A Level Dancers Inspired By Theatre
Published by Culford School on Tuesday 27th of February 2024
Culford's A Level dancers recently travelled to London to watch Cabaret and The King and I to witness how theatrical storytelling and dance are brought to life. The first performance was Cabaret, a timeless musical set against the backdrop of 1930s Berlin. The choreography by Ron Field not only showcased the dancers' technical skills, but served as a commentary on the social and political climate of the time.
Next on the itinerary was The King and I, a classic musical set in 19th-century Siam. Students were inspired by Jerome Robbins' iconic choreography, which blended traditional Thai dance elements with Western ballet and modern dance techniques. The choreography highlighted the story's cultural and historical context but also deepened the audience's connection to the characters.
At A Level, students are required to develop an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the creation, presentation and viewing of dance, making this theatre trip extremely beneficial. The performances enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of choreographic techniques and character development, which they can apply to their own work.