BLAST

BLAST 2011

Waterford City Council Secondary School
Arts Performance Programme

in association with

WYDmoves Youth Dance

presents

a new Blast Project--

MISSION: TRANSITION

Following on from the success of BLAST 2008, this project brings students together to explore, create and perform original contemporary dance. Run over a total of seven weeks this is an exciting journey for the students to literally “find their feet” in a new experience!!

Beginning in September 2011, the Dance Development worker Trish Murphy began working with 1st year students of three local secondary schools in Waterford city.

During the visits to the schools the students would develop their dance technique and creative skills, grow in self confidence, and most importantly have lots of fun!!!

Having created a brand new dance masterpiece, the students then have a fantastic opportunity to unite with other local dance students and showcase their new work at The Youth Dance Celebration at the Theatre Royal on Saturday 22nd October 2011.  

As well as an exciting performance opportunity, the students get to visit the Theatre Royal, and meet with the technical manager for an  in depth tutorial of the lighting, technical and administrative aspects of a professionally run theatre.

The schools participating in BLAST 2011: Mission Transition are St. Josephs, St. Pauls and Presentation Secondary School.

Trish works with dancers 1

In rehearsal

Trish works with dancers 2

BLAST 2008

Newtown students in rehearsal

BLAST – is an innovative project designed for local transition year students, incorporating a fun approach to creating and performing dance.

In collaboration with Garter Lane Arts Centre, over eight weeks in 2008, three local schools had the chance to develop new skills and showcase their dance masterpiece complete with lights and costumes at the prestigious Garter Lane.

Although the project caters for the students creative and performance needs, they were also lucky enough to be given an in depth tutorial of the technical and administrative aspects of the theatre on a visit to Garter Lane Arts Centre prior to the special performance.

Each school group had a six-week devising period allowing for the development of self-confidence, communication skills, and teamwork, skills that are central to the aims of transition year modules.

On the final visit to the theatre, the schools came together to perform each piece in a fantastic culmination of the BLAST project.

The schools that took part were Newtown, St. Josephs and Stella Maris (Tramore).

Students of Stella Maris in full swing

Students of St. Josephs (photo By Aileen Drohan)