Creative connections: The Advance Project 2018
Young people from Harris Academy Tottenham have visited The Royal Ballet School for their first day of joint rehearsals in a unique collaboration for The Advance Project.
This annual project comprises a series of visits to each school, workshops and joint rehearsals which culminate in the two groups creating a unique dance piece.
Chloe Mead, Advance Project Assistant, said: ‘The final piece consists entirely of the students’ own choreography, so it is important that they work quickly and confidently together to create material they can feel proud of.’
This year’s Advance Project draws inspiration from the ballet Petrushka, choreographed by Michel Fokine with music by Igor Stravinsky. It was choreographed for the Ballet Russes in 1911 and tells the story of three puppets on display in a Russian fairground. In their first joint rehearsal at White Lodge, the Year 10 students used the geometry of ballet and the idea of dolls as the starting points for their creative exploration.
Bim Malcomson, Creative Advisor who leads The Advance Project workshops, was pleased with the students’ progress in their first joint rehearsal.
She said: ‘The students mixed well both creatively and socially, which is always wonderful to see. One of the great things about The Advance Project is that it gives both parties the opportunity to meet new people and to learn about each others’ lives.’
Colleen O’Keeffe, Faculty Leader – Arts at Harris Academy Tottenham, said: ‘I believe dance is unparalleled in its contribution to student development. Our students are from wide-ranging backgrounds and deserve high quality opportunities; this is reflected in the outstanding partnership we have established this year with The Royal Ballet School. This exceptional opportunity complements the excellent performance aspirations we have for our students.’
The Advance Project performance will take place in March at the Margot Fonteyn Theatre, White Lodge.
Browse our Flickr gallery below to see photos from the joint rehearsal:
