I was generally feeling quite low throughout this process but still trying not to bring all of my problems to school but inside I was really struggling to even come in day to day, having to be a shoulder for my dad, and explain death to my sister, and to have to plan another funeral just after we'd had one.
When we arrived back at BRIT, we were very fortunate enough to have a guest choreographer come in and start to formulate a piece for us. His name was Shaun, and he was so influential to work with. Shaun described the concept of his piece, as being uplifting and the coming together of people trying to hep the refugee crisis. It was such a relief to be doing a happier, and more positive piece as the show does get really depressing because of its sad and sensitive nature.
Shaun really wanted us to pay attention to the lyrics, and find the deeper meaning. The lyrics really related to whats going on in the world today, it was uncanny because the songs were probably written so long ago but the lyrics were more relevant than ever, pushing everyone to really want to captivate the audience.
We only had 4 days to finish the number, in intensive learning style which I didn't have much faith in at the time, and with the funeral being on one of those days, I really didn't want to be any annoyance by missing days and being emotional while we had a guest, I thought I did well trying to keep my life together in this time. Shaun was teaching hip-hop piece, which contrasted differently to most of the pieces in the show, and also showcased that we were all versatile dancers. Personally, I thought that everybody did well with their concentration, commitment, and energy throughout the rehearsal process with Shaun, really trying to bring out the best in all of us. I quite enjoy street/hip-hop and commercial dance, and I was fortunate to be put right at the front for some sections which was even more exciting. Shaun taught us some locking swell which I'd never really "learnt" as such, so it was fun trying something new and take it all in.
The dance starts with Josh watching the tv, as if he is watching a news report on the refugee crisis, the report gets him really angry in a good way, because it motivates him to want to get involved and make a change. The first piece is a select contemporary section to 'Purpose - Justin Bieber' which illustrates the emotions of the refugees dressed in grey (which was the running refugee colour scheme throughout the show) the piece had really nice unison, and solo moments which was lovely to see.
After this section it led into 'Where Is The Love - Black Eyed Peas' which the lyrics really hit because its true, everybody should be more loving and empowered to help in these situations where people are struggling on mass. We were all given numbers and put into groups to learn different sections, entering on and off of the stage at different moments, sometimes overlapping. I was put into group 6, and had lots of choreography to learn that really came with its own vibe of its own, I had to practice this everyday to get the fluidity down, and different sections of popping which I'd also never done so it was all bit new. This then transitioned into the 'Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson' piece, which the lyrics also really emphasised the feeling of being empowered to make a change.
We learnt the main phrase as a mass, but all filled the stage in dribs and drabs. This then worked itself into a partner section that we were able to have fun with, and work with someone still trying to deliver the intention throughout. My partner was Tyler, and when he was there we worked well together, and were able to vibe off of each other, even though outside of lesson we don't really associate together. I thought that this was sweet as you don't have to even know or be close with someone to do partner work with, I know a massive part of working together is the relationship and trust between you, not to say that were not friends but if its coming across the right way it was nice to have a change and not work with the usual people.
