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Cecchetti
Centre Boys' Afternoon
Another outstanding Cecchetti Boys' Day was organised by Cara Drower
and presented by Richard Slaughter in the lovely large studios of The
Place, London on Sunday 4th November 2001.
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All
the participants of the Boys Class (L-R back row) Branislav Henselmann,
Stephen Hose, Richard Slaughter & William Palmer |
Mr
Slaughter began the class with a simple short barre that challenged
the younger and gave the older students time to reflect on their technique
- feet, posture and arms. These were recurrent themes throughout the
day. The class gained in momentum with the introduction of pirouettes
en dehors. While the more experienced practised head, arm and retiré
positions, the others valiantly attempted to discern the difference
between a pirouette en dehors and a pirouette en dedans, which foot
comes up and where it goes down! Much was achieved with the patience
and nurturing of William Palmer and Branislav Henselmann (students of
the Rambert School). The younger were determined not to be out done
by any of the older boys.
After tea, Mr Slaughter taught the thirty lively participants the Russian
Dance from the 'Nutcracker'. The runs, the leaps, the quick whirlings
were practised tirelessly over and over again. The way students remembered
the series of complicated, energetic steps was impressive.
The
highlight of the day must have been a battle scene from the 'Nutcracker'.
We saw a 'ragged' army transformed into a strong battalion of soldiers,
attacking an opposing army of mice. The latter was led by a truly dramatic
arrogant King Rat, Marcus Rodrigues. The soldiers circled, the mice
dodged and weaved. The stage was left finally, with casualties being
dragged off either side while mice cheered silently, for as Mr Slaughter
stated, in spite of the joy and hilarity at creating a ballet, ballet
is, after all, a silent art.
The
class ended once again, quietly and calmly, with a short mime sequence.
We say in return, thank you, Mr Slaughter, and exceptional accompanist,
Stephen Hose, for a wonderfully entertaining afternoon that was not
only theatre for those taking part but also those observing.
Alison
Dos Santos
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