Ultimate Performance organized a challenging dance event. Dances with very different training background came togeher to follow a set of masterclases of wide variety of styles. It was a subtle attempt to raise the awareness of the participants about the importance of having a good classical technique, which is usually what many modern dancers lack. The two classes given by Zaira Buitrón were conidered the most difficult out of the whole workshops. Zaira is an excellent classical dancer and winner of several dance contests and competitions. She graduated at the Royal Ballet School of London with honor.
During the weekend we saw everything from classical ballet through the latest street-jazz moves. Traditional theatre of improvisation exercises, and even catwalk-modeling clasess were given in this workshop.
During the weekend we saw everything from classical ballet through the latest street-jazz moves. Traditional theatre of improvisation exercises, and even catwalk-modeling clasess were given in this workshop.
One of the starring classes was the theater improvisation class given by Sergio and inspired by the work of Viola Spolin.
In an event of such diversity it is difficult to master all styles of danc, so the participants who attended the entire workshop, felt very comfortable in some classes, and frustrated, to a greater or lesser extent in others.
The participants could enjoy several dace exhibitions that were performe at the end of the workshop.
A good atmosphere and camaraderie were present in the whole event. Eva Ausín, director of Let's Dance, turned her class in a real party.
The climax of the Dance Weekend was an original Across The Floo contest, which was widely criticized sicne it was open to all audiences and not only to the participants of the workshop. And though viewers considered that the attendees of the entire workshop were too tired to compete with the same level of energy than those who showed up freshly at the last minute t participate oly in the contest, the jury unanimously agreed that the winners would have remained the same, even if all participants were perfectly fresh and rested. We must not forget that the technique is the result of good training and body education, which is why Ultimate Performance awarded a prize at the academy Fagoaga (San Sebastián), represented by Serena Garcia, with the purpose of recognizing the efforts of the teachers of that dance center for the good training they offer to their students.
Last but not least, Ultimate Performance awarded Elvira Maese with a scholarship for the next Dance Weekend.
I will leave you with a thught, a phrase that Marta Casas said in her class: "Only someone who know very well the technique of dance, can afford to break all the rules"
We do not know if Ultimate Performance has achieved its goal of encouraging its participants to work in the classical technique. So if you participated in the Dance Weekend, leave us your comments.
