Wow, what a busy week – I am finally back in the office after having the pleasure of following the company as they began the tour. I started off in Eastleigh last Friday where the dancers had been all week putting together the finishing touches to the triple bill. It was my first time to the Point and I had a fantastic time – it is such a great space. I spent the day with cameraman Tom who is putting together our promo video which we will be releasing next week so keep your eyes peeled! He did not stop all day, filming interviews with the dancers and choreographers, the dress rehearsals and the actual performance.

I also managed to catch Luke (Head of Learning and Development) and Lucy (Associate Artist) doing a  workshop with one of the local schools – they had a very short time to teach the girls a routine, but they pulled it off and I got to see the finished sequence performed outside in the sun which was beautiful.

The highlight of the day was however the performance in the evening. Having seen all three pieces at various stages in the creative process, it was great to finally see them in full production – which is obviously how they are meant to be seen. I was completely blown away by the transformation of all pieces and the dancers and everyone working back stage did a fantastic job. I know I am biased, but the feedback that I had from the audience members was also really positive and I did leave wanting to watch the show again, as some of the pieces gave me a lot to think about. That’s the beauty of this triple bill as each piece is completely different each one plays with your emotions and thoughts in a different way. If I had to describe the show to someone I would say it is like a box of revels – there are flavors you like (for me chocolate), there are flavors you  are not so keen on (Coffee) and some you just can’t make your mind up about (orange)- but you would buy yet another box over and over again.

We then had the Premiere at the Lowry in Salford, again an amazing space. I got to see the show with one of my friends and I was excited to hear what he had to say about it. He was completely overwhelmed by the dancers ability, strength and control particularly in Sarah’s piece (hopefully he’ll leave a comment to back me up).

I feel very lucky that I have been able to experience the touring side of Candoco, and I am now back in the office. However the fun doesn’t stop there as I will be going to see ‘A Meeting Place’ performed at the Southbank Centre next Thursday 6th May. Our Artistic Directors Stine and Pedro have been involved (along with some other internationally acclaimed artists) in this project which is part of the Southbank Centre’s programme ‘5 days in May’ which show cases the work of international dance artists and choreographers. What’s more one of our dancers (Vicky) will be performing in it. To find out more information visit the Southbank Centre website.

Plus we have to prepare for the next stages of the tour – next stop The Riverfront, Newport – so lots to be getting on with.

Nicki