Compare the recording of the first rehearsal to the final performance:
What changed and improved?
The recording of the first rehearsal to the final performance has changed and improved. No one knew what they were doing in the first rehearsal because it was our first time practising the dance moves. Another thing that has improved over the time was that everyone started showing up on time and that was a struggle at first.
We weren't able to dance on the beat but everyone was up to speed in the final performance. I was really nervous in the first rehearsal but my confidants improved when I performed in the final performance. My facial expressions changed because at first I was just dancing but without being the character. In the final performance I was able to play the character with the facial expressions. Even though we don't always have the whole group, we are confident to choreograph the parts of the other group members. Timing is a little off although this is expected as these are only the initial practice. At times it is hard to get the whole group together for rehearsals meaning we often have to practice in sections then put it together. The boys are sometimes less cooperative meaning it is harder to get them into the right frame of mind. The dance is slightly stagnant at the moment so we need to move background motion. We need to put more expression both into our movements and facial features.
How did you achieve those improvements?
I was able to improve my confidence by starting to practice alone and try my best to get the moves right. When I was able to do that, then I started to perform only in front of my friends so that I can get feedback and work on it. I then performed it in front of my teacher so that I can get a serious feedback that I would benefit from. I was finally able to show my classmates and dance with them so that my speed matches there’s. My nerves weren't completely gone but I do believe that I improved from where I started.
Showing up on time for the rehearsals was a struggle from some, so we wanted to change that by having a meeting and see where changes could be made. I was able to improve my facial expressions by just practicing in front of a mirror and to make sure that I stay in character through the whole dance.
Why were those improvements important? What impact did they have on the audience’s experience?
Improving on my confidence was important to me because it would have affected the final performance and my grade. My nerves would have impacted the audience’s experience because the performance was meant to show a group of girls dancing sexy. Another reason why it would have impacted the audience is because it wouldn't have looked like much effort was put in it. I think improving on my facial expression was very important because it would make the audience believe that we are sexy and are able to control men.
The recording of the first rehearsal to the final performance has changed and improved. No one knew what they were doing in the first rehearsal because it was our first time practising the dance moves. Another thing that has improved over the time was that everyone started showing up on time and that was a struggle at first.
We weren't able to dance on the beat but everyone was up to speed in the final performance. I was really nervous in the first rehearsal but my confidants improved when I performed in the final performance. My facial expressions changed because at first I was just dancing but without being the character. In the final performance I was able to play the character with the facial expressions. Even though we don't always have the whole group, we are confident to choreograph the parts of the other group members. Timing is a little off although this is expected as these are only the initial practice. At times it is hard to get the whole group together for rehearsals meaning we often have to practice in sections then put it together. The boys are sometimes less cooperative meaning it is harder to get them into the right frame of mind. The dance is slightly stagnant at the moment so we need to move background motion. We need to put more expression both into our movements and facial features.
How did you achieve those improvements?
I was able to improve my confidence by starting to practice alone and try my best to get the moves right. When I was able to do that, then I started to perform only in front of my friends so that I can get feedback and work on it. I then performed it in front of my teacher so that I can get a serious feedback that I would benefit from. I was finally able to show my classmates and dance with them so that my speed matches there’s. My nerves weren't completely gone but I do believe that I improved from where I started.
Showing up on time for the rehearsals was a struggle from some, so we wanted to change that by having a meeting and see where changes could be made. I was able to improve my facial expressions by just practicing in front of a mirror and to make sure that I stay in character through the whole dance.
Why were those improvements important? What impact did they have on the audience’s experience?
Improving on my confidence was important to me because it would have affected the final performance and my grade. My nerves would have impacted the audience’s experience because the performance was meant to show a group of girls dancing sexy. Another reason why it would have impacted the audience is because it wouldn't have looked like much effort was put in it. I think improving on my facial expression was very important because it would make the audience believe that we are sexy and are able to control men.
The final performance:
What were the strengths of the final performance?
The strengths of the final performance were that everyone was dancing at the same pace. Everyone was able to stay in character and that kept the atmosphere sexy. We were also able to keep the audience entertained by dancing near them and wink at them when they look. Working well as a team which allows each individual member to shine through. Intriguing opening which immediately immerses the audience into the world of cabaret.
What areas could still be improved?
The areas that could still be improved on are our facial expression because at times we would be trying to remember the moves for performance and forget that we have to stay in character through the whole performance. Working on our dance moves would mean that our characters will look real and the audience would believe that we are taking the performance seriously.
The strengths of the final performance were that everyone was dancing at the same pace. Everyone was able to stay in character and that kept the atmosphere sexy. We were also able to keep the audience entertained by dancing near them and wink at them when they look. Working well as a team which allows each individual member to shine through. Intriguing opening which immediately immerses the audience into the world of cabaret.
What areas could still be improved?
The areas that could still be improved on are our facial expression because at times we would be trying to remember the moves for performance and forget that we have to stay in character through the whole performance. Working on our dance moves would mean that our characters will look real and the audience would believe that we are taking the performance seriously.
What are the key areas that I need to evaluate?
Acting:
- Facial expressions
- Body language
- Gesture
- Communication with the audience
Technical elements:
- Lighting
- Sound
- Mics
- Costume
- Makeup
- Hair
- Set
- Props
Communication of the theme/ideas/story:
Singing:
Singing:
- Volume
- Harmonies
- Pitch
- Dynamics
Dance Relationships:
- Squad
Dance Actions:
- Travel (run and march)
- Stillness (stand still, kneel and freeze frame shape)
- Step (forwards, to side, kick and slide)
- Turn (on feet spin)
Dance Dynamics:
- Fast
- Sudden
- Slow
- Aggressive
- Sharp
- Soft
W:\Drama\Year 13 Performing Arts\Variety Performance