DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA Art2264@moissetpcyc 

PHOTOS and REPORT 

Report by Grace Murphy and Eleni Comino (14 years)

Youth Week DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA! Dancing was the main feature of this month’s PCYC. We had a visit from Thomas Stevens a dance professional, Sophie Cook with a cabaret lesson, and Swansea Physical Culture with a workshop by Nicole and Sky Hardy.

At 4:00pm, Thomas held a hip-hop/funk dance class for the kids. They choreographed a few dances to different styles and songs. The songs used were pop and upbeat, perfect for a hip-hop dance. There were about 10 participants and they rocked the dance floor and we saw a couple of the moves taught, being practiced by many at the disco later that night. Sky Hardy, 12 years old and a first timer at the PCYC exclaimed, “It was very different and fun. It took a lot of energy out of you”

Following that, Sophie Cook gave a cabaret workshop, which was amazing and very educational. Sophie taught the participants about the history of cabaret and how it was founded in 1948 during the World War II.  She ran the participants through a series of games including bulrush, stuck in the mud and an original character building game that involved adopting the characteristics of different types of people.  She then gave them 3 minutes to make up their very own cabaret performance. The kids were given a chair that they had to incorporate into their routine as she explained that chair were a major prop used in cabaret acts. “I loved Sophie’s class, we had so much fun making up a cabaret routine using a chair- it was so much fun and great to watch each pairs act at the end!“ said Eleni Comino, one of the workshop participants.

Physical Culture, a Swansea / Nords Wharf dance company, was the last workshop for the night before blue light disco commenced and was a great way to get everybody in the mood for dancing. Nicole, the dance instructor with the help of her daughter Sky was able to teach everyone participating an energetic and lively dance. There were some creative dance moves involved but the participants were soon able to pick them up and the end result of the dance was amazing. 

While all the workshops were taking place there was an arts and craft station where lots of kids were making cards and other beautiful creations. There was also a magician teaching some of the children how to do some basic magic tricks to amaze their friends. The food was as fantastic as it usually is; sausage rolls, spinach and cheese rolls, cupcakes; both chocolate and vanilla and a sausage sandwich for dinner.

The Blue Light disco was another great success, with performances throughout- the dancing and music, made it a great night. Sophie Cook gave a performance using the character ‘Betty Boop’. This thrilled the children and triggered their inner actor. The next performance was by Swansea Physical Culture Club who performed a series of dances that excited PCYC participants. Last but definitely not least, was two amazing dancers Chloe and Justin Parker that performed a series of solos in different styles. They represented Deborah Lee’s Dance Academy of Morisset.

So overall the whole night was an amazing night; full of fun performances and activities. Everyone had the biggest smiles on their faces as they left and I’m sure that they will all be back again and again to experience the awesome vibe at Morisset PCYC and the art2264 programs.

Thomas Stevens Street, Funk and Hip Hop Class

Photos by Margrete Erling

Sophie Cook's Dance Cabaret Class

Physical Culture Dance Class with Nicole and Skye Hardy

 Marik Jones shows some of his magic!

Photos below by James Murphy during Blue Light

 Above: Sophie Cook performs "Betty Boop" character

 Nords Wharf/ Swansea Physical Culture Club performs during Blue Light

Justin and Chloe Parker perform Hip Hop moves during Blue Light

YOUTH WEEK "DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA"

& BLUE-LIGHT DISCO!!!!

Friday 12 April 4pm- 6.30pm + Blue light from 7-10pm

On Friday 12 April, the Art2264 program, Lake Macquarie National Youth Week program and Morisset PCYC together present, the “Art2264@morissetPCYC YOUTH WEEK Dance Extravaganza and Blue Light Disco”! –a series of short intensive dance classes and performances to make biggest, grandest Dance Extravaganza the region has seen!

Featuring Thomas Stevens, a professional dancer from Fiona’s Studio of Dance, Thomas is off to the U.S. later this year on scholarship to train with a professional ballet company in Boston. He will be facilitating a Hip Hop, Funk & Street Dance Class from 4pm - 4:50pm. 

This fun and energetic class will teach you all the basics about hip hop and street dance. You'll learn the coolest moves from all the latest video clips and combine them into a short routine. Suitable for absolute beginners to the best dancers in the night club! Boys make sure you come too so we can show the girls how it’s done!!

Following Thomas’s Cool Dance Workshop from 4-4.50pm, Sophie Cook will steal the dance floor for a colourful and creative Cabaret Dance Class from 4.50pm to 5.40pm. Sophie is going to explore "Cabaret", in her 45 minute dance clinic passing on her skills in creating kooky characters, fun story lines and slap stick comedy routines. The kids will play a combination of acting and dance games to explore the world of Cabaret and will aim to create a short dance piece that they can perform at the end of the class. Sophie will then later perform a number “Betty Boop” at the Blue light disco to further inspire kids, and encourage them to be larger than life.

The intensive dance clinics continue with Nords Wharf Swansea Physical Culture Clubs Dance clinic “Bj POP” from 5.40pm- 6.30pm. The Bj Pop short dance routine was choreographed by the Bjelke Petersen School Of Physical Culture and has been designed to suit all age groups. It is a fun fill routine that is set to test your coordination and stamina, but most of all to keep your mind and body active and while having fun with DANCE. The routine takes about 40minutes to learn and it is a great cardio workout at the same time. The song we will be learning it to is the altered version (APRA approved)  Adam Lamberts IF I HAD YOU. Students from the Physical Culture Club will also perform several short pieces during Blue Light!

INSPIRING THOUGHT....

Life is a dance, you learn as you go. Sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow...

Background on Performers:

THOMAS STEVENS: Hip Hop, Funk & Street Dance Teacher 

 

Thomas is 23 years old and trains in all styles of dance at Fiona's Studio of Dance (Morisset) where he also teaches a boys-only dance class incorporating hip hop, jazz, musical theatre, and street dance. He has performed with local theatre and dance companies throughout the Central Coast and Newcastle areas, and is pursuing a career as a professional dancer. Thomas is off to the U.S. later this year on scholarship to train with a professional ballet company in Boston.

FIONA’S STUDIO OF DANCE- Background

Fiona’s Studio of Dance is unique in its class structures and teaching methods with comprehensive training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Classes are held in a friendly, inspiring environment for all ages 2yrs to adult trained under the watchful eyes of our excellent teaching faculty. The studio's mission is built around the school's motto of; "Challenge - Encourage - Achieve."

The studio also offers Intensive / Extension programmes catering for the 'Dedicated Dancer' as well as popular dance classes in all styles and ages for the recreational student. A Full Time Dance Course (fully accredited government courses) are offered at Fiona’s Studio of Dance studying Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance) and Diploma of Musical Theatre and Certificate IV in Dance. The courses offer an intensive and specialised foundation on which to build careers in professional dance, dance teaching & related fields. 

The studio is located straight off the F3 Freeway at Morisset and is equipped with three dance rooms all of which have mirrors, barres, sound systems, air conditioning and properly sprung floors. The studio has been established for 21 years and going from strength to strength.

SOPHIE COOK- Professional Dancer

Sophie Cook is a working actress, dancer, choreographer and theatre maker. She got her initial teaching experience assisting tutors at ‘ATYP’ and volunteering for ‘Milkcrate Theatre’ assisting homeless folk create a play in 2005. She also assisted a youth group in Sydney's Inner West that year, create a performance with the ‘Links to Learning’ program.

In 2006 she toured ‘Actors at Work’ with Bell Shakespeare Company performing for high schools in and around regional NSW and QL. Sophie begun teaching after school drama and dance and created holiday workshop programs at ‘Brightstars’ and ‘Brightsparks’ in 2007, and later worked with ‘Kids Up Front’ in 2009.

Also in 2009 she assisted James Winter with Belvoir Theatre Company’s ‘Youth Express’ program helping kids at risk create their own piece of theatre which they got to perform at the Belvoir itself. Sophie taught circus, life skills, hip hop and drama at the Cowra ‘PCYC’ in 2010 and also choreographed ‘The Scots Debutant Ball’ later that year for the PCYC.  She currently enjoys teaching at the ‘Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre’ as the kids are well trained and dedicated. Sophie also teaches people with different abilities at the Joan and enjoys these Access classes immensely. Recently Sophie started teaching the ‘NIDA’ open program at the Campbelltown Arts Centre which is great.

NORDS WHARF SWANSEA PHYSICAL CULTURE CLUB

Nicole Hardy is an experienced physical culture dance tutor for many years, based at Swansea NSW. Physical Culture is a unique dance sport for girls and ladies that combines fun, fitness, flexibility, balance and coordination, good posture, self confidence and dance movements. All of this is combined and performed to modern top 40 music. For a closer look at the club go to www.nordswharfswanseaphysie.com  or for more information regarding this sport please contact  Nicole ~ 49 725 909 or 0409 651 953 Email: nordswharfswanseaphysie@live.com.au

Art2264  PROGRAM: 

“Dance Extravaganza” 
+ Blue Light Disco

FRIDAY 12 April 
from 4pm-6.30pm + 7-10pm

4.00 – 4.50pm Hip Hop, Funk & Street Dance - with Thomas Stevens

4.50 – 5.40pm Cabaret Dance Class- with Sophie Cook

5.40 – 6.30pm Physical Culture Class Bj POP - with Nicole Hardy

7pm- 10pm “Blue Light Disco” - with Wild Dance Moves!                                 

Art2264@MorissetPCYC Report- 15 March On March 15th, art2264@morissetPCYC bought to us an event like no other. It was the hugely popular ‘Art2264 Theatre Expo’! Many talented people came in to teach everybody how to express themselves through drama. Drama workshops filled the evening as well as a sweet performance by Fiona’s Studio of Dance. At 4:00pm we were very fortunate to have Sarah Woods, a highly acclaimed actor, visit PCYC and gave a one-time only, workshop on the fabulous Shakespeare. Sarah was brilliant at educating the participants at the same time as having loads fun. She got kids to step out of their comfort zone and find their inner actors. One of the regular PCYC participants spoke very highly of Sarah Woods saying “It was great fun and I learnt a lot at the same time!” At the end of the workshop Sarah Woods gave us a quick insight of how she thought it went; “I thought it went very well and I was extremely happy with the turnout”, Sarah said. Following Sarah Woods  workshop was another drama workshop, facilitated by Drama Karma. The Drama Karma director was Janine Sneddon.  Janine (along with several of her senior students) took the kids through a series of performances and interactive drama activities. The participants thoroughly enjoyed watching the students perform and there was lots of laughter erupting from their part of the room. It was just as enjoyable watching the skits as it was joining in with the games. There were some great, innovative and imaginative games, with the kids coming up with some very creative ideas. There was a short break from the workshops when Fiona’s Studio of Dance performed a short musical theatre piece they had been working on from the musical “Annie”. They performed “It’s a hard knock life” which is a favourite of many from the musical “Annie”. They got into the piece by dressing up in rags and old pyjamas with dirt smeared across some of their faces. They also used mops, buckets and sponges as props to add to the choreography. The final workshop of the evening was run by Aleeta Northey, a professional choreographer for the famous television show “So You Think You Can Dance?” We were honoured to have her with us and everybody participating in the workshop came out with a whole lot of new skills. Aleeta started with a couple of interesting games that got the kids thinking on the spot with some amazing results. While all the drama workshops were in progress, to celebrate Easter Shelley Moses supplied art and craft materials for everybody to use to make cute little Easter scenes. Some the children made some beautiful art works, that when finished were put up on display. Some of the artworks included paper flowers, chicken nests, trees and painted eggs.  Once again the PCYC supplied some delicious treats to fill everybody’s hungry stomachs. The food and drinks supplied by Busy Baking included sausage rolls, vegetarian rolls, mini cheese quiches, cup-cakes, cordial, tea and coffee. The combination of all these fantastic activities made yet another, unforgettable night at Morisset PCYC. Next month should be really huge, with the ‘Art2264 YOUTH WEEK Dance Expo’ and ‘Blue Light Disco’ on Friday 12 April- we can’t wait! Written by Eleni Comino and Grace Murphy, aged 14 (See Photos posted following from the event) “Theatre Expo” Art2264@Morisset PCYC FRIDAY 15 March 4 -7pm

Morisset PCYC,
5 Kahibah St. Morisset

On Friday 15 March, the Art2264 program at Morisset PCYC brings to us, the biggest, grandest “Theatre Expo” the region has seen!

Featuring WAAPA graduate, current NIDA and Bell Shakespeare Company drama teacher, with TV roles including “Rake II”, “Laid”, “Crownies”, “All Saints”, “Blue Heelers”, “The Flying Doctors” (to name a few), AND film credits including “little Fish”,“The Black Balloon”, “Accidents Happen” and “The Last Race”, Sarah Woods is coming to Morisset to share her talents with you!

Sarah said “I am delighted to run a workshop full of games, acting, and dramatic excitement for the  Art2264 @ morissetpcyc program from 4pm- 5pm on 15th March”.

“We’ll make the workshop light-hearted and fun. I'll throw in some of the Romance of Shakespeare's teenage love from Romeo and Juliet - and for the boys who don't want to hear about the 'schmaltzy stuff' - some good old-fashioned family feuds! We'll also take a peek inside the terrifying world of Macbeth with all its magic, murder and madness!

Following Sarah’s Fun Shakespeare Workshop from 4-5pm, Morisset’s local drama school, Drama Karma will run an Improvisation Workshop from 5-6pm with some theatre sports & performance, providing an opportunity for all to enjoy the fun & creative world of drama.

The evening crescendos, with a spectacular Musical Theatre performance of “Annie” by students of “So You Think You Can Dance” tutor, Aleeta Northey (Fiona’s Studio of Dance). Following the performance, Aleeta will facilitate a heart stopping workshop in Musical Theatre from 6pm-7pm, teaching the dynamic and expressive skills required in music, dance & drama.

Art2264  PROGRAM:

“Theatre Expo”

FRIDAY 15 March from 4pm-7pm 

4 - 5pm Fun Shakespeare Workshop - with Sarah Woods
5 - 6pm Improvisation Workshop - with Drama Karma
6 - 7pm Musical Theatre W'shop - Fiona’s Studio of Dance

art2264 where ART meets

sport @ Morisset PCYC!

 

Morisset PCYC Ph: 4973 4677 or 0459 038 217

5 Kahibah St. Morisset (next to Morisset pool)

INSPIRING THOUGHT.....

Life is a dance, you learn as you go.

Sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow..

MUSIC WRAP REPORT- by Eleni & Grace

The February PCYC was one to remember! It was full of fun and exciting activities to fill the evening. This included a ukulele workshop with prize- winning Stavri Comino, a drumming circle with Rhythm Hut PC Parlour and a Blue-light disco.

The ukulele workshop with Stavri was a first to PCYC and many turned up ready to learn and came out with a couple of Jazzy tunes up their sleeves, such as ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz and ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ by Van Morrison. It was great to see lots of talent emerging from everyone that participated. 

Next up was the drumming circle with the Rhythm Hut.  As always this workshop was very popular with children and adults and was probably the highest attendance level yet! The fantastic rhythms that they created echoed around the PCYC building and was stuck the heads of everyone long after the workshop finished.

 Once again, before the Blue-light disco commenced there was a fabulous PC parlour to snazzy everybody up! Our hairdressers were Eleni, Grace, Olive and Tynan, that did an excellent job of adding colour, glitter and fun to the heads of those participating. The face painting was a great hit with kids leaving with beautiful butterflies, love hearts and shocking lightning bolts.  

Whilst all these activities were happening the fabulous staff of the PCYC were cooking up a fabulous afternoon, made up of party pies, small sausage rolls, vegetarian rolls, cupcakes and cordial. Which, might we add, all tasted sensational. Just before the disco kicked off a sausage sizzle was served for everyone to enjoy.

Now to the highlight of the night- the Blue-light Disco! Once again it was a marvellous turn out with a fantastic vibe. The DJ was pumping out great hits of the past and present to entertain all. It was great to see so many kids up and dancing with such passion. Not was only was the music and dancing cool but there was also some pretty cool costumes to add the energy of the night. The smoke machine and strobe lights that the DJ brought along perfected the night like a cherry on top and was a tremendous hit with kids.

Overall it was a brilliant night and everyone left with the widest smiles on their faces. Thank-you PCYC and Blue-light for an unforgettable night

Eleni Comino, Grace Murphy

"MUSIC WRAP"...

ART2264@MORISSETPCYC

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY  5.00PM – 7.00PM *

–followed by Blue Light Disco from 7.00pm- 10.00pm

Morisset PCYC Kahibah Street Morisset (next door to the pool).

Art2264 “Music Wrap”

This month, we are celebrating music (“Art2264 Music Wrap”) with a workshop run by our local star, ’Stavri’,  playing and teaching the ever so portable and fun Ukulele –  from 5pm to 6pm. Bring along your own Ukulele and join in the class learning some of the basics in using simple chords and playing some simple, fun melodies. (A couple of spare Ukulele’s may be available to borrow, -bring your own if you can!)

Following the Ukulele class, feel the rhythm and get in the beat with the ‘The Rhythm Hut’ drumming workshop playing Japanese Taiko Drums from 6pm to 7pm. These drums must be played standing up using sticks and are a very physical form of musical expression- perfect in a PCYC sports setting! During the art2264 session, find the PC parlour mistress (Margrete) for a quick spray of hair colour and sparkles to add some pizazz to your outfit in time for the BESTEST Blue Light Disco yet!

The Blue Light Disco starts at 7pm sharp and costs $10 per person. There are no pass outs, no alcohol or drugs and plenty of police supervision to keep this night super fun and super safe for all. The PCYC Gaming Van will also be in attendance and DJ Kite will be there spinning the latest tunes to the giant video screen and laser lights.

If you missed last years Blue Light Disco, then be here for the start of this years program, with Blue Lights to be a regular feature at Morisset PCYC every 2 months, in collaboration with the art2264 program.

Rosmairi Dawson, the centre’s new Manager, said “the excitement of hosting our first Blue Light Disco is immense! Finally there’s a safe, fun environment for our youth to enjoy. They can socialise outside of the school environment, and make new friends”.

“We really need something for our kids to do, in the local area, and regular Blue Light events should help fill this gap”.  ‘It’s all part of the PCYC mission’ explained Andrew Best, exiting Manager. ‘We get young people active in life. It’s all about building positive relationships between kids and their communities’.

Entry is $10 per child and this includes a sausage sandwich and water/cordial. Any other food and drinks must be purchased at the kiosk. Blue Light is a drug, alcohol and smoke free event and there are no pass outs (parents must collect their kids at 10pm).

Blue Light will kick off after Morisset PCYC’s regular monthly youth art event, art2264, which will run between 5-7pm.

Picture from November 2012 Blue Light Disco at Morisset PCYC

(*The art2264 program usually runs on the 3^rd Friday of each month from 4-7pm.)