Ministryblue aims to get free, cheap or innovative resources for Australian Buyers
|
|
email: askdance@yahoo.com
|
HILLSONG DANCE ON THE EDGE PLAY CONGRATULATIONS!
Hannah And Steve
David Jenkins - professional photographer with a great passion for Jesus, on a journey to find his own signature in photography and the desire to develop a series of works based on Psalm 139: 14 - “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...” Certainly not an exhaustive description by any means, however, we wanted to briefly introduce another of ask’s collaborators. Through Hugh and Heather Clark (Live at the CAFFE) Phillippa heard of David and his interest in working with dancers. Naturally a telephone call was in order and what followed were frequent conversations and a photo shoot to create some promotional shots for ask (examples above - just the serious ones. In 2000 we will reveal images of Steve Cooper never seen before!) David and Phillippa are currently
working on a project which is part of research required for her MA (Performance)
major work to be completed with ask in 2000 (hopefully!).
PERFORMANCE REPORT
HILLSONG Phillippa Oakden-Patch Representatives of ask were present at both weeks of Hillsong, held during the July school holidays. The four day seminar covers three areas of ministry, one of which is the creative arts. A two day commitment expanded to four and with Hannah at the helm in Week 1 and Phillippa in Week 2, we covered a range of topics from the importance of technique and how to utilise dance styles, to contemporary and jazz technique classes to “Dancing the Scriptures”. This final workshop was presented by a group of collaborators with Corinne and Robert Urquhart, Heather Clark and Nick McKay joining us for the occasion. Once again the opportunity to collaborate was a highlight!
DANCE
ON THE EDGE
What do you do when you have one week to prepare a collaborative work for a performance for a paying audience? Firstly you thank God that it’s a works-in-progress event and then pray for inspiration and discipline as you apply the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method. Due to illness, overdue holidays, an intensive course for Phillippa’s MA and Hillsong, we arrived at Dance on the Edge a little less prepared than we had intended. However, Hannah came to the rescue with the preparation she had already done for her work These Doors are for Walking Through, Phillippa was fired up with inspiration from her course and with Steve as the constant stabiliser and supporter, we were able to create a very satisfying 7 minute piece. We developed a solo for Phillippa, with Hannah as director and Steve composing the accompaniment. Investigation towards the “healing” section of Doors based on Phillippa’s marriage allowed Phillippa to explore certain aspects of choreography required for the Consolidation Performance for her course. The two aims were met very well and descriptions of the performance included “beautiful” and “a great beginning”. Elements of the choreography
were later incorporated into the full length version of “Doors” and yes
- Phillippa did get a good response (and mark!) when she and Steve presented
the piece at the Consolidation Performance.
play Review by Evelyn Defina ask dance theatre season
'Play' brings such vivid images from our own observation of children, or from personal experience of our own play both as a child and adult. To be playful brings delight and warmth to the heart, and certainly ask experienced that delight as they played together for 8 months to bring the culmination of their works to us - the audience. The 3 members of ask invited us to participate in their play - their play of games, their play of relationships, and their play of life. Play is not always fun and lighthearted but can have its conflicts, disappointments and challenges. ask invited us to consider not only how they played together through improvisation, experimentation and collaboration, to express their ideas in the three pieces, but to also consider some of life's plays. As a result, their pieces
were not necessarily complete, instead giving a glimpse to the possible
plays ongoing in a person's life. The play theme was carried through the
whole theatre experience. Choosing the Edge Theatre for the season brought
artistic merit as the setting allowed the players (dancers, musicians and
poet) to exchange and interact with the audience. Walking up the stairs
to enter the play space brought an air of anticipation of what was to come.
The social space interacted closely with the performance space, and the
audience space was a part of that, bringing a level of intimacy which was
intriguing yet comfortable. The musicians and dancers improvising upon
entry to the performance space allowed the audience to catch a glimpse
of artistic play, setting the atmosphere and context for the main program.
A 20 minute interval allowed the audience to mingle whilst the performance space was prepared for the next piece. As an aside, it was wonderful that the production crew were also allowed to 'play' as they moved sets on and off. Their movements were incorporated into the performance bringing the audience one step closer to the players themselves, allowing the audience to witness 'behind the scenes' up front!! The second piece, 'These Doors are for Walking Through', directed by Hannah Horsley was a work in progress exploring some of the opportunities and choices faced within one's life. This was a piece which offered personal challenges to the company itself as they were asked to explore their very own doors in their lives. There was a beautiful personal touch to the piece, and although not finished, it had moments which were indeed powerful and thought provoking. The close incorporation of Steve Cooper into the choreography and the integration of acapella as the company expressed their personal relationship with God was moving and courageous at the same time. Moving through doors in one's life takes decision and risk, and the choreography reflected this in its entirety. Finally, a piece which has been performed on numerous occasions in front of varied audiences, called 'Disa pear', was certainly playful, whilst ending with a profound question of where do we go once we die. The choreography by Phillippa Oakden-Patch allowed the playful exchange and interaction in, around, behind and in front of large, colourful props. The audience was drawn into the play and fun that was occurring in the performance space, so much so, that the change in mood and the pursuit to answer the question later in the piece was effective, and appropriately uncomfortable for the audience. The piece ended with the question unanswered, giving the impetus to ASK about it. This is what ask dance theatre is all about - to raise the questions so that discussion can ensue with the opportunity to speak sensitively of God, Jesus and their undying love for us. The performance was compered by Cameron Semmens, who as a comic poet introduced each piece with witty intrigue and cleverly written prose, adding his own unique touch to the theme of play keeping the audience appetite full of anticipation. On a personal note, I offer my congratulations to ask dance theatre. In their first year, they have established the foundation for a Christian company which seeks to bring attention to God and glorify Him, as they pursue artistic expression and product on a professional level. Their achievements this year have been significant in already making their mark in the secular dance industry, and I know that we all look forward to the year to come as they develop and grow in God's strength and wisdom, and with His divine artistic inspiration. Evelyn Defina
They met at Abundance in May 1998, began working together in February 1999, shared their testimonies/life stories for Hannah’s work in April, performed a special (???!!!) movement duet in Disa pear in May, she shaved his lovely locks off and they began dating in June, got engaged in September and are organising the wedding for December 4, 1999. Who, you ask? Hannah and
Steve! It’s been a very exciting and profitable year in many ways and we
wish them all the very best.
ASK? WHO
From the company director: Three creators/performers
Not bad for ten months. It’s been full, furious and fun. And we thank God for it. Now in the throws of evaluation we feel exhausted yet fulfilled, satisfied and ready to implement some changes. With respect to our goals for this year; We have supported each other to grow artistically (each of us directed a work and contributed to the creative process of each work plus we involved 21 other Christian artists in the process) and we are looking at ways to improve our growth spiritually through ask. While prayer and encouragement have been an underlying priority of our time together, we have some fresh ideas for 2000. Through Dance on the Edge, Bodies and PLAY we are becoming known in the contemporary dance community and plan to make this a much bigger priority in the future. We have made some wonderful friendships over the year through which we have been both inspired and had opportunities to share what is most important to us. We have taken collaborative contemporary works into major Christian events and received support while sharing our mission. There are some very important
people we would like to thank:
A special thanks to Jenny Dennis who has written a paper on ask with suggestions for a model of administration and marketing. Jenny’s advice and support over the year has been invaluable and we look forward to incorporating administration and production personnel into the permanent team. Please contact us if you are interested.
PRAYER PAGE Phillippa Oakden-Patch We received this very encouraging letter from David and Ruth Cooper in September: Dear Phillippa, Hannah and Steve, We found it an uplifting and encouraging experience, during the past weekend, to attend your rehearsal, see you perform and hear you talk about your dreams for ask. In a time of so much disharmony and negativity in our society, it is great to see young Christians so keen to use their talents in spreading the good news of Christ. Each of you has been wonderfully gifted and we are sure that God will do great things through you as you seek to use your gifts in his service. Be assured of our continued prayer support for ask. We keep your latest newsletter with our prayer diaries so we remember you each morning. We want to thank all of our prayer supporters. We have seen many answers to prayer - in our weekly rehearsals, in our performances, in our relationships, in provision of support and in our finances. We have so much to praise God for. Prayer requests:
For an assistant for Peter Hallett as spiritual advisor. |
Ministryblue aims to get free, cheap or innovative resources for Australian Buyers
|
|
|
|
|
| What is Ministryblue? | FREEColour Laser Printers | Data Projectors | New Computers |
| Our Monthly Email out | Risograph - printer | Second Hand Projectors | Web hosting |
| Who is Rob Lamont? | Used Digital Photocopiers | Projector hire | Internet Connection |
|
|
Want to sell your photocopier | Day time screens | Discounted software |
| Trinity Cottage, Katoomba |
|
|
|
| Cheap midweek Holidays | Laminators | Laminators | Discounted Phone calls * Mobiles |
Vacancies |
Book Covering Machines | Colour Laser Printers | Ringtones |
|
|
Document Binders | Microsoft software | HOME AND MINISTRY LOANS |
| New Cars & buses | Office Supplies | Free Software | Home or Church Loans |
| Car Loans | FREEColour Laser Printers | Other free things | Rescue Loans |
| INSURANCE: Click | SOUND: PA Belts |
You are visitor to visit ministryblue.com since May 1 2005
EMAIL
:rob@ministryblue.com