Collaborations Monday 18 October 2010

On Monday 18 October, in front of an audience of 200 in The Royal Ballet School’s Linden Studio Theatre, seven second year students presented new works they had choreographed as part of Collaborations - a project designed to broaden the students’ education in dance. In their response to Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3 in G Major the students created six pieces, performed by fellow students who were joined on stage for the performance by internationally-acclaimed ‘cellist Robert Cohen. Supported by the School’s Head of Vocational Studies Gail Graves and benefitting from the expert knowledge of choreography teachers Jennifer Jackson and Kate Flatt, the students have been working closely with Mr Cohen and three ‘cello students from the Royal Academy of Music exploring Bach’s music, discovering the nature of the ‘cello as an instrument and sharing expert responses to the music. The culmination being the creation of the original choreography presented on 18 October.

Under the guidance of specialist choreography teachers Jennifer Jackson and Kate Flatt, second year students of The Royal Ballet School have the opportunity of taking part in the annual Collaborations project which offers them the valuable opportunity of working closely with musicians and developing their choreographic skills. Collaborations is one of several projects that make up the curriculum of The Royal Ballet School that are designed to engage students in the art of choreography. Choreographic alumni of the School include: Kenneth MacMillan, Cathy Marston, Ashley Page, Christopher Wheeldon, Jiri Kylian and John Neumeier



The seven student choreographers photographed with ‘cellist Robert Cohen. Photo: Fiona McNaught