Dance residency in Clackmannanshire
Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust (STDT) has been working with schools and the community in the Clackmannanshire Council area as part of a two year dance residency, funded through the partners artist in residency programme.
Since September 2005, Lisa Dunlop, Traditional Dance Artist in Residence for this project, has organised and delivered various community and school projects, including developing a range of workshops and classes, supported by training for teachers. In addition, Lisa established The Lornshill Fusion Dancers, a high school performance group blending Scottish traditional dance with contemporary styles, such as Hip-Hop and Salsa.
Lisa shares her experience of working with this group below:
'The group formed after an exciting project specialising in all aspects of Hip-Hop culture, involving Lornshill Academy, Clackmannanshire Council's Cultural and Community Services and ISH - a Dutch company.
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The buzz and energy created during the 'ISH' project encouraged me and a group of pupils to continue dancing, all eager to experiment with street dance and the less familiar genre of Scottish traditional dance. Almost one year on, the group are still going strong performing at various events, in and around the 'wee country'. |
Since their first major performance at Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust's (STDT) 10th Anniversary celebrations at Dunblane Hydro Hotel in December, the dancers' determination and commitment to their art has intensified, so much so that extra rehearsals, cutting into their free time, are scheduled without any reluctance. They have become an extremely mature, focused group of young dancers, who are respected and admired by peers and people in the local community alike.
Rehearsing on a weekly basis within the school, the dancers work on fusion pieces that I have choreographed for the group. Their first piece, Street Ceilidh, juxtaposed The Virginia Reel with top rocking, locking and popping, impressing audiences with its up beat vibe and light hearted soundtrack - a funky, ecletic mix of a Robert Burns poem with 'Pump Up the Jam'.
Their second piece, in stark contrast, showcased Scottish reel steps and Step dancing, blended with African and Flamenco twist. The dancers presented both pieces at various local events. They also appeared in an amazing dance animation pience created by photographer Kenny Bean, which was projected onto Clackmannanshire's Kilncraigs building over the festive period, as an alternative to the familiar Christmas lights.
With the start of the new school year, new members have been urged to join the group and two performances took place in October. The school is extrememly suppportive and is always happy to help the group in any way possible. STDT and Clackmannanshire Council are also huge fans of the dance group, supporting them in any way possible, offering them platforms to showcase new work and the opportunity to share this rare type of fushion dance with those who are unfamiliar with the style.
I am also keen to support young choreographers and urge them to experiment with their own ideas. A young choreographer myself, I believe that being able to display one's work is an important part of developing as a choreographer and a dancer. The Lornshill Fusion Group are continually encouraged to experiment and challenge themselves individually and as a group. Many of them, having never danced prior to joining the group have becom confidenet, competent performers who are valuable members of a tight knit dance community. They have all learned to interact with work alongside both pupils older and younger than themselves to form a fantastic dance group that will be around for many school years to come.'
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Read more about Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust and their recent work with Midlothian Council.
Visit our partners area for information on other projects funded through the partners programme. |
partners: Scotland's Artist Residency Programme is supported by the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council |