Wednesday, 21 May 2014

Dress Rehearsals and First Show

Yesterday we rehearsed all the group numbers. I finally got the correct timing for 'When I Grow Up' and I projected as much as possible while singing, remembering to use my anchoring muscles. We went through 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' and although the formation got sorted out, my energy levels and use of the correct technique suffered (e.g. I didn't lift my leg as high as I could have and I didn't move as fast as I could have). This was because I was concentrating too heavily on the formation. I must focus on all elements of the dance in the future. I felt that I still needed to put more energy into 'The Nicest Kids In Town' dance. I also need to project a lot more during this number.

Then we had our first dress rehearsal. I felt that it was my best run through of 'When I Grow Up', as I remembered the movement, the timing and the technique (e.g. I remembered to extent right down to my finger tips and toes. I also remembered to move with a child-like persona, while still maintaining the necessary elegance by remaining light on my feet). 'Supercalifragilisticespialidocious' felt like it went a lot better than earlier. I felt that I needed to work on turns and steps at the beginning. I also travelled too forward in the 'step over your feet part', which I could have improved by taking smaller steps forward. 'The Nicest Kids In Town' went well, but I need to adapt to wearing jeans in the dance.

Today's 1st full show rehearsal went okay for me. I put all my energy into every number that I was involved in. The first time we rehearsed 'When I Grow Up' everyone's timing for the movement was different which confused me. However, the second time we ran through it, I managed to get the correct timing. I worked on the turns at the beginning of 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' last night. I realised that the trick is to spin as fast as possible, so that I have time to step. I still need to improve on this, but I've managed to do it before, so I just need to make sure I don't stress about it too much. Also, no matter how exhausted I am half way through the last two dances I need to apply the same amount, if not more energy than the first half of the dances, to the last half of the dances.

Later today, we had dress rehearsals. I need to remember to bend down before we run into the second part of the movement for 'When I Grow Up'. I will try to remember the use of 'the flat back' during this part of the dance. I also need to use my whole body more, which is best achieved my using my core. In addition, I need to remember to think low when I'm singing the high notes, as this has proved to be the best technique for me. 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidociois' felt like the best run through yet for me. I still messed up on the first turn, which I need to work on further, but my energy levels were high and I felt as though I really performed it. I need to beware of my facial expressions, I don't want my smile to be as big as the one I used during Panto but I still don't want my face to be neutral, as this puts me in danger of appearing moody or evil (as I learnt during Panto). I need to keep my head up more, maintaining an upright posture and put more energy into the first part of 'Nicest Kids In Town'.

Afterwards we had our first show. 'When I Grow Up' felt like the best run for me. I remembered to bend and then run and I got the timing right, used my whole body and put all my energy into it. I also really embraced my childish side for this run, which is something I need to do in the next two shows. Although I remembered all the moves for 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious', none of the moves were executed as I had intended them to be, nor were they executed as I had rehearsed (e.g. I didn't move my arm across my body with the strength I intended to have (I didn't tense my arm enough)). Therefore, I felt that my movement was a lot messier than it usually is because I usually like to 'tidy up' each move. I also forgot to begin centre stage, but I did remember not to travel too much. I made a mistake during 'Nicest Kids In Town' as I accidentally pointed to my partner rather than to the audience. However, I quickly resolved this by swiftly pointing to the audience. I managed to get through the rest of the dance without making further movement mistakes. Though I did forget to sing at times. I am therefore setting myself the task of performing a lot better tomorrow. I aim to resolve the mistakes I made today and to put even more energy into the dances. 

When I returned home, I worked on memorising the running order by saying it as though I was speaking to an audience. I remembered some of the things the original people who were comparing had said and practised saying them. I also worked on developing a character for comparing, as if I present the show as myself It will be boring and dull for the audience. Therefore, I have developed a much more charismatic character. I find that by practising with the running order, I can focus more on the character rather than whether I will make mistakes or not.

On the following web page, there's a link to a rehearsal of 'Nicest Kids In Town':
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/574232582612318/

Although I am pleased with the way I executed some of the movement (e.g. the part where we're all in a cluster), I feel that at other times my movement is messy and weak. For example, when sang 'Woo..!Woo!Woo!' my arms were weak and my posture was poor. I could improve this by having a better posture and making my arms more tense and body more tense. However, I will change my movement and work on something better (as it's freestyle) for this part, so that I won't make the same mistake again.
 

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