th JUne 7.56 GMT: Today will begin with the students taking a tour of backstage at the Royal Albert Hall so that they can see where their dressing rooms will be and learn how to get to the stage. Then it’s back around the corner to English National Ballet studios for another full day of rehearsals. at 10.00 they’ll be rehearsing the full show from start to finish for the first time. Should be exciting.
SATURDAY 12th JUNE
Today’s Videos:
Working on the finale:
1st Swanning Around Unison Rehearsal All Together from WebPlay on Vimeo.
Latymer rehearse The Prince:
Swanning Around Saturday Morning Rehearsals 2 from WebPlay on Vimeo.
Holland Park’s morning rehearsals shows Jenna’s sense of humour (I love this one):
Swanning Around Saturday morning rehearsals from WebPlay on Vimeo.
Sat 12th June 18.20 GMT: That’s it for today. Going to upload some video from the show and will have it on the site later tonight. All the schools are off to see English National Ballet’s Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall tonight. They are all very excited. And probably very tired.
Sat 12th June 16.33 GMT: First rehearsal of Unison Sections with everyone together!
We are in the upper rehearsal room at ENB – it’s a huge space now packed to the rim with people. Laura has given the students a great talk about how now is the time when they all have to come together and work as one. She said “You’re not individual schools anymore – you can forget about that – now’s the time you come together as one. It’s important that you help eachother”
How amazing to see them all together for the first time. Jenna is working them hard. Everyone’s a little nervous, which I suppose makes sense since they are all together for the first time. There’s such a big range in ages and sizes! They are all 100% focused on Jenna though.
And here comes the music for the first time! I have goose bumps!
They just finished the first bit with music. A few mistakes, a few nerves, but we’re seeing the potential and it’s really exciting!
Sat 12th June 15.32pm GMT: Rehearsals begin! All of the schools have arrived at English National Ballet and so far they have spent the day rehearsing their individual pieces as well as the unison dances. The big moment will come at 4pm today, when all the groups come together to do the first run through!
Sat 12th June 9.45am GMT: It’s coming! Coverage starts Saturday afternoon! We’re just getting everyone settled in at English National Ballet and WebPlay and LYJA are getting all their equipment together.
Stay tuned. . .
Swanning Around is sponsored by The British Council’s Connecting Classrooms
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Comments
I’m sat here filming some sneaky previews of the Swanning Around Performance. The rehearsal room is hot and muggy is definitely an understatement. The nervous energy, high tension and huge expectations from the professionals weighing down upon the ballet artists’ shoulders barely even shows. All these talented young people are totally focussed, tired but utterly professional. To say this is only the first ever full rehearsal is incredible. It is truly amazing to watch it all being put together. I really hope their performance in the round on Monday really pays off for them!
Abby Wiggins – Lincolnshire Young Journalists Academiy (LYJA)
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
It all looks like it is going well. I wish I could be their at rehearsals. Can’t wait for Monday night. I will keep popping back to check in on how things are going. Keep up the good work.
Jon Williams – WebPlay Programmes Manager
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
Yesterday all of the five schools rehearsed together for the frist time, and I found it really exciting because the piece really came together and it was amazing how Jenna’s coreography worked so well with so many people. I am really looking forward to Monday night because Swanning Around is going to look great. The rehearsals are pretty intense at the moment but it is definitely worth it!
Alice Pavesi – Latymer
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
The whole process of Swanning Around has been absolutely incredible. The thought of performing to thousands of people tomorrow is so amazing but extremely scary at the same time. The rehersals have been very hard and a lot must be done in a short period of time but all the hard work we have done has definitely payed off and our peice of the Prince is really coming together.
Drew Learner – Latymer Upper School
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
The dance is finally coming together, it’s starting to look really good. I think it’s going to look even better in the hall.
Ellen Cullen Holland Park School
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
The five have joined up and the dance is now complete. I know that I will be left speechless after persoming it at the Royal Albert Hall.
Ahmed Adnan Holland Park School
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
hi. we are in rehersals now at the home of english national ballet. we are rehersing the finale which is nearly finshed. i am so glad that i got this oppertutnity to be part of this amazing experiance and i will remember this moment for the rest of my life.
Rhys Wilson-Barford Burnt Mill School
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
Hello. We are in our second day of rehearsals. They are very tough but, i know it is because it will look amazing on stage. Yesterday we went to see a performance of Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall, it was amazing and has encouraged me to perform my best on monday night. This is an amazing experience and i can’t wait till i perform.
Ellie Teahan Burnt Mill
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
NERVOUS & NERVOUS & NERVOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE CHINA group r ALL ready to go….. .\ /. ""
see you all in royal albert hall
CHINA GROUP x 10ppl
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
We are excited to participate in Swanning Around and be here in London. The children from China are very happy to work with their UK partners and wish the performance at Royal Albert Hall a great success!
Guo Feifei
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
Have been watching the rehearsals this morning and it is all coming together really well. Clearly having seen the ENB Swan Lake last night, our dancers are now making the connections between that performance and their own. They all clearly loved the show last night!
Alastair Tallon; Head of Learning & Participation, Royal Albert Hall
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
The last few days have been great. It’s nice to meet all the other pupils from other schools, although a little daunting as they are all much older! It has been amazing to see the whole piece come together, and although we are all a little nervous, I have high hopes for Genna’s amazing choreography. Thanks to everyone who took part! =)
Jonny Danciger Latymer Upper School
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
The whole rehersal process with all the other schools involved has been amazing! it has been a challenge to make it all come together but finally we are all starting to look like one big group. Jenna and Laura have done so well with the precision of the peice and i honestly feel it will be amazing. I am very nervous about the performance on monday but i know that it will be great as Jenna is fantastic and has done such a great job. Thanks for such a great experience!
Drew Learner – Latymer Upper School
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
Hi it has been an intensive morning but sooooo exciting to see the whole piece coming together!!! Right now I’m sewing – getting a bit of an expert at this now! And watching rehearsal….nearly 3pm so time for change over in studios – catch you later Fleur
Fleur English National Ballet
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
19 days ago
The Rehersals so far have been exhausting. Rehersing Jenna’s steps together has been challenging for everyone of us but the whole piece is coming together tremendously. Each schools indivual dance sequences looks spectacular and together all the acts will contribute to the marvellous show tomorrow. I’m especially looking forward to finally performing at the Royal Albert Hall it will be an amazing experience and a brilliant reword for all our hard work and effort.
Iman Virji – Latymer Upper School
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
18 days ago
I think that the whole internet process has been really interesting. I love looking at the other schools involvement and what they have done and also what China has been doing. I really enjoy posting pictures and updates of our rehersals and feeling abouut the whole experience.
It has been so fun to be paired with a Chinese e-pal. I love hearing from them and being connected with someone so far away. I really enjoyed being able to post questions to preofessionals and hear their feedback. it is so interesting to hear someones thoughts and opinions who has been doing ballet for multiple years. Our ballet buddy, Elena is a fantastic dancer and i really enjoyed being able to question her and read her interesting feedback.
Drew, Latymer Upper School
18 days ago
It’s 10am, all the schools are here and rehearsals have now started on stage. Everyone seems really energised ahead of today’s performances and they are really looking forward to doing it for real later.
Alastair Tallon; Head of Learning & Participation, Royal Albert Hall
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
18 days ago
at the moment we are watching the battle scene of the piece! the stage is huge and nerves are high!
ciara jenkin
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
18 days ago
I’m watching the run-through as the evaluator for the project, so I’m completely new to it. I’m so impressed by the overall commitment that the young dancers are showing.Even thought this last day you can see the improvement continuing as each rehearsal takes place. Looking forward very much to seeing the whole thing tonight. Aldo loving the orchestra!
Catherine Rose from Arts Inform
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
18 days ago
I’ve just watched the dress rehearsal. Working in this building we’re lucky enough to see some world famous artists, but watching something as unique, creative and professional as this really puts the icing on the cake. Inspiring stuff – well done everyone and good luck tonight!
Julia Robinson from Royal Albert Hall
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
What a brilliant show – well done. Good luck for this evening’s performance.
Alison from the Royal Albert Hall
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
Good luck dancers – we are all so proud of this fantastic event
Cathy Stephens Director Innovation British Council
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
Good luck. I know that you will be fantastic,
Olga Stanojlovic, british council
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
Good luck. We’re really looking forward to watching your performance and seeing all your hard work come to fruition.
Vicki Miles, British Council
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
Good luck to the little swans from China! Look forward to watching your performance at the Royal Albert Hall tonite!
Yvonne
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
I’m so looking forward to this evening’s performance. I’m very proud that we’ve been able to work together swo successfully.Good luck to all the performers!
Martin Davidson, CEO The British Council
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
I had such a great time today at the dress rehearsal and was blown away by such a load of talent on stage from all over the UK. . and China. Swanning Around is the greatest and English National Ballet is so proud of all the work you have done. And for those ambassadors from the UK who will join us in Shanghai in Sept, we are so looking forward to the next stage.
Craig Hassall, Managing Director English National Ballet
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
This is my first blog ever! It’s so exciting! I am longing for the performance tonight, having sat enthralled at the rehearsal this afternoon. Good luck and savor and enjoy every moment here and in Shanghai.
chris cotton chief executive royal albert hall
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
All the best and we wish you luck to all the Chinese students and the students from the UK.
Shen Yihuai, First Secretary of the Chinese Embassy
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
absolutely Fabulous! aces
aces
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
ace
katie
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
Stunning. They must have worked soooo hard
Angela
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
What a fantastic and inspirational eveing. A testament to the power of arts education. Congratulations to all involved
Geinor Styles
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
Not only has it been an exhausting and intensive four days for the dancers from across the UK and from China but also for the three young journalists who have provided the images and short films on here but also producing the ebook on www.myebook.com/swanningaround celebrating and documenting behind the scenes treats for you all to enjoy. The final performance tonight at one of the most iconic arts venues in the world was simply the icing on the cake and everyone (dancers, teachers and organisers alike) should feel extremely proud of what they have achieved.
Sam Atkins – LYJA Managing Editor
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
Congratulations to everyone involved in Swanning Around. The students in the UK and China, the teachers, the dance artists, the staff at English National Ballet and Royal Albert Hall. It’s been fantastic. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Well done!
Sydney Thornbury – WebPlay
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
What a fantastic performance – in fact the whole weekend was really amazing. Many, many congratulations to the performers, their teachers and dance artists. The dancers gave the performance of their lives tonight – standing ovation at the end! A very emotional evening for everyone. Thanks too to WebPlay and LYJA for this blog!
Alastair Tallon; Head of Learning & Participation – Royal Albert Hall
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
17 days ago
Great show on monday!! I really enjoyed it. I don’t think a single person made a mistake and fom the impression I got, the audience had a great time. A massive well done to everyone involved. Thanks to all the teachers who helped put the show together. It was one of the best days of my life! ;P
Jonny Danciger Latymer
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
16 days ago
The performance was amazing, i have never felt exilerated in my whole life! And i have now danced at the royal albert hall! i will remember it as long as i live! The whole weekend and months in which we practiced were hard work but paid off to the ultimate performance that was sooo amazing. i was so sad at the end that i actually cried. It was probably the best day of my life.
Sybella Crewdson
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
16 days ago
Such an amazing experience. The best feeling ever, it was absolutely amazing.
Tasha Snaith
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
16 days ago
The performance at the Royal Albert Hall was a once in a life time thing to do. It was extremely exciting and was one of the best days of my life. Everyone was crying and cheering after the performance and it was very emotional. The hard work over the weekend was 100% worth it, and i am extremely pleased that i auditioned for this project. The over all experience has really made me realise how much i love dancing! Thankyou to Jenna and Laura for making this performance possible!
Lara
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
16 days ago
The experience at the Royal Albert hall was so incredible. I was overjoyed after our school had finished the Prince. It is the best feeling after you come off the stage having performed to your optimium. the adrenaline is running high. the excitement is overflowing. yet no-one is aloud to shout.
Thank you so much to everyone who enabled me to have this experience, i’ll remember it forever.
Matteo Del Maestro
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
16 days ago
Still exhausted from monday evening! its was just amazing! i enjoyed it much more than i thought i would and i wasnt nervous before the performance which really surprised me. It was weird going to school again yesterday. It feels like ive been away for ages when we actually only missed one day. Thank you so much to everyone who organised this and was involved! Its been the best thing ever!
Isabella Sinnott – Latymer Upper School
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
16 days ago
It was an incredible feeling. You get such an adrenaline and that’s the only energy that keeps you going because you’re so tired from all the rehearsals. The atmosphere backstage is amazing! It’s just so exciting, all rushing to get to the entrance on your cue and saying good luck to everyone. When you get on stage you can only see black around you and bright lights shining in your eyes and you can hear and feel the audiences presence. An amazing oportunity. Thankyou everyone.
Amelia Williams
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
16 days ago
Thank you everyone at Latymer for your fantastic comments. You all did a great job.
Sydney Thornbury – WebPlay
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
16 days ago
I had such a great time! Although the rehearsals were tough, I’m glad we were in this project. It is something that I well never forget and something that I am proud to talk about to my friends and family. I would like to thank everyone in this project! Especially Laura, Jenna, Anh, Miss Wilson and Fleur, there’s no way we could have done this without you! Im still buzzing from Monday and its now Friday! Had a great time, thanks again, cant wait for the dvd and pictures!
Chelsie Cross Burnt Mill
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
14 days ago
Congratulations on your stunning performance of Swanning Around on 14 June. We thought it was absolutely wonderful, magical music matched by your exuberant and sensitive interpretation of the story. What an amazingly talented group you are. It was a very special evening. Good luck in China!
Mary and Andrew Nixon: Education consultants
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
11 days ago
Thanks to all involved in "Swanning Around" – all of us "up above" were absolutely knocked out at your professionalism, energy and enthusiasm. The orchestra wanted me to tell you that they really enjoyed it too, and when I said they could leave the "pit" for the numbers they weren’t involved in, they all stayed! Comments included "they’re awesome" "so professional" "great fun, great music and great dance". A big thank you to Fleur, her team, all of the choreographers and of course all of the dancers and their teachers! Many congratulations again and well done! Here’s to China!
Gavin Sutherland, Music Director, ENB.
(from IP address 127.0.0.1)
10 days ago
by rss
I really can’t believe that 2 years ago Fleur of English National Ballet and I were saying, “wouldn’t it be nice to do a project around Swan Lake”, and now here I sit watching the first ensemble rehearsal. The dancers (and they are now dancers – not pupils, not students – DANCERS!) are so focused, so professional and concentrating so hard. It is quite humbling to see how much effort and hard work they have put into this. The rest of this weekend is going to be hard work, but I know that the pay-off will make all this seem worthwhile for them. I really can’t wait til Monday to see the finished piece, and just as importantly to see the reaction of the audience.
Alastair Tallon – Head of Learning and Participation Royal Albert Hall
19 days ago