Five Reasons to take up a Dance Class

Two years ago I started my first adult ballet lesson. I signed up for the term on a whim thinking it would be fun to try something new. Two years later, I now take three dance classes a week including a jazz class. I’m not sure what makes dancing so appealing to me; whether it’s the release of happy endorphins or if it gives me an outlet to express myself or if it’s a skill that you can build upon but I can certainly say I’m addicted and I’m not the only one. Some of my fellow dance friends do up to 7 classes a week!  I do believe though that dancing has helped give me the confidence to make the decision to follow my passion and apply for my Masters in Journalism.

I thought I would write this article to help spread the joy. Here are my top five reasons to take up an adult dance class.

1.       Mindfulness

No matter how much is going on in your head whether its work stress or financial worries, when you are in the class all of these thoughts immediately diminish as your mind is now focused on remembering new choreography and there is no time to think about anything else. It is both a mental and physical workout and it enables you to be in that moment for the duration of the class. It definitely has improved my mental, as well as my physical health since starting.

2.       A New Skill

Unlike going to the gym or taking an exercise class you are learning a new skill that you can build upon and improve. Over the last two years my co-ordination has improved immensely and my muscle memory is so much stronger. It’s a very satisfying form of exercise.

3.     New Friends

It’s a great way to meet like-minded people. I have made many good friends through dancing and have met so many interesting people with different careers and interests and I have learnt a lot from them. 

4.       Cultural Enrichment

It is one of the most educational forms of exercise as you are constantly learning new repertoires and gaining an understanding of different ballets and styles of dance. My taste in theatre and performance has changed since I started dancing as I have experienced new genres.

5.     Confidence

It is a great way to develop self-confidence. All adult dance classes follow the same ethos-enjoyment over perfection. You are not expected to be the next Darcey Bussell and no one is judging you for making mistakes. It is very empowering to be in a supportive environment that helps you to build up your skills at your own pace.

So if you are on the fence about starting a dance class or even just trying something new I hope this helps inspire you like it has inspired me.

The Shape of Water Review

This is definitely a film you need to see for yourself to understand its power and spellbinding beauty. From the tag line it sounds more like some strange sci fi porn-mute woman falls in love with an amphibian man. This in fact does happen but Guillermo del Toro manages to craft this story into a magical, unconventional, timeless fable.

Set in the early 1960’s during the time of the Cold War and the Space Race, a top secret scientific lab in Baltimore is delivered with a mysterious sea creature from the Amazon to be used for experimentation. The experiments are overseen by a cruel government official Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon) who believes the creature should be picked apart to discover its secrets in order to have one over on the Russians.

Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins) a mute cleaning lady in charge of cleaning the lab in which the creature is being held is horrified to witness the brutality and violence Strickland is using towards it. Curious about the creature Elisa begins to form a connection with it/him by giving him hard boiled eggs and playing music-some welcome respite from the daily torture that he/it must endure. Their connection grows from sympathy to romance as Elisa discovers they have more in common than she had imagined, as she beautifully puts it ‘He does not know that I am incomplete’.

Elisa’s gentle nature extends beyond the lab as she is a trusted friend to her lonely closeted gay neighbour Giles (Richard Jenkins) and her fellow African American co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer)-a listening ear to two members from marginalised groups at the time.

‘The Other’ is a major theme in this film and Del Toro draws parallels between the 60’s and the political climate in the States today. Strickland makes a powerful speech stating the sea creature was not born in the form of Jesus and therefore does not deserve to exist the way everyone else does. Del Toro also highlights how ignorance breeds fear and characters are divided between those who sympathise with the creature and those who want to destroy it.

This thought provoking film is a sci-fi take on Beauty and the Beast. It is magical but brutal, tender but violent and it challenges its audience to see beyond convention.  In the final mesmerising narrated scene of Elisa and her amphibian lover dancing in the water I was left measuring the shape of my own tears.

The Post Review

Steven Spielberg’s 'The Post' is a celebration of intelligence and the power of integrity. This film, set in 1971 is based on the true story of how The Washington Post exposed top secret government documents (that would later be known as The Pentagon Papers) revealing the shocking futility of America’s involvement in The Vietnam War and the shameful cover ups made by the White House spanning over four presidencies, from Truman up to Nixon. These documents discovered by American military analyst, Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew Rhys) paved the way for The Watergate Investigation.

Meryl Streep plays Kay Graham, socialite and owner of The Washington Post, who inherited the newspaper after her late husband’s suicide. It is lovely to see how her character develops and evolves throughout the film from being cautious and hesitant, depending on the condescending advice from her male board members to a woman with her own voice and mind prepared to risk her fortune and livelihood to reveal the truth and prioritise public interest. Tom Hanks plays short-tempered editor Ben Bradlee who from the get-go is desperate to publish the papers at any cost and encourages Kay to be bold, although he has a lot less to lose.

Although set in the early 1970’s, Spielberg draws a few parallels with our current situation today, a bullying president attempting to weaken the power of the press. Conflict of interest is a theme in this film illustrated through Kay Graham’s friendship with Robert McNamara, Secretary of Defence throughout the 1960’s and Ben Bradlee’s friendly relationship with the Kennedys. There are many nail biting moments throughout this film which makes it so thrilling to watch.

This film is historically rich and is a wonderful celebration of pioneering feminism. It is inspirational to see the teamwork and comradery amongst the journalists working together under such pressure and demonstrates the rush that comes with certain careers. This film motivated me to learn more about the history of this era and is an excellent tribute to the importance of whistleblowing and investigative journalism.

A Japanese Love Story

‘To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance’ – Oscar Wilde

A Japanese Love Story

Hiroshima-ken 2009

Kawatana was a small town. It was 20 minutes by train outside of Hiroshima and in summer mikans (satsumas) grew on the trees and cicadas sang at night. The humidity and heat attracted cockroaches and other delightful creatures and it sapped the energy out of everyone. Obachans (grandmothers) made jugs of oolong tea and sat in the shade. Women wore long sleeves and floppy hats to protect themselves from the sun. Summer was less of a celebration here than it was for Kate back home.

She cycled to work, her usual hilly route she took every day. She had grown used to the stares of the locals and had begun to enjoy her status as the local gaijin (foreigner). The change in environment and culture had woken her up to life again and had given her the lift that she had needed. She filled her days teaching English in the local high school and her evenings frequenting the local isakayas (bars) with friends and taking ikebana classes (flower arranging). Her weekends and midterms were spent exploring her new environment and places further afield.

The change in diet had allowed her to shed the extra pounds she had gained during her finals and the sun had made her skin glow again. Here she could be anyone, as anonymous and private or as intimate and personal as she wanted to be; it was her choice. It was her chance to begin again. The recent years had taken its toll on Kate. A series of disappointments, failed relationships and set-backs had knocked her confidence. She had retreated into herself and had become suspicious of other people. On her induction course when she first arrived in Tokyo she was told of this ‘Honeymoon period’ she was going to experience but then culture shock would set in and she would have high highs and low lows. For her however the change in culture had shocked her body and mind into a better place and helped her to get back to herself.

Back home she had never taken an interest in languages, or fitness and couldn’t afford to travel. Here opportunity presented itself to her on a golden platter. She began to nourish her mind and body in a way that didn’t feel possible before. She now had things to say for herself, interests and experiences to share. She had branched out. Away from former negativity and other factors that had crippled her ability to blossom. Inspiration returned to her, she met new people with confidence and she managed to shake off the weight that was holding her down. What was possibly the scariest decision of her life had turned out to be the right one.

And this was just the beginning. 

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Review

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a dark tragicomedy written and directed by British-Irish writer/ director Martin McDonagh. It is set in the fictional small town of Ebbing, Missouri in Southern America; home to melancholy, racism and violence. The story centres around Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) a weather-beaten, middle-aged mother who is grieving the loss of her teenage daughter who was raped and murdered. Her killer has yet to be found seven months later.

Unsatisfied by the efforts by the local police Mildred takes it upon herself to rent three billboards to name and shame the leading officer Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) and highlight the lack of action taken to solve her daughter’s case. The town is outraged by this act of defamation which was the desired effect Mildred was hoping for. Willoughby with health troubles of his own refuses to be provoked by this act and re-opens the case, however his co-worker Officer Dixon is less obliging.

This film is filled with three dimensional characters that are all flawed in their own way. The racist, incompetent Officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell) who still lives with his mother provides many moments of comic relief and displays both cruelty and compassion and in a surprising turn of events, integrity. Unlikely alliances is a strong theme throughout this film and characters that have gone out of their way to hurt and destroy each other show forgiveness and understanding.

This film will move you, surprise you and make you laugh out loud in inappropriate places .It is also accompanied by a killer soundtrack which displays country music at its finest and demonstrates the true soul, melancholy and painful history of the South. McDormand’s performance as Mildred is outstanding and she demonstrates intelligence, ferocity and strength in this role. This is a subtle, well told story which takes you in and challenges your views on morality.

The Nutcracker Review

Scottish Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ is the perfect Christmas treat for all the family. Whether you are a fan of ballet or not, this spectacular show will undoubtedly work its magic on you. Using Peter Darrell’s original choreography, artistic director Christopher Hampson and renowned designer Lez Brotherston revive this festive classic with shimmering costumes, breath-taking set design and an engaging narrative.

Act One opens with the iconic Christmas party scene at the Colonel’s house with an array of glamorous Victorian guests, both old and young. The arrival of the Drosselmeyer causes a stir of excitement as he performs his magic tricks and presents Clara, the Colonel’s daughter with a toy nutcracker. As night falls and after the guests have all left Clara awakes to find her toy nutcracker has turned into a real life prince, performed by Andrew Peasgood. Clara’s imagination brings us on an adventure of fighting Mouse Kings, Dancing Snowflakes and into the Land of Sweets.

During the final scene of Act One the stage glows with the Waltz of the Snowflakes with an icy backdrop, sparkling costumes and Tchaikovsky’s iconic music performed by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. Sophie Martin is spectacular as the Snow Queen and she commands the stage with elegance and grace.

In Act Two we are introduced to some more exotic characters in the Land of the Sweets. Clara is welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy, performed by the radiant Constance Devernay and is entertained by a Spanish trio, a Chinese duet and an Arabian soloist (Marge Hendrick). Andrew Peasgood and Constance Devernay’s pas de deux is nothing short of perfection and the iconic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is everything we could hope for and more. I found the use of dark costumes for the Waltz of the Flowers interesting as in other productions they are usually so bright and colourful. 
The imagination and detail in every costume is simply marvellous and it all starts to feel a bit psychedelic with the addition of monkeys and clowns amongst other creatures.

The company bring nothing but sheer skill and grace to each dance and it is obvious the joy each of them feel when they are performing. A special tribute must be paid to the children performing in this show as the level of professionalism and competence was outstanding in each of their performances.

This is the best production I have seen by Scottish Ballet to date and they have brought something new to this classic piece. So this Christmas treat yourself to this assault on the senses and let the magic wash over you. 

My Week in Dunkirk!

After arriving home to Ireland after a life changing week volunteering at the Dunkirk Children's Centre many thoughts, feelings and reflections are stirring in me. I feel more informed on the current refugee situation, I feel less afraid of putting myself out there and I also feel a responsibility and need to continue to do everything in my power to help raise awareness of this issue, hence writing this article.

The idea of volunteering at a refugee camp first came into my head when I had seen that an ex colleague of mine from the Edinburgh Fringe (the wonderful Kirstin Shirling) from many moons ago had been volunteering in Calais and I knew then that this was something I definitely wanted to do. In the build up to going I was very very nervous, scared and also worried about putting myself into a possibly dangerous and vulnerable situation. (There were many sleepless nights!) I had read many articles online about life at the camp and was aware before going that it wasn't the safest place to be. 

La Liniere Refugee Camp is situated in Dunkirk in Northern France and is run by the French Aid Organisation, AFEJI. There are around 1500 refugees living there and it is a male dominated site with only around 150 women and 200 children. The majority of the refugee population come from Kurdistan (the Kurdish region of Northern Iraq) and Afghanistan. Women are vulnerable at the camp and there have been unfortunate reports of women being abused and raped on site. The camp is a vast ground of cabins with not much stimulation or activity going on, hence I cannot emphasise enough the importance of the different voluntary organisations present at the camp. There is an Adult Learning Centre, a Women's Centre, the Children's Centre, a Medical Centre and a Community Kitchen. There are also a number of different organisations present including the Red Cross and Gynecologie Sans Frontieres. 

My job for the week was to help out at the Children's Centre. On arriving on the Monday morning it was quite a nerve wrecking experience as I had to have my passport checked by French security before entering through the gates. I walked silently through the camp as it was quite a shocking and sobering environment to get used to. As it was quite early many of the residents weren't up yet so it was very quiet. However when I reached the Children's Centre my spirits lifted and felt overjoyed by the positive and welcoming environment the volunteers had created.

This set the tone for me for the rest of the week and my nerves and fears were put to rest. All of the long term volunteers were positive, warm and passionate about their essential work. The Children's Centre is divided between two buildings-one for the older children aged 7-11 and the other for 3-7 year old's. As I am an early years teacher I was put to work in the infant building. This site is set up as a nursery where activities are set out but the children can choose what they want to do and play is the centre of all activity. The children are provided with regular snacks like in any nursery and they have lunch there every day. Lunch is such a beautiful time as all of the children sit around the table like a family with the volunteers and we all eat together. It is simple things like this that provide the children with escapism from life in their cabins where eating a meal around a large table is not a possibility for them . 

I have so many highlights from the week but I will list just a few. One included being invited to one of the mother's cabins for lunch on my first day. I felt honoured to be included along with the other long term volunteers. It was incredible to see how she had set up her cabin to make it as homely and as comfortable as possible for her and her four children (one who has cerebral palsy). She had managed to create a kitchen area, a sleeping area and a dining area in her cabin. We were invited to sit in a circle to enjoy a meal of rice with tomato and bean stew. I was overwhelmed by this woman's generosity and her complete lack of hesitance or reluctance to give us literally everything she had to offer despite having so little to give. 

Another highlight included enjoying a movie afternoon with the children. The volunteers blacked out all of the windows, we set up cushions and blankets and a projector in one room and gave each child some Nutella and bread and for an afternoon we all could have been anywhere in the world enjoying a film together.

I also had the opportunity to go to the local school with a few of the children one of the days. This was a very interesting and insightful experience for me as a teacher. The local government organised a free bus every day to take the children to and from school. I accompanied  two of the younger children in the reception class. It was a very interesting experience to be a learning assistant for the day and the french teacher was very grateful for my help as she was able to get on with teaching the class while I supported the two children I was with. It was a real shock for me to see the contrast between the children living on the camp and the clean, well presented children in the class. One of the little girls I was with didn't have a skirt on under her coat and got quite upset when the teacher asked her to take off her coat. It was upsetting for me to see that even at that young age the children from the camp were very aware that they were different from the other children and felt maybe a little self conscious even at that age that they were less well presented than the other children. I realised from this trip to the school the importance to have a strong link between the school and camp and if I didn't have a full time job and commitments I would love to be the person to take on this role!

Overall this experience made my heart glow, break and be filled with love for these children. Each and every one of them has their own story and has taken their own journey to get there and the Children's Centre is such an important place for them to come and leave their troubles behind, be with their peers. play and have fun!

I could go on and on about the camp but I will finish for now. Not everyone can pack up and go off to volunteer here so I thought I would share my story to give people an insight into what life is like in this sad, heartbreaking but also magical and wonderful place!