LBC members were privileged to be able to watch NEBT dancers in class and rehearse 3 pieces for their forthcoming performances of the Genesis Dance Project at Hornchurch (19 October) and Sadlers Wells Lilian Baylis Studio (2/3 November).
We were welcomed by Assistant Director, Daniela Cardim, who led class.
The Genesis Dance project forms the second half of the show. NEBT has created 6 works to rock music with the generous permission of the band by 4 choreographers (Wayne Eagling, Valentino Zuchetti, Ruth Brill and Kristen McNally).
We watched 3 excerpts, each working on a small section and then a run through of the whole as far as they has reached:
“Ripples” by Wayne Eagling - a physical and challenging pas de trois based on Helen of Troy.
“Watcher of the Skies” also by Wayne Eagling - an ensemble piece made on film during lockdown and now to receive its stage debut.
“Firth of Fifth” by Valentino Zuchetti - the choreographer himself was able to call in amid his busy schedule to review and tweak.
It is worth mentioning that much of the responsibility to achieve the desired level of performance falls upon freelance Rehearsal Director, Nicky Henshall. I have seen her do this at English National Ballet for Nora (Stina Quagebeur) and Creature (Akram Khan). It must be an essential but difficult and often unsung role to interpret the choreographer’s intentions often in their absence, with a small company (NEBT have 16 dancers) and tight schedules.
NEBT Founder, Artistic and Executive Director, Karen Pilkington-Miska thanked us all for coming and I do believe that during our 3 hour stay some members were seen to be humming along to Genesis or even mouthing the words!
Written by Keith White