Whaingaroa Youth Movement has done it again with their end-of-year performance of ‘You Are Here’. The audience at three performances were treated to inspiring acts presented by the young dancers. Around a theme of a mind map, we saw everything from scarecrows to puriri moths dancing in Raglan Town Hall. Patti Mitchley says, that mind maps were used for the creative process and finding movement material. Then energy levels, body parts and movements, important places in our lives and things we see and do were mapped. They then used those mind map images to create the movement material. In addition Patti says that they have also deliberately re-used some movement phrases and transitional ideas from past choreographies. This acknowledged the past dancers that have left us. She said it has been good to see the old choreo, on new kids.
This 10th anniversary performance is a huge credit to Patti Mitchley, her production team and the young dancers. It was dedicated to the memory of Al Williamson who helped stage many of the earlier shows.
The eight acts were:
1. Under Pressure
Music: Eet – Regina Spektor
11-13 years. This piece is about being new to pressure and being under pressure. Creative process was around using maps of energy levels and what we do in a day – duets are choreographed by the dancers. Overlapping movement phrases in small spaces.
2. Chaos
Music: Lady Gaga Mix – mixed by Jeremy Mayall
Scarecrows: 9-10 years
This is fun, chaotic and crazy.
3. Flight
‘I wish I knew then, what I know now’
Music: Wide Awake – Katy Perry
10-11 years
They used birds flocking as a movement inspiration and most of the movement material was created by the dancers. This dance creates clearing and space after the chaos.
4. Unity
Choreography by: Indya Gibbs
15-18 years
Indya is leaving Whaingaroa Youth Movement this year to attend Whitireia in Wellington to pursue performing arts and dance. The choreo is about standing strong and unity. It has strong tribal themes.
5. Influence
Music: Youth – Daughter
13-14 years
Ideas around influencing people and being influenced. Includes contact partnering work and lifts.
6. Towards the Light
Puriri Moth: 5-7 years
Music: One Day I’ll Fly Away (from Moulin Rouge) with Taonga Puoro mixed by Jeremy Mayall
This is the piece that Patti ‘saw’ when Al Williamson passed away – it is about ‘reaching to the light’.
7. Can I take back what I said?
Music: Wave at me from across the Sea – Elizabeth Stokes.
These are short gestural vignettes reflecting on relationship, choreo by the dancers
8. Forever Here
Music: Gravity – Sara Bareilles
About missing someone and the effect they have on you and leave with you.
A great BIG MASSIVE thanks to:
Creative Communities Waikato District
Michael Knapp
Arren Keenan (Williamson Stage Lighting),
Waikato Scaffolding: Stuart Hayward & Sheree West, Scintilla Clothing, Xtreme Waste, all the Mum’s & Nana’s that sewed, Raglan Chronicle, plus the generosity & support of WYM whanau & friends.
