Head Dancer Role

I have to first apologise for leaving my blog empty for such a long time now! It has been a very busy couple of months. January 30th I began rehearsing five brand new 40minute shows choreographed for a five man show team. I have taken the role of head dancer so not only was I learning my own part but I was also learning another four parts. I have to say I didnt realise how much this job role would challenge me. Not only was I learning five different parts, cleaning shows, running rehearsals and dealing with four very different personalities but it was also part of my job role to ensure vocals were up to scratch, costumes and props were kept clean and in good condition and peoples hours weren't going over their contracts. 

My first week in the Venue was very stressful. After main rehearsals (which took place in Wales) I had to start putting the shows together, unfortunately not every one on my show team were strong dancers, my boys for example were stronger singers and struggled to remember choreography. I spent hours having one to ones with separate people ensuring they knew exactly what they were doing and were confident with each show. Once my team knew the choreography it was then time to start spacing everything on the stage, with set, props and microphones. I then had to go through costume changes and run dress rehearsals to ensure each person knew when their costume changes happened and if they could make them on time. 

My main issue has been with how I deliver a rehearsal, sometimes it can be so frustrating when you have spent hours with someone and they still cant remember the choreography especially when I find it so easy to pick routines up. I had to find a way to deal with this and not get too frustrated, I needed to realise that in time the routines would come and people would start to remember their own choreography. 

We are now 4weeks in and the shows are up and running so I have started to film each show and watch them back so I can start giving corrections. In my rehearsal yesterday  I filmed everyone and got them to watch the rehearsal back and take notes on themselves as I was finding that when I gave people corrections I would often get back chat. I have really had to grow a tougher skin as I am dealing with some very strong personalities all of whom are a few years older than me and have worked the job alot longer than I have. Regardless of how many years they have been working in the industry I had to remember that I was given this job for a reason and that I am more than capable of being in charge of what goes on that stage each night. 

Now that we have the main shows up and running I have been travelling to torquay to learn the new touring shows. Touring shows are made for two girls so I am only learning two parts and neither of the girls sing during the show, we are basically backing dancers so I dont have to learn any harmonies or lyrics. 

I hope this brings everyone up to scratch with what I have been doing for the past couple of months, it has been a challenging transition for me however I feel it will contribute massively towards my final inquiry.