Auditions for School and Dance Crew 2015

Now is the time for all prospective students from Beginners 4 years of age to Adults with no age required to book your place in the school and or company.

From 12 January 2015 we will be booking trial lessons for  all levels of competency 


Senior dancers may audition for the company and if not ready for company level may attend the school to gain the necessary technical level and experience.

Auditions are by appointment only and will take the form of a class.



For further information or to request an audition please email me at info@theatreonmain.co.za


IF YOU LOVE BALLET BUT IT IS NOT FOR YOU CONSIDER GIVING A BURSARY TO SOMEONE WHO WOULD BENEFIT.      EASY AND SIMPLE BY CLICKING ON OUR DONATE BUTTON.   IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THIS FIRST YOU ARE WELCOME TO CALL OR EMAIL US.

FINAL 3 PERFORMANCES OF TRIPLE BILL

Anne, Samantha & Victoria - Jade

The end of November sees the final three performances of Triple bill on Friday 28, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30.  Booking has started so do not delay if you want to ensure your seat.

The audiences have been wonderful and very supportive of our work.  Each performance brings us a fresh insight into audience behavior and response.  Many interesting and complimentary comments as well.

On the Sunday afternoon 45 minutes before the start of the show a fire broke out at a nearby business.  After fire engines, police, ambulance arrived I was concerned that we would lose our audience and dancers to the fire spectacle.  Everyone  was rushing out to see the smoke and flames shooting higher and higher, and taking pics of course.  But once the firemen arrived the fire was quickly brought under control and  the  dancers and audience members drifted back for the performance,

Hannah, Chloe, Hannah and Logan

 All went went well until 15 minutes before the end of the show when as I switched to a pink  spot there was a little pop and then nothing.  No lights, no sound, no nothing.  I tip toed about trying to see if anything had tripped but no - it was a power outage.  I do not know who was more upset, the audience or the dancers.

I have extended an invitation to all in the audience at that performance to come and see the show again - this time hopefully  right to the end - as my guest with a free replacement ticket.

Many have taken up this offer I am delighted to say, but it does mean tickets will be at a premium.  So  once again I urge people to book early.

We are still filming and will be doing so in the next few weeks and then finally during some of the performances.  DVDs will be available during the 1st term 2015.



DVDs at  R150 each may be ordered now and payment to the Dance Crew Account. Please mark with your name and reference DVD
                                                                         

A very happy bunch of dancers

4TH TERM NEWSLETTER 2014

CLASSES START MONDAY 13 OCTOBER 2014

PLEASE NOTE : 1^ST TERM 2015 THERE WILL BE A FEE INCREASE OF + 7%

Notices for dancers involved in Parents Day functions will be handed out in mid November.

Faeries that light up - The Circus

We are happy to report a very successful 1^st season of our latest production, Triple Bill, in September.  Thanks to everyone for their co-operation and assistance whether it was practical and physical or emotional and supportive it is all vital.

A special word of thanks is reserved for the composer and musician Gordon Mackay.  He does so much more than write the music.  He is a very positive support of both the school and company and not only for the creativity he invests in his music but in his sheer practical and hard working ethic that makes things work.  People have been complementary and remarked on the creativity involved in our productions but it is often the sheer grind of hard work, sweat and tears that gets everything to run smoothly without hitches.

The Ringmaster and her Circus Horses

Our backstage people who control the young dancers and ensure they step onto the stage beautifully presented and with not a hair out of place also deserve special mention. Checking, checking and more checking that a stitch is put in where necessary, that a battery is changed, that a quick change is effected with no fuss and trauma and above all that quiet and control reigns and all proceeds according to plan.  Thank you Glendalene, Sandra, Trisha, Naomi, Nadine and I know there are a lot more that just go quietly about helping.  And Erin and Kristin who so efficiently move scenery and curtains around on time – great work girls.  You are invaluable.

To the front of house hostesses – possibly the most detailed and complex job of all – keep  your cool and keep checking curtains, tickets, seating lighting, back gate locked and unlocked, toilets and yes - ensure our audience members feel looked after.

I know everyone joins me in thanking Chantal and Brandon of the Tribakery in the Blue Route Mall for their contribution to the well being of our audience.

Musical Instruments - The Organ Leanne and Tanya in a sombre moment

And we still have the 2^nd season at the end of October and the 3^rd season at the end of November.  So book early and let us have a sell out Triple season. Dancers need audiences - it is the motivating power.

ImagineMag! An online South African Arts and Culture Magazine

Check the articles on our new work in ImagineMag! Edition 29 and 30 www.imaginemag.co.za  If you would like to be included on our data base to receive a reminder as each new issue goes live (every 2^nd month) please email me on info@imaginemag.co.za  The same if you would like to advertise and promote your business.

TRIPLE BILL POSTER EVENING SHOWS START 8.00PM SUNDAYS 3.00PM

BOOKING FOR DANCE CREW & AGBS TRIPLE BILL

 THEATRE ON-MAIN SEATING PLAN                               TRIPLE BILL TICKETS     R80

PRECIOUS GEMS - THE CIRCUS - MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

BALCONY

ROW G                1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

ROW F                1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

DOWNSTAIRS

ROW E                  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ROW D                  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ROW C                  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

ROW B                  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

ROW A                  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

PERFORMANCE DATES  Friday & Saturday starting time 8.00pm  Sundays 3.00pm

September                Fri 26          Sat 27               Sun 28

October                    Fri 31

November                                   Sat  1                 Sun  2

                                 Fri 28         Sat 29                Sun 30

Please email your request to info@theatreonmain.co.za  and we will reply with ticket availability

Banking details for direct deposits will be provided.

Tickets with proof of payment should be fetched 10 minutes before show starts.

Parking for shows are from White Rd Google map   https://www.google.co.za/maps/place/Amy+Gould+Ballet+School/@-34.063327,18.459786,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x6411e5ca0f4ace77

Tribakery of the Blue Route Mall will provide delectable eats and coffee

Audience members are welcome to picnic on the lawn before the show or at interval weather permitting.

3rd TERM CLASSES START MONDAY 21 JULY 2014

Holiday rehearsals went well with all but four dancers attending regularly.  With 8 weeks to go before the shows start running there is no time to waste.

A special thank you to all who made the effort to arrive on time and help drive the new production forward.

There are three works on this program Gemstones, The Circus and Musical Instruments.  You will be informed of additional lighting and costume rehearsals.

Performances           Friday and Saturdays starting time 8.00pm - Sundays 3.00pm

September 26, 27, 28           October 31, Nov 1, 2,       Nov 28, 29, 30

Help will be needed in the following areas: Make-up, hair and a few dresses for the quick changes, front of house people to check tickets etc. We need a maximum of 2 people in each dressing room and 2 people at the front of house.  Also needed is a stage manager to make sure everything is in place, curtains are changed when necessary, everyone is in place etc.

There will be a list in the foyer shortly for you to put your name down for what and when you can help.

Our space is limited so please do not bring family and friends into the dressing room. They get in the way.

No coldrinks/coffee or food in dressing room.  You can enjoy eating and drinking after the show.

Tribakery in the Blue Route Mall will once again be providing a delectable array of eats and their superb coffee when they set up the Mini Tribakery in our foyer.  You can enjoy the good food and performance in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

A Special welcome and congratulations to the families of Baby Benting, sister to Jade, Baby Walawege, sister to Jamie, Baby Morgaine, Baby Justin and I know there are a few more on the way but have not heard the good news yet.  My waiting list is now at the 3 year mark.

ImagineMag! An online South African Arts and Culture Magazine

 www.imaginemag.co.za 

We're looking for a talented sales person to sell ad space for this digital magazine on a volunteer basis. Ideally, the candidate will also be able to raise media and public awareness of the affiliated not-for-profit company.

This is a pure voluntary freelance position, needing commitment to at least one hour of your time per weekday. You will be working remotely.
Company description
DanceCrew Contemporary Ballet Company is a not-for-profit company that takes ballet to communities that have very little knowledge of the art. We encourage, support and train the youth from rural communities, thereby creating job opportunities.
ImagineMag! Is a product of Dance Crew an NPC in association with Amy Gould Ballet School.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain and grow existing business as well as generate new business - including cold calling.
• Create, manage and execute the media exposure strategy and ensure that Dance Crew's key messages reach the public.

Additional PR function

• Write relevant press releases & marketing articles.
• Develop PR and media contacts to pursue media exposure opportunities.
• Manage and execute competitions strategy relevant to print and online magazine competitions, as well as blog competitions.
• Manage and execute community relations relevant to sponsorships and cause marketing relations.

Requirements
The ideal candidate:

• Will be able to work independently.
• Has a good client contact list as well as contacts in the media.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Has a good understanding of the digital media and digital media advertising landscape.
• Will be able to report on campaign performance and insights to clients.

Please send your CV and cover letter to leanne.feris(at)gmail(dot)com

If you would like to be included on our data base to receive a reminder as each new issue goes live (every 2^nd month) please email me on info@imaginemag.co.za  The same if you would like to advertise and promote your business.

Amy Gould

DANCE CREW PERFORMS FOR RUSOORD RESIDENTS

April saw Dance Crew performing at Rusoord Retirement village.  It was an experience we all enjoyed and the packed performing area, the dinning area, was filled with smiling people which made us feel it was reciprocal.  They applauded strongly after each item with some holding their hands out to the dancers.

The event was extremely well organized by the centre’s Event & Marketing Co-ordinator Charmaine Baker and ran very smoothly.

I set the ball rolling by introducing myself and told the audience a little bit about our school and company.  I then asked who in the audience had learnt ballet.  There was quite a show of hands. I realized we had a knowledgeable audience and invited everyone to give us feedback afterwards.  One lady and her husband wanted to sit as close as they could as she had been a dancer and she wanted to see the dancers feet up close.

We started with a short barre sequence to warm up the dancers proceeding to an adagio followed by sequences of allegro including turns from the corner.  There were a few tricky moments when the grande jetes were performed as the hanging lights were fine for standing under but were not meant for people jumping fairly high with their arms extended as well.  The audience loved these athletic movements and by the time they were doing pose turns and fouettes from the corner they were getting really excited and applauding each dancer as they proceeded one after the other to do their multiple turns.

Leanne's Feet

Whilst the dancers changed into pointe shoes I discussed our Precious Gem production. The dancers would be performing the Diamond Suite.  The musical composer of the work, Gordon Mackay was introduced to the audience.

When we finished the performance there were interesting queries as to size of the company, funding, where we were situated and when the next season would take place.  No one showed any sign of wanting to rush away.  Then people started to move towards us to talk individually.  The lady who wanted to see the feet was ecstatic and thought the dancer’s feet were all so beautiful. Although Diamond is a contemporary piece, on pointe, the audience was fascinated by the dancers and the music.

Thank you Rusoord for inviting us and thank you to all members of the audience I sincerely hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

https://www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/dancecrew

2nd TERM NEWSLETTER 2014

 


2nd TERM CLASSES START MONDAY 7 APRIL 2014


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Fees: Thank you to the organized people for payment on time. For those who forgot about payment? ☻

Re Holidays in April: 18, 19, 20, 21 and 28 school will be closed and May: 1^st and 7^th (voting)

NB.For All Parents - Meeting re forthcoming productions: Tuesday 15 April at 7.15pm – 8.15.  This meeting is not for children. RSVP info@theatreonmain.co.za with your name and whether it will be one or two people attending (for seating.)

We select dancers for each production based on their readiness and attendance. They will be given notices shortly with details of dates, times etc.

For all activities you can follow us on our website/blogg http://theatreonmain.blogspot.com/

Please check our blog for updates throughout the year.

Plumstead Rusoord

We were invited to entertain the residents of this retirement village. On the 12 April Dance Crew will be providing a short class and performance.

Be a Dancer for a Day

This was such a rewarding event that we have been asked to repeat it.  We will be doing so but this time it is for any family group to attend our exciting event.  It will be at the end of the term.

Please check out the previous event on youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/DanceCrewBalletCo   We have three other videos there as well and you might like to check them out too.

Precious Gems DVDs from our 2013 season are available at R100 each. 

ImagineMag! An online South African Arts and Culture Magazine

Our site is www.imaginemag.co.za  If you would like to be included on our data base to receive a reminder as each new issue goes live (every 2^nd month) please email me on info@imaginemag.co.za  The same if you would like to advertise and promote your business.

Amy Gould

Donations for Bursaries

Please Help If You Can?

 https://www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/dancecrew

As the economy bites ever deeper into everyone’s pocket the need to provide partial or full bursaries for potential dancers becomes more pressing.

Recently we auditioned 20 young dancers and were able to take only two of them because of limited funding.

A ballet training is a long and hard one with enormous benefits to the individual and society.  The strong work ethic and discipline and focus acquired are vital for all sections of society, whether those learning become dancers or not.

We are currently providing either part or full time bursaries for 12 young dancers from our surrounding area. Some of them have already been taken into the company.

We need R12,040 per quarter or R48,160 per year for those currently with us.  Many of these dancers have been training with us for more than 5 years.

The figure above does not include transport or clothing allowance.

If you are able to assist please contact us for details.  Dance Crew is a registerd NPC.  Please see details on our website.

1ST TERM NEWSLETTER 2014

1ST   TERM CLASSES START MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2014 

Fee Increase by + 5% Please check your account carefully and if you need to discuss anything contact me.

Class Times & Days Remain the same.

Parents Days The last week of November we invited parents and grandparents, family and friends to attend the last class of the term for each level.  This was a great success and I was extremely happy with the work that was shown.  Every dancer, no matter the difficult circumstances some of them face, did their best at this stage.  That is not to say they cannot improve – they can and they will this year - if they work the way they did last year.

I personally always find what our guests have to say of great assistance.  I am not talking about compliments,  although welcome and encouraging, teaching is not an easy occupation,  I mean the sharing of thoughts about me, what I am doing and how the dancers re-act and interact within the class environment and in their homes.

Be a Dancer for a Day was a very happy and rewarding day. Once more we had the support of Tribakery in the Blue Route Mall to supply a wonderful food incentive to the brave and hardworking people who attended this event.  Please check out the fun video on youtube Victoria Romburgh shot, whilst doing the class at the same time.  http://www.youtube.com/user/DanceCrewBalletCo   We have three other videos there as well and you might like to check them out too.

Precious Gems DVDs from our 2013 season are available at R100 each. 

ImagineMag! An online South African Arts and Culture Magazine

Our site is www.imaginemag.co.za  If you would like to be included on our data base so that you get a reminder as each new issue goes live (every 2^nd month) please email me on info@imaginemag.co.za  The same if you would like to advertise and promote your business.

Please check our blog  http://theatreonmain.blogspot.com/  for updates throughout the year.

Let us all have a hardworking, healthy and joyous 2014

Amy Gould