Today we were working on "Masquerade" dance. We were learning vogue dancing. I find it really interesting to add vogueing elements to "Masquerade" piece. I have seen voguing before and I find this dance really different. I like how you can play with your hands. I think we need to work on our arms more now cuz majority of moves are arms moves.

We learnt three moves in today's lesson. And we did succeed trying to create a dance from only those three moves. Looking forward to learn more.

More about voguing

Voguing is a modern house dance style. It was found in 1960's.
Now there are 3 different vogue styles:
1. Old way - characterized by the formation of lines, symmetry and precision in the execution of graceful, fluid-like action. Take a look on this interesting hand performance and floor exercises.

2. New way - characterized by rigid moves coupled with clicks and arms control that sometimes includes tutting, locking or illusion of bone breaking.

3. Vogue fem - this style is mostly exaggerated with feminine moves influenced by contemporary, ballet and jazz dance styles. Vogue fem includes hands performance, catwalk, duckwalk, floor performance and dips&drops.

Evaluation of my performance

My task was to perform a Suzanne, lesbian journalist. It required some skills which could help me to get in to my character, don’t laugh, in the beginning do journalist voice and in the end get a bit shy because an awkward situation has happened. I found this play weird, but as I understand weird plays are likely to be in theatres because they are less normal.

It was really hard to reveal my character when I was meant to look at the camera all the beginning, but after awkward situation I really started to feel awkward, at that moment I definitely got into my character.

Change: In very beginning of rehearsing I was sitting next to my partner and my faces side was facing the audience. But Sean said that audience is losing my character. They couldn’t see my character. So I stood up next to my camera, because audience could see my face from there and they could see my character more clearly. 

When I went on stage I was feeling quite confident but I still felt a bit nervous. Sometimes I was forgetting that I am on stage and then this feeling was coming back. I still need more experience of being on stage. I haven’t forgotten any words or action, and I spoke quite loudly I think so the audience could hear me. Also in the awkward situation we did a really good eye contact, that’s why that situation became awkward.  I am happy that the audience understood that I was a lesbian, which means I revealed my character and that was my main goal.

Future predictions:

3 Positives:

• Loud voice
• Not too nervous      

2/3 Weaknesses:

• I need to not read my lines in my head, but really listen to what the other actors are saying and reacting to it
• I need to get more into my character

Cabaret (Certificate in Dance)

Everything happens in 1931 in Berlin.

Lady in the beginning is dominant. She is very interesting character. She always has an illusion of being a superstar, she tries to escape from reality.

Main parts of movie are filmed in Kit Kat club.

Dance moves are sexual, also they bend their back - that's Bob Fosses one of the main features.

A lot of make-up is used, even guys use lots of make-up. In dance they really hide who is a man and who is a woman. That is good because it is what they are trying to do.

Dancers wear fluffy dresses or club clothes like tight shorts, crop tops. 

Acting is likely to be used in dances.

Dance performed by Lisa Minnelli:

Personal evaluation about how I have improved in my dance

(Lesson with Dominique)

Action

Now I remember the choreography of our dance but I need to improve my extensions. I wasn't really concentrated on my feet precision and I think my angles and shapes could be clearer.

Dynamics

In our dance we have some sharp and some soft moves. One of soft ones is when we slowly move our hands down trying to curve them, making waves. One of sharp ones is when we pick our left leg and our hands direct different sides, we need to keep strong balance here.

Space

My group found a way how to cross each other’s planes/spaces/patterns even if in the beginning it looked impossible. I think I need more practise with it. Well we all need.

Relationship

During our lesson on Thursday we added some eye contacts. I really felt connection between us and it helps to keep better timing if you feel you group’s dance and connection.