MSdance Newsletter, Winter/Spring 2011

2st Edition 2011                                                              Vol 1

* 30 E. Main * Ft. Pierre * Artistic Director, Sunny Holloway *

Welcome to (Almost) Neverland:

My dancers and I have been working to learn the choreography for "I'll Fly Away," a dance version of Neverland. It is just amazing at how many interpretations in dance and theater have been done of James Barrie's wonderful story. Here is what Wikipedia has to say about Peter Pan:

Peter Pan is a character created by Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie (1860–1937). A mischievous boy who can fly and magically refuses to grow up, Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang the Lost Boys, interacting with mermaids, Indians, fairies, pirates, and (from time to time) meeting ordinary children from the world outside. In addition to two distinct works by Barrie, the character has been featured in a variety of media and merchandise, both adapting and expanding on Barrie's works.

I don't know if any of you have wondered how we put these stories in dance together but it is a creative process. Of course, I always have some idea of the main characters and some of the dances I want in a show. I have no idea of what steps I will be using, however, until we actually start learning dances. I teach the steps a small amount at a time and have to make notes to remember them unless I am teaching them from video. The steps and dances come easier after the costumes are ordered. Costumes actually help to determine the choreography. With acting and pantomime involved, I always have to try to figure out sets and props to help get that across.

Due to requests for having the performance earlier, we have moved it up to Saturday, May 28th, at 3 and 7 p.m. The only other weekend available in May was graduation weekend. I apologize to parents for this change and any conflicts that arise.

Tentative Cast
Peter Pan -- Devan Bruns
Captain Hook/Chief Flying Eagle -- Josh Easter
Tinkerbelle -- Lindsey Bishop
Tiger Lily -- Emily Plumage
Wendy -- Abbey Nold
Mr. & Mrs. Darling -- Josh & Sarah Easter
Michael -- TBA
John -- TBA
Smee -- TBA
Nana -- TBA
The Crocodile -- Annie Varns
Fairies -- Ballet V
Lost Girls -- Ballet IV
Indians -- Jazz Class
Mermaids -- Pre Ballet
Pirates -- Ballet III
Pixies -- Ballet I

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Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; He is risen!
- Luke 24: 5 & 6

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