Syncopated Steps: Bridging Generations in Dance
In the prohibition era, where jazz tunes resonated through smoky speakeasies a man named Faust is tempted by the Devil in an innovative dance collaboration. Welcome to “Speakeasy” a dance fusion of Hip Hop, Charleston and Swing created by Southpaw Dance. MyCharleston joined them on their current tour along with local Hip Dancers K.O.D for their performance at Pavillion Theatre Worthing. Together, the dance companies show how these diverse dance forms can coexist to ignite the stage.
‘Speakeasy’ is set in 1920s America and it was there in the smoky jazz clubs that Charleston found its roots. This iconic dance from the Twenties has been MyCharleston’s specialism since the company began in 2014 so we were delighted when we were asked to join Southpaw for the performance in Worthing. Our dance was set to the tune Puttin’ On The Ritz by Gregory Porter. It’s a legendary piece of music which has a sense of excitement and danger befitting to the story of Faust as he journeys with the Devil into the world of nightclubs, liquor and jazz.
For the MyCharleston Dancers learning and performing the dance was a journey of collaboration, camaraderie and delving into the unknown. We had no idea when we committed to the project exactly what dance styles we would be required to perform. As we waited for the choreography pack I couldn’t help wondering if we were the right fit? The choreographer Robby Graham had described the dance as having intricate footwork, partner dancing and Hip Hop moves. We put together a team of dancers who collectively had a broad knowledge of dance styles, most of all they could Charleston with style.
The process of learning the dance remotely from videos and online has its limitations so the studio rehearsals were both essential and fun. From word go the dancers were happy to share ideas and support one another. We left each rehearsal buzzing about the up-and-coming performance and with the song firmly stuck in our heads – yes it’s an earworm!
Southpaw Speakeasy Rehearsal
The day we gathered on the stage at Worthing Theatre, we were introduced to KOD and the dancers from Southpaw. This was our first chance to see the set, run the performance and see the show. Our positions were set and we got to run Puttin’ on the Ritz, it’s a long piece and the Choreographer felt there was space for some Charleston dancers to have a place in the spotlight. Initially no one stepped forward which is surprising, us Charleston dancers are not shy about performing! But Elena and I soon came up with a sequence of high energy moves which showed the Charleston at its best.
Once our routine was set, we were able to sit in the auditorium and watch a full run of the performance. I have seen many dance performances with a storyline, but this show used a completely unique way of conveying a narrative through dance. The story is told primarily through dialogue between the different characters. The dancers have created movement to express the meaning of the words which we hear in voice over. The skill level was impressive as they had to know the script and execute the moves, facial expression, and gestures with perfect timing. Overall, the story had a good mix of light and shade with moments of tragedy, comedy, jeopardy and uplifting jazz music and dance.
The day of the performance arrived and the group who knew each other well really got to bond as we spent about 6hrs together in the dressing-room. Part of the skill of a performer is not just their ability to shine on stage, they also need immense patience as there is a lot of hanging around. However, we made the best of the time and we certainly felt like we were all friends.
Waiting in wings with the other dancers we felt a mix of nerves and excitement finally the time had come; the symbols crashed, and we stepped out onto the stage with the opening move, strong silhouettes lit up the dancers as the Speakeasy began ….
The feeling when you come of stage is a strange one, there is a sense of achievement that you’ve done it coupled with the sadness that it’s all over. It’s hard not to berate yourself about mistakes which are so tiny they aren’t visible and yet you know they happened. I think the most peculiar aspect of performing is how the time on stage goes so quickly but you experience each moment so intensely it is as if time slows down.
MyCharleston Final Bow
It’s hard to image what the experience must be like for the Southpaw dancers who give it their all on stage, night after night. During rehearsals the Southpaw dancers didn’t go flat out but during the show we saw them dance at their peak. Backstage we watched them recover their breath and it was like seeing an Olympic athlete after a race. We were in awe of their skill, their commitment, and their generosity as a dance company. They had been so inclusive and welcoming from the first warm-up through to the final bow. As we came on to the final applause there was no hierarchy between the dance companies, they shared the stage, the experience and their encouragement brought an energy to this dance piece which was ignited our dance experience.
MyCharleston have always offered more than just dance classes, from the company’s inception we have created film projects and performance opportunities so that our dancers can take the skills they have learnt in class and share them with the wider world. When children attend dance classes they are often working towards a goal, we feel having a goal is important for adult dancers too. We called the company MyCharleston so that everyone who takes part feels that the dance experience belongs to them. Here is what this experience meant to those who took part in this dance experience:
““The whole experience very uplifting and for me, a re-ignition of passion for theatre performance and stage awareness - amazing energy in our team and fun to partner dance, felt like a fabulous achievement””
““I have been with my Charleston for around 7 years and am never bored! They are always providing new materials and new opportunities. Most recently our experience performing with Southpaw which allowed us to be part of a full scale production with fancy light and sparkly costumes it was a real treat and an experience I hope to have the opportunity to do again!””
“For me, dance performance at Speakeasy is a complete escape.
Dance performance allows me the freedom to express myself in ways I cannot whilst I am at work or at home. It can be a big commitment, especially when rehearsing for a performance, but if you love something then you will always make time for it.
It’s a challenge to get up in front of a crowd and dance your heart, but once I fulfil my mission on stage, I get an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
When I find myself involved in an activity that challenges me, it motivates me to continue to get better and better. Sharing the stage with other great dancers teaches me to appreciate my strengths and helps me learn from the strengths in others.
I believe dance performance brings people together and it just makes me happy!””
To join MyCharleston classes, please visit our timetable or get in touch about upcoming performance opportunities.
Blog by Fiona Ring, Co-Founder MyCharleston