Ballet West showcases end of season

A SHOWCASE by students from Ballet West is taking place in the Corran Halls, Oban, on May 26 and 27 from 7.30pm.

The showcase marks a transition for third-year students as this is their last performance as a student of Ballet West and forms part of their assessment for the degree course.

Gillian Barton, founder of Ballet West, said: ‘ I hope everyone will enjoy the wide range of styles which exemplifies the variety of staff we have at the school.

‘ I’m sure you will join me in wishing the third-year students all the best for their future, whether that be as a dancer, choreographer or teacher.’ For one of the parts of the showcase, choreographer Martin Fenton has been working with a hand selected company of dancers from all three year groups to produce a number of pieces of contemporary dance. Martin said: ‘As soon as I hear a piece of music that speaks to me I immerse myself in it and start to develop the concept through visualisation of shapes, colours and numbers.

‘Once I have some ideas, I take these into the studio to workshop with the students. I enjoy stimulating the students to think about what they might do and then working with them to build, change and develop their ideas.’

Aside from working on pieces for productions, Martin trains the students for their world of work, ranging from workshop style to the ability to learn speed choreography.

As a performer himself, Martin seems well placed to bring that knowledge of professional expectations to the student

body in a safe, learning environment. He explained that in the world of dance, competition is high and great technical ability will not necessarily guarantee success. He seeks to draw out of students their individuality and an awareness of how to bring this to future professional auditions. As part of a wider showcase, year one will perform to Sea Creatures by Soak, year two will perform to Limit to Your Love by James Blake and year three will perform to Reverse Faults by Sampha.