‘In the dark, windy, littered streets Ash is invisible, anonymous, a kid in a hoodie ducking into doorways and disappearing from sight. So far, so what? ‘ Based on Gillian Cross’s popular novel, Tightrope tells the story of 14 yr old Ashley, daredevil, heroine, young carer and brilliant graffiti artist. It is a timely modern day parable illustrating the power of art and self-determination to enlighten and unite fragmented communities.

Using hip hop as a base, but exploding into lindy hop, songwriting, circus skills, visual arts – whatever forms are appropriate to tell the story – the talented performers put themselves and their community at the centre of this (honestly) unique dramatic production.

Thanks to the partnership with The Port of Tilbury, and further support from the Gateway Academy and the Royal Opera House, Tightrope gives young performers the rare opportunity to work with an artistic team which combines extensive professional experience with exciting emerging artists. Lead by director, Stuart Mullins; writer Anna Reynolds; designer, choreographer Helen Parlor, with the urban artists from It’s Our Theatre: B girl, performer and dance teacher, Sunsun; singer/songwriter David Harks; and Sri Mackinnon, one of Britain’s few female graffiti artists.

Building on an It’s Our Theatre project, funded by Thurrock Council, the production process will begin in the last week of August with developmental workshops, which continue into October when rehearsals begin, and the work takes a more distinct shape.

Young people and disenfranchised communities have made the headlines for negative reasons this summer. Join us as It’s Our Theatre shows the positive way we can make a difference.

The school, in Garron Lane, played host to the Royal Rarhi Chhau Dancers from India and Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Charlie Curtis was also there to join in the fun.

The dance visit was part of the school’s continuing work with the Connecting Classroom Project.

The dance group — in the country with the Asian Music Circuit which Promotes Asian music events and concerts across the country — ran a series of workshops with both Dilkes Primary School and Ormiston Academy.

Dressed in elaborate masks representing gods, monsters and animals, the Chhau dancers execute powerful acrobatic movements and mid-air somersaults, bringing together breathtaking gymnastics, exhilarating rhythmic drumming and dazzling costumes in a spectacular display for the senses.

Cllr Curtis said afterwards: “The colour and the enthusiasm of the dancers quickly transferred to the children who were having a great time trying some of the less acrobatic moves.

“It’s always good for young people to work with organisations and people from overseas, to see the differences and the similarities of our cultures.”

The Royal Rarhi Chhau Dancers’ were also at East Tilbury and Little Thurrock schools later in the week.

Connecting Classrooms is a global programme that creates partnerships between clusters of schools in the UK and others around the world. These partnerships bring an international dimension to young people’s learning, to improve their knowledge and understanding of other cultures and prepare them for life and work as global citizens.

Connecting Classrooms partnerships are supported by local authorities/federations of schools (or in some cases, other affiliated bodies) in the UK and district education offices/ministries of education in other countries. This endorsement, in all countries, provides a platform from which broader, strategic links can be formed between areas or districts in the partner countries.

The ad was choreographed by former William Edwards student David Kent now known as David Leighton.

Infact many of you will know or recognise David’s mother, Margaret Kent as she has worked in the box office at the Thameside Theatre for over 37 years!

Since being a member of local dance companies, David went to the Lane Theatre Arts Epsom. From there he has worked with a wide variety of artists from Diana Ross, Kylie Minogue, Britain’s Got Talent and Plan B.

The youngsters are all members of the ‘Frontline Crew’, emerging young performers engaged with the THEATRE IS… participatory programme it’s our theatre.

The Brixton line-up includes top Award winning comic’s Miriam Elia and Grainne Maguire, fantastic all-female funkstyle dance crew My Element (headed by THEATRE IS… it’s our theatre artist Yami Lofvenberg aka Rowdy), brilliant MC Danny Raphael, slam poet extraordinaire Dean Atta, contemporary theatre group Gameshow, and many many more of London’s young talents!

It’s Our Theatre: Thurrock is a participatory talent programme produced by THEATRE IS… in partnership with Thurrock Borough Council, Thurrock Thames Gateway Corporation Development and Arts Council England.

Listings Info:
Monday 13th October, 7pm
Ritzy Bar
Brixton
Tickets £3

Ola signed autographs and posed for pictures with delighted fans of the show.

Kylie Minor, Acting Marketing Manager at Lakeside, said: “It was a real treat to have Ola in the centre. She’s one of the most popular professionals on the show and was just as lovely in person.”

-ENDS-

The Royal Opera are also looking for help.

A new opera, written and performed in collaboration with Thurrock residents, will be playing in the new building during the first week of December. In the grounds surrounding the Production Workshop – among newly restored listed buildings, kitchen gardens and orchards – a fairground will be devised celebrating the history of Purfleet and in particular recognition of the last Purfleet Fair held in 1910. Audiences will be invited to explore the fair which will be run by volunteers.

Whether you fancy running the coconut shy or promenading as a pilgrim, Roman or even a Victorian actress, we are looking for enthusiastic performers who can bring the fairground to life. You do not need to have previous performance experience; we are looking for a variety of people with energy and

The fairground will be open from 6.15 – 7.15pm starting on Sunday 5th December until Saturday 11th December. You would be required to meet the Director and attend one rehearsal prior to performing in the fairground. Full details of the dates and times are below.

If you are interested but unable to attend all these dates, let us know, as you may still be able to participate.

Sunday 5th December 2 – 5pm Rehearsal in the fairground

6 – 7.30pm Fairground open

Monday 6th December 5 – 6.30pm Fairground open (earlier than regular time)

Tuesday 7th December 6.15 – 7.15pm Fairground open

Wednesday 8th December FAIRGROUND CLOSED

Thursday 9th December 6.15 – 7.15pm Fairground open

Friday 10th December 6.15 – 7.15pm Fairground open

Saturday 11th December 2.15 – 3.15pm Fairground open (matinee)

6.15 – 7.15pm Fairground open

And the

It’s Our Theatre: Thurrock, a training programme in performance and entrepreneurship delivered by THEATRE IS… has been invited along with project partners at The Hat Factory, Luton to take to the Brussels stage, an exciting opportunity to strengthen international ties and build a strong foundation for EU funded transnational projects.

Open Days (4th Oct – 7th Oct) performances are a particular highlight of the festival. Showcasing creative talent from across the East of England young people will display their range of hip-hop performance skills to a key audience of European policy makers. Thirteen youngsters ranging between thirteen to seventeen years old will be accompanied by a team of THEATRE IS… artists, including hip hop professionals from THROWDOWN UK.

THEATRE IS… is a regularly funded Arts Council England organisation and The East of England Brussels Office has long supported the work of Arts Council England and is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to showcase the creative talent of the region in Brussels.

Sarah Murray, Team Leader of the East of England Brussels Office was invited to a performance in Thurrock of THEATRE IS…’ in May: “I was particularly impressed with the work of THEATRE IS… and the young people at the core of the activity and saw strong correlations with the emphasis in current EU policy”.

“I see THEATRE IS… creating young entrepreneurs as well as performers, giving the young people transferable skills that will help them irrespective of whether they stay working in the creative sector or bring that learning into other sectors.”

The Brussels trip will provide key opportunities for international knowledge exchange. Andrea Stark, Area Executive Director for Arts Council England said: “By taking their hip hop performances to Brussels, these young people are showcasing talent from the East of England on an international stage and demonstrating why the arts matter to so many. At Arts Council England we believe all children and young people should have the opportunity to experience the richness of the arts; and it is inspiring to see young people empowered to shape their own performances and showcase their talents to the wider world”.

The marked success of the It’s Our Theatre: Thurrock programme is due to the strength of the successful partnerships between THEATRE IS… and delivery partners.

Lois Bowser, from Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation said: “Open Days will be an excellent opportunity to spur on the talents of young participants from It’s Our Theatre: Thurrock. The Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation is pleased to continue to support entrepreneurship and positive activities for young people through THEATRE IS…’ It’s Our Theatre programme.”

The EU’s new 2020 strategy is striving towards ‘smart growth’ where knowledge and innovation become true drivers of growth, promoting the recognition of non-formal and informal learning, such as that done through THEATRE IS… successful It’s Our Theatre Thurrock programme.

Terry Hammond Thurrock Council,said: ‘‘Thurrock Council is proud to continue working with THEATRE IS… as they continue to deliver such a high quality offer to young people. Opportunities such as the Open Days 2010 will provide a fantastic opportunity for international exposure for young people from Thurrock.’’

We caught up with them as they began to learn a whole new routine. We will be catching up with them until the routine is pitch perfect.

Well done to all who worked so hard to make the day a success.

The yourthurrock cameras took a leisurely stroll around the festival to see the rich tapestry of festival goers.

YourThurrock will be going down this afternoon to see how preparations are going as well as spending a few hours at the Crusades this sunday.

On Sunday 30 May 2010, Thousands of dance music fans will converge on Essex as DanceCrusade kicks off the summer with a phenomenal outdoor event. Hosted by the World’s biggest club brands, DJs and live acts, luxury tented arenas, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, dancers, stilt walkers, fire eaters and the friendliest atmosphere, DanceCrusade promises to be the Essex event of 2010.

DanceCrusade DJ action will be spread across multiple arenas with a 12-hour sun-soaked hedonistic journey into dance music featuring all things house, electro, soulful, club classics, trance, techno, minimal and funky.

Mixmag’s “London club of the year” (3 years running) and Ministry of Sound’s resident Friday night The Gallery bring some of the globe’s hottest trance and progressive DJs to the Main Arena, with showing stopping 3D colour lasers, breathtaking LED & projection visuals and CD & T-Shirt giveaways. Featuring the masterful Judge Jules (BBC Radio 1), Holland’s hottest trance DJ Richard Durand, the hard-edge legend Tall Paul, Gavyn Mitchel, Marcel Woods, Oliver Lang and DJ duo Lee & Slater.

The Hed Kandi Arena brings a touch of glamour to Essex, with leading club DJs, live musicians, and the kind of awe-inspiring production that has made Hed Kandi the global leader in dance music.

The Raindance Vs Epidemik Arena provides some nostalgia in the form of club classics. One of the original pioneers of dance music,Raindance celebrates it’s 21st Birthday this year! Exclusive to DanceCrusade, Raindance is providing a stellar lineup including Old Skool Live Act The Rat Pack Live, plus legendary DJs Slipmatt, Brandon Block and Billy ‘Daniel’ Bunter.

Two of the biggest Essex promoters collide in the Too Damn Glam Vs Motherfunkers Arena. Providing a lineup not to be missed, including Kid Massive, Mark Storie (Toolroom) and Piqué.

DanceCrusade is also proud to present club brands WTF*, Strictly Soulful, Push Music, Freaky Disco and Freekieacross several arenas, featuring club legends such as Paul Trouble Anderson, Bobby & Steve and Nathan Coles,Eastern Bloc Techno Superstars Sinisa Tamamovic and Mladen Tomic and over 40 others guest DJs and performers.

Other Attractions include: VIP Arena with red carpet entry, cocktail bar, luxury tents and private toilets. Funfair with Waltzer, Dodgems and lots more fun! Hungry? Visit the DanceCrusade world food fair, and for the child in you, ice creams vans will be in full force if you want to chill.

Special chill out and shaded areas are provided, sponsored by tillate.com

Standard tickets are available now for £35, with a special group supersaver deal (buy 4 get 1 free).

VIP Packages are available for £100 per person, which includes VIP parking, red-carpet entrance, access to VIP arena (hosted by Candi Nites, Be Somebody & Rehab), cocktail bar, VIP toilet facilities and a bottle of Moët & Chandon per person!

For more information visit www.dancecrusade.com or call Paul on 07748 679945.

Full Lineup:

Arena 1
The Gallery
Trance & Progressive
Judge Jules, Richard Durand, Tall Paul, Marcel Woods, Oliver Lang, Gavyn Mytchel, The Viceroy, Jimmy Lee & Jon Slater, Tristan D.

Arena 2
Hed Kandi
House
Phil Faversham, Dean Rigg, Greg Myers
Annie on Sax, Jay on Percussion

Arena 3
Raindance Vs Epidemik
Club Classics
The Rat Pack (DJ Lipmaster Mark & MC Evenson Allen), Slipmatt, Billy ‘Daniel’ Bunter, Brandon Block,
Darren Pearce, PK, Niki Dimensions, DJ Skie, Jason J, Sincere.

Arena 4
Too Damn Glam Vs Motherfunkers
House
Kid Massive, Mark Storie, Diason, Liam Cullen, Berniet & Damo, Adam Asenjo, Brad James, Colin Chiddle, Maxine Hardcastle, Pushdisko, Dean Tennant, Pivotal on Percussion

Also Featuring
WTF*, Strictly Soulful, Push Music, Freaky Disc and Freekie
Paul Trouble Anderson, Bobby & Steve, Sinisa Tamamovic, Mladen Tomic, Nathan Coles, Courtice, Darryl Green, Miles Weaver, Dirty Funki, Perfecto Strangers, Push Music (Live), Danny Cosgrave, James Mac, Sean E, Fat Tel, Danny Mayes, Matt Emulsion, Adam B, Johannes, Boxed Riot, Polymer City, Kid Neon, Freaky Disco Ft Deezim, Lee Gardner, Grant Bungey, Beatsworkin, Reform DJs, Aris,
LittleJoe, Tom Dove, Pretty Criminals, Live Wire, Scott Palmer.

Want to join in? Kat has dance classes down in Tilbury all next week. They are free. Further details are in the film but for now enjoy the gymnastic dexterity and enthusiasm of the dancers.

Dancers and staff from the Royal Opera House were warmly welcomed to Grays with a full house at the Thameside Theatre. The Royal Ballet Uncovered introduced the audience to Frederick Ashton’s delightful comic ballet La Fille mal gardée. Lecturer Pauline Green began the evening with a fascinating talk on the music and plot of the ballet. She was followed by Anna-Maria Genuise, a senior costume technician at the Royal Opera House who showed some of the costumes used in La Fille mal gardée and explained how ballet costumes are made to withstand the rigours of dance.

Ballet Master Christopher Saunders then worked with Royal Ballet dancers Ricardo Cervera, Laura Morera and Philip Mosley to demonstrate some of the dances from La Fille mal gardée, accompanied by pianist Kate Shipway.

The audience was full of praise for the wonderful evening and the dancers and Royal Opera House staff were delighted by their reception.

Royal Ballet Principal Laura Morera said:

“We all had a great evening at the Thameside Theatre and we enjoyed meeting some of the people of Grays. Some people think that ballet isn’t something they’re interested in or that they can’t afford it, so events such as this are a really good way to show that there are lots of different ballets out there and that it doesn’t have to be expensive. La Fille mal gardée is a brilliant ballet, really light-hearted and fun and it was great to be able to bring some of that atmosphere to Grays.”

The Royal Ballet Uncovered followed several Insight evenings held by the Royal Opera House at the Thameside Theatre last November, and was part of the work of the Royal Opera House Thurrock and Thames Gateway.

To find out more about other projects and events being run by the Royal Opera House across Thurrock, contact 01375 413388 or email getinvolved@roh.org.uk.

The lessons are geared towards appearing with the evergreen Tip-Toe Stage School at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon in April.

The children and their parents seem to be having a great time as the ever-energetic Craig Comerford puts them through their paces.

The Martell School of Dance holds classes at William Edwards School in Grays on a Sunday, Deneholm School in Grays on a Thursday and South Woodford Cricket Club in Woodford on a Wednesday.

Anyone interested in joining the classes should call Vicky Lardner direct on Tel: 07500 059004.