Dunraven secondary have recently renovated their theatre, giving LRBS the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the new stage and hold a small performance last Summer.
The programme consisted of a medley of ballets including Swan lake, sleeping beauty and la bayadere. This particular performance included a larger collection of duets and solos variation to allow the students toe experience the pressures and rehearsals needed of a soloist in a company. Of course group pieces were still present to ensure that the students are continuing to learn how to dance in unison.
For myself, the rehearsals for Dunraven tested my emotions more than anything else. I had been given a solo from Paquita to perform, the 5th variation, and I was rehearsed by both Evgeny and Natalia. Having two different coaches meant twice the amount of information and corrections to take in and apply. At first I found this extremely difficult, and often found myself welling up as I felt is was disappointing one or the other by not implementing their particular correction.
It took a few rehearsals with them both to learn how to focus on dancing as well as opening my ears to the corrections they were shouting at me. Every teacher will see something different to correct and improve in each performer, it is important to take on board every correction to be able to mould yourself as a performer.
The London Russian Ballet School 