#pavilion dance

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(via Sinergia - "Flamenco that's sublime in its simplicity yet rich in personality" | Beautiful Ballet Dance Magazine - Interviews, Podcasts, Reviews - The Wonderful World of Dance)

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(via DeNada Dance Theatre's TORO Beauty and the Bull is a "captivating gender-bending Hispanic tale of Beauty and the Beast" | Beautiful Ballet Dance Magazine - Interviews, Podcasts, Reviews - The Wonderful World of Dance)

[hannah-e-cole]

Video 1: Installation Taster (personal collection)

[hannah-e-cole]

Photos from the launch.

[hannah-e-cole]

The Launch!

It finally came launch day! Over the past two months, we have been creating the content for our installation, and now it was finally the time to piece it all together. Before everyone headed to the Pavilion at 12pm to set up, Phil, Mollie, Nathan, Kelsey and I had to carry the plinth into the taxi so we could get it there. The five of us managed to lift the plinth safely into the taxi then Phil, and I traveled with it to the Pavilion to make sure it was secure during transit. Mollie took everyone else in her car, and then we all met at Pavilion Dance, so we could get the plinth into the building.

Figure 1: Me and the Plinth (Philip Small)

As soon as we arrived we had to carry the plinth into the Pavilion so that we could begin setting up. This was a bit of a challenge, but the five of us worked great as a team to navigate the plinth into the space. Once we arrived, we met Beste and with the plinth in place, we could begin gluing the boxes to each other, setting up the projector and blacking out the windows.

When Astrid and Will arrived a bit later, they began to black out the windows with tin foil. However, when they started they were sticking the tin foil up with tape as planned, but it looked untidy and unprofessional. Sam, the technician, later suggested we should maybe think about using sugar paper. We had thought about this previously, but we presumed it might need fireproofing, and so we went with tin foil after Sam originally suggested it as an option. Upon reflection, we should have thought more about the aesthetics of the tin foil. However, we decided it was a bit too late to change this now but if our piece did get chosen then we would replace the tin foil with sugar paper. Sam did, still help us out by saying we should use water to stick up the tin foil instead of sellotape so that it looked better. He showed us how to do this and lent us a craft knife so the tin foil could be cut to the size of the windows making it neater.

Figure 2: The Completed Projector Set Up (Philip Small)

As the rest of the group were blacking out the windows, I was struggling with Painting with Light (2015). While we had created our project many times within the software this time it was not working correctly on Phil's laptop. We had a problem with the way images were being added to the workspace and the workspace itself. Not only was the workspace not calibrated correctly, so you could not see where you were drawing, but it was inverting all the colours of our pictures and also turning them blue. We tried changing the settings and preferences within the program but it did not help. After struggling with this problem for a while, we decided to consult Kavi on how to solve the issue as we had no clue. Nevertheless, Kavi did not know why Painting with Light (2015) was acting like this, and she did not know how to fix it. She suggested borrowing someone else's laptop to build our project upon, but it was a struggle to find someone who was finished and who still had their laptop with them. Luckily Lizzie had her MacBook, complete with software, with her which meant we could borrow it, and we were able to re-create our projection quickly.  

With the projection portion complete all we had to do now was add the audio to our piece. As we do not know how to input or record sound from Painting with Light (2015), we decided it was best just to record our projection and then add the sound afterwards in Premiere Pro. While this should be simple, our edit starts with five seconds of black and so it was difficult to determine where our audio needed to come in. Additionally, Painting with Light (2015) gives a blank output (also black) before it begins to play any videos. Therefore, it was also difficult to tell when our video even started due to the black at the beginning. However, we proceeded, and I managed to get the audio in sync as best as I could. It was a few milliseconds out, but I did not have the time to fiddle with the audio so that it was perfectly in sync, and so it would have to do.

There was only about 1 hour left until the launch, and all we needed to do now was export our video and transfer it on to the Raspberry Pi so that it would play on loop. However, this was not as straightforward as we initially thought. When we first exported the video and loaded it on to the Pi, the ratio was wrong, and so our projection was too tiny. We tried exporting it again, but this time it was way too big. A couple of exports later Kavi, Phil and I managed to get the correct aspect ratio and our projection finally matched up with the piece. 

Figure 3: The Completed Installation (personal collection)

With only 15 minutes left to spare we had finished and could eventually relax.

In the 15 minutes before the curators would be coming round to view everyone's installations we went and had a little sneak peek at all the pieces. I was amazed at what all the groups had managed to create, and it was really nice to see what the whole year had come up with.

A bit later on after the curators had been round and deliberated all of the projects they announced the pieces that they would like to keep on for the total six weeks. 

Figure 4: Our Group with the Curators (Laura Dodds)

The winners were "Welcome to Hip Hop", "Breaking Free" and "Hip Hop Fusion." I was happy that all three of these pieces got chosen as they were the ones I enjoyed viewing the most. While our installation was not chosen, I was not disappointed as suspected this was going to be the case anyhow. Having said that, I was a little disheartened when I found out we would have to take our installations down the same day. It was rather disappointing to know that not many people were going to see our work even though we had put in a great deal of effort. Kavi however did say that the media school may display our projects, and told us to hold on to our boxes. I hope this happens as it would be satisfying to see our work on show.

After dismantling our installation, we now had to work out what to do with the plinth. We had no means of transportation to take it back with us and even if we did we would not know what to do with it. I thought it would be best to donate it to the university so they could maybe use it for displays. Following a quick chat with Lizzie we were able to get her to agree to take the plinth, so we no longer had to worry about it, and with that taken care of we left the Pavilion.

Overall I was happy with how the final piece looked and I pleased with how the team worked together to set up the installation. It has been a busy couple of months, and we have encountered lots of stress throughout the project, but I am proud of what we have achieved. I am now ready to get on with our next project.

[hannah-e-cole]

Test Day and Plinth Completion

Today was the day of our tech check at the Pavilion. We arrived in the morning to run through the set up of our installation in preparation for Friday. The purpose of this was to iron out any issues we had before the day of the launch. However, as we have not completed the construction of our plinth yet, we were not able to fully set up how we would on Friday. Having said this, we still brought the boxes with us so we could test roughly how our installation would look in the space. 

Figure 1: Building the Cityscape Projection (Beste Gulan)

One thing we noticed after setting up the projector was how washed out our projection was, confirming to us that we must blackout the windows otherwise our piece will lose the majority of its impact.

After testing all we could at the Pavilion, we then discussed the issue of how we were going to transport the plinth there. Due to the size of our plinth it will not fit in Mollie's car and so will we have to think of another way of transporting it there. Some of the group have suggested booking a large taxi, and this is an option that we are looking into. The production manager seemed distant and not forthcoming in helping out with a solution to this problem and instead left it up to me and Phil to sort out transportation. However, we feel overloaded with work as it is, as we still have a lot to do before the launch. Luckily Kelsey, Mollie, and Nathan were more than happy to help us out! They went and spoke to United Taxis for us to find out is we would be able to transport our plinth in one of their taxis.

Just before leaving Pavilion Dance we found out our get-in time for Friday is 12pm. This will be especially useful for us as we have a lot to do before the deadline at 4.

After the tech check, me and Phil immediately went back to his house so we could carry on with the plinth construction. Our aim for today was to finish building the plinth and to get a coat of paint on it so that it had time to dry. 

Figure 2: Myself Sawing Wood (Philip Small)

We managed to complete the box structure and then we were able to attach the front and back panels to the frame. 

Figure 3: The Completed Plinth (personal collection)

We then gave it a quick coat of paint, and we plan on spraying it with fire retardant tomorrow.

*Update*

Kelsey, Mollie, and Nathan informed Phil that United Taxis would be happy for us to transport the plinth in one of their vehicles. All we need to do is book out a seven seater taxi. Phil then went off and made a booking and the taxi will be picking us up at 11:30am so that we can get the plinth to the Pavilion for 12pm.

[hannah-e-cole]

Final Measurements at the Pavilion

For a while, I have wanted to go back to the Pavilion with a projector to test projection sizes and also to double check measurements for the space we have chosen (the stairwell). Today we finally had the chance to do this! However, my priority was to confirm where we would place our installation, as we have been debating this for a while. We are concerned about blocking the fire escape with parts of our installation or with the traffic it may cause if our piece is chosen. Therefore, we felt it was best to inspect the space again before we confirm where we place our piece. In addition to this we needed to collect a variety of measurements. One for the windows, so we know how much tin foil to buy. One that noted the distance from the plug to the projector, so we know what length extension cable to request. Also, we needed measurements that showed how big the space was where we will place the plinth so we know the largest sized plinth we can create.

After much deliberation at the Pavilion, we decided it would be best to position our installation in the corner furthest away from the door. 

Figure 1: Revised Pavilion Floor Plan (personal collection)

We chose this space as it does not block the fire escape, and it gives enough standing space for the audience. However, as the stairs wrap round here there is a slope that people need to be wary of. Therefore,  we thought it would be best to purchase a "Mind Your Head" sign, so people are aware of the restricted head space. Danielle was also there, and we talked her through our plans, and she was happy for our installation to go in that corner as she was sure it was not blocking the fire escape.

So before we left, we collected all the measurements we needed. I found out that we will need an extension with a cable 13 meters long so that we can tape against the wall, so no one trips over it. The problem with this is that I am not sure the university will have a cable that long. So we may have to use a shorter one and trail it under the stairs and ensure we tape it down really well, so it is not a tripping hazard. Furthermore, we found the corner area is 148.5cm wide, and we have about 51cm depth for us to place the plinth. This should be plenty of space for us and later on tonight I will decide what sized boxes to purchase so we then know what size plinth we need to create. Finally, I worked out that we would need at least one 20 meter roll of tin foil to black out the windows. So with all this information I can now go away and completely prepare everything we need to create the projection mapping aspect of the project.

[thedorsetpost]

International Hip Hop Festival Breakin’ Convention Comes to Bournemouth as part of Hip Hop Weekend B-Town Throwdown

International Hip Hop Festival Breakin’ Convention Comes to Bournemouth as part of Hip Hop Weekend B-Town Throwdown

Breakin’ Convention has been producing the critically acclaimed International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre since 2004 at Sadler’s Wells, London’s historic theatre solely dedicated to dance. Featuring the very best, most influential artists from around the corner and around the world, this hugely popular production will be visiting Bournemouth on 7 June in the Pavilion Theatre hosted and curated by eminent UK hip hop theatre artist Jonzi D and local hip hop legend Lacemaster from Bournemouth based crew Second to None.

The 2014 line-up includes Olivier Award-nominated iLL-Abilities, an international group of b-boys who have overcome extraordinary physical challenges, spreading the message “No Excuses, No Limits” through motivational and empowering entertainment. Also featuring is London’s Ukweli Roach (UK), founding member of BirdGang Dance company & known for choreographing and performing worldwide as well as roles on the t.v and the film StreetDance 3D. And finally Wanted Posse (France), who have won many of the world’s most high profile hip hop dance battles for over a decade. Performing alongside these international acts will be local dancers Dance 4 All, Second to None and Shake creating an extraordinary line-up of international stars alongside fresh local talent.

Bournemouth is the final date of the Breakin Convention tour, and you can celebrate with in the Pavilion Ballroom after the show!

Surrounding Breakin’ Convention, Pavilion Dance South West have a number of events as part of the B-Town Throwdown weekend. Starting on Friday 6 June and running all weekend until Sunday 8 June, there will be performances, free classes, masterclasses from some of the most highly respected artists in the hip hop scene, battles, live art, krumping and loads more. Many of the events are free of charge, including outdoor performances on the terraces on Saturday afternoon. It’s here that you can see ‘supercrew’. This 100+ strong crew is funded by Wave and the Cultural Hub and will be made up of over 100 local super talented young dancers.

You can also catch legendary b-boy jam VileStyle10 over the weekend. The battles offer chances to win prize money of up to £350 The battles are run and organised by Vile Style, All Elements and Second to none. Breakin battles, popping battles, crew and solo battles will take place and are not to be missed!

About Breakin’ Convention – International Festival of Hip Hop Dance The Breakin’ Convention is a Sadler Wells Project in association with Consortium Dance and is the only event of its kind in the UK. Over the years Breakin’ Convention has been seen by audiences in excess of 90,000 and has hosted over 480 companies from the UK and internationally. Breakin’ Convention offers a great platform for young artists, with youth companies being able to present work on the main stage alongside more established acts. To find out more, visit www.breakinconvention.com.