Dancing In the Dark & Digital Challenges

I have just finished a technical rehearsal in preparation, for further rehearsals the following day.

It has gone well and working in the actual space with Technicians and later on with other digital creatives. To perform and share an extract/work in progress to a specially invited audience. With humming video screens in effect,this has been a great , a very new experience as a live performer !

A good amount of patience, care diligence , understanding, communication skills, is needed working with a range of digital equipment . Technology changes, at a rapid rate, components prices vary widely in price and functions. A specific digital brief and spec , with back up plans b's is also essential in the event of any mishaps, or the expected gremlins -as I call them that can turn up anywhere ,there is a conglomeration of electronic items in close proximity . Flexibility continues to be key , to be able to adapt very quickly and with some confidence, for problem solving at a rapid rate . Whilst remaining very positive but coolly realistic - not for one minute losing the vision of your work . Strong team work and collaboration, comes to the fore here and highlights - clearly , the interdependency , support of creative colleagues - in a joint endeavour . It is however a real buzz ,sharing our individual mutual satisfaction and delight in the work. As as it begins to take beautiful shape before our very eyes - is what is all about !

Walkiing the Stage 'Plank' Musing Musically with Logic

Whirl wind of a week testing filming and to finalize 'the Diva's Dressing Gown' at the very least for the forthcoming sharing . Everything is becoming so real and taking shape by turns. This is all incredibly exciting and nerve racking all at the same time . Recently the Creative Team and myself did a site visit to the theatre (for staging /technical purposes) , where we will be doing our first sharing of project work to date. Just standing in the space, like I had never been in there before - empty bar us and other theatre practitioners. A black box into a black ocean of space ...sink or swim -either way one of the primary purposes of the sharing next week is to LEARN !

Today was very enjoyable, the first music set down for the piece-a wonderful melange of strong west african polyrhythms , urban/contemporary with touches of Indian and Chinese motifs. An verall feel of elegant grandeur and mystery loneliness even ? The genesis of an overarching theme for a soundscape begins.... A musical 'gumbo', much like the physical theatre choreography ,to be further developed -very thrilling ! I am very impressed sounds available on Logic software configured to my Mac computer.

Here's a definition of the word gumbo - we use it to mean a intercultural mix of different influences, cultural traditions, practices art forms e.g Africa India China - as we in 'welcome the world' within 'our world' within the project.

Testing Testing 123 - Digital Visual Blast Off !

After holiday inertia coughs and colds, Sean and Andy (digital performance platform visuals and lighting design respectively with myself . Have done us proud with testing all the technical kit acquired Mac Mini etc) and electronic bits and gummings, in preparation for our first sharing , work in progress , at a theatre later this month. In addition to it also being preparatory work for our project installation later in the year at a local digital media centre. The three days testing at De Montfort Performing Arts Centre of Excellence Studio included filming footage of a character solo dance sequence with Louise and Sally , also for the sharing . All this has gone really well and I had a chance to really experience fully and not just visualize, the whole performance staging area , in relation to the different screens with the lighting. A new and challenging experience having not performed with moving digital visual in quite this way before. It presents new challenges around staging movement i.e. blocking and lighting. See more here Sean's Blog http://www.seanclark.me.uk/the-loneliness-of-the-long-dista.html

African Rhythm & English/Patwa (Patois) Langauge & Creating Chimeras & Chiaroscuro

A single pulse of an old african diaspora five beat rhythm in my mind -is the vision for the entire piece. As it underpins the choreopoem of our project , all the text. choreography, movement - the whole dynamic of the piece etc is structured on these five beat cycles . In writing the text this is from within me and moves without . I aim to infuse it into the creative team and for it to be fully internalized by all of them. The same later on by , audiences - but on a more subtle level. For now as we work , we will be further aided by my setting of, the precise bpm (beats per minute) and tempo , recording it and building on it further on it for edits and soundscape etc.. One of my key influences for theatre e.g. Berkof (alongside Peter Brooks ) displays keen attention to language and rhythm e.g.Berkof's work East - this is also the case for Shakespeare's works too. I reflect my identity. african peoples musical legacy , alongside the universality within many popular forms of diverse music , embodying this african rhythm. By my use of it thus, it becomes all the more critical for the actual words/language of this specially created argot . A s it is not iambic pentameter that is usual.

For our next film/digital test session, my preparation all centers around the creation of the character's nemesis who appears as nightmares. She is a chimera , frightening by turns, not quite visible . Our last creative team discussion centered a lot on lighting. I like the chiaroscuro effect and will explore this further for this key part - but also overall in line with the artistic themes and motifs that I have previously set. There is also special costume to finalize and a headdress to make all on deadline. I have enjoyed designing these bespoke costumes both for the effect, period/culture , dance movement, ease of wear, and to work with lighting etc. In costume key influences , range from africa, china and India - places of inspiration for all divas down the ages. I delight to find key design shapes , fabrics and ornamentation ideas, that are shared and span theses great continents and their diverse cultures. Thereby affirming important links and welcoming the world, through our aesthetics for the piece .

The Caravan Rolls On

Something of a roller coaster, in the last week or so . Branding, logos artwork , media interviews, recruiting new Student Interns, staging deviser, planing the most technically challenging film live action and digital interactivity - Whoah !!! All rounded off marvellously with costume consultations, a project management task list, with loads of tasks completed, plus an injection of further funding, for the music (acoustic and electronic) component of the project CHAMPION ! as they say in the North East of England.

Whatever gremlins, obstacles, challenges, problems that pop up like , on a target range- are swept up and batted around, until a suitable solution is found. A good working relationship with partners is paramount, to help with any number of hurdles. As the momentum continues to build and the caravan rolls on... I cannot help but really enjoy the creative journey we are all on, in particular , myself as a black woman artist. I feel am continuing the legacy, of those that came before me , I 'am thinking now of the heady days of the Harlem Renaissance, the 30's very tough economic times (like now) but some of greatest pioneers of music ,dance theatre in NYC got their mojos going- I take inspiration from them . Clearly my visit to the Schomburg Centre has a deep and lasting effect, that has got me to where I am now.

Coming In To Light - Making It All Real

What I write below, makes me happy, very proud and relieved - to actually be making good progress,s its all becoming very real the vision - despite a lot tense moments ... (no time for blogging just go go go !) over the last number of weeks . The whole 2012 branding logo matter is finally resolved, with a partner coming to our aid and our creative design branding person saving the day ! But it highlighted a number of key issues around legal status, for a solo entrepreneurial artist like my self . I cannot emphasize enough the importance of professional bodies e.g. Equity the Society of Authors etc to support artists in this project work . Providing umbrellas and good advice etc for a small fee in consideration of the actual benefits. Professionalism and membership is critical to ones standing in the field also.

We remain in a fundraising mode - for finance for the musical components of the project and in time for touring !! However we begin the planning and preparation for some big moments - the specialist equipment , purchasing. building the prop, lighting design, and then testing, further script development staging and devising and creative design images etc. leading up to a brief sharing work/ in progress early in the new year. I am working with a new staging/ deviser with a truly impressive track record and similar tastes and interest in theatre. GREAT I am very excited about all that. so we move closer to standing everything up on its feet, to see and learn what works and what may not ...2012 the new year is filled with anticipation, excitement and a feeing of getting to our destination !!

So I say to the world shine a light , Dare to Diva are in residence at Phoenix Arts Digital Media Centre Leicester, busy , developing their new innovative multi- disciplinary arts project 'The Loneliness of the Long Distance Diva - A Choreopoem' written and performed by Carol Leeming. The production is set to debut at Curve Theare June 2012 as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

This highly talented collaborative creative team includes , choreographer Louise Katerega filmaker Sally Hossack , digital Designer, Sean Clark staging/deviser Kim Jackson, lighitng designer Andy Elston, and Mina Gadhia Costume Maker. Earlier in the project Sarah Dickenson was Dramaturg as part of the Apples & Snakes Evolve program. Project partners include Apples & Snakes, Phoenix Digital Media Centre, Curve Theatre, Peepul Centre. With support from Igniting Ambition and Arts Council Engand.

Satisfying Artistic Visions & Unknown Digital ArtsTerritory

What a an exciting and satisfying feeling to know that in the can,( enjoyable editing today) you have more than enough digital photo/film material to realize the artistic vision. You have been living with for some time... To actually see as I did with Sally today, characters who I have created, take on physical form on film - moving, breathing and emoting fantastic ! Everything, becomes so much more defined, richer and deeper.

Final Cut pro software editing software, allied with an creatively talented digital professional like Sally is a truly awesome gift. My own memories of analogue editing a faded memory now. Equally, finalizing the pilot plans for the digital interactive performance with Sean to design . Alongside the birth of our official website architecture, makes for a very positive day. Being now on the cusp, of going into unknown digital arts territory, really fuels the head rush.

I feel like an artist cum scientist/technologist, in an important experiment. The outcome you subjectively feel is going to be amazing - but will there be gremlins... ? This is the riskiest part of the project to date really - but nothing creatively ventured nothing gained . The only off key note being the amount of VAT to be paid (this is a government job thats onerous for small creative businesses have to pay not at the VAT threshold ) on much of what the project needs to purchase VAT Relief needed for Artists NOW !!!

Another Great Days Filming - With Some of Leicesters Finest

Today was excellent filming five very important characters for the piece working for the first time in the new Phoenix Square Digital Studios. An important and very significant milestone of the project . We feel very at home as part of our Creative Residency at thePhoenix Square Digital Centre. A well equipped and bustling place to work. Alexzandra Jackson is to be commended for her warm hospitality and liaison work. For ensuring we can work comfortably and efficiently at the Centre. The brilliant film crew of Sally Hossack, Jane Hearst and the wondrous Emma Fay Make Up artist. All meant that we breezed through all the filming we had to do, in a professional and unflustered way. A real pleasure - both watching the characters being filmed and directing their gestures and expressions They all did very well indeed.

So it all went swimmingly (bar one actor not being able to make the shoot due to a sports injury) and some of the scenes were quite sensitive and new territory for many of them. We had a child actor too, who was a delight and a first for me too to direct - contrary to the old showbiz stock phrase about not working with children ! All the participants in the shoots to date , are becoming a little community group and have their own face book page to communicate through. As well for the proejct give feedback and keep up to date with project developments. The next and final round of filming will be the most challenging and technically risky even. Yet promises to be the most artistically exciting and rewarding . Here is where the artistic and technical stretch,by the myself and the creative team will be most felt -I look forward to it !

Going On Another Big Wheel Ride

Recently we have had a very good Board Meeting at Phoenix Square Digital Media Centre. especially, to see them take the bull by the horns so to speak . Key decisions about roles e.g PR and some good guidance on contingencies ! MACarena my new laptop and I are on very good terms (I spent a awhile getting acquainted with my friend's and those in the Apple Shop ). There are a range of online digital tools being used from:google calendar & maps, Facebook, Twitter it It is amazing to me how useful this has been for project management etc. Attending the conference organized by Sue Thomas and the Amplified Leicester course have proved to be invaluable. Extending and strengthening my links with De Montfort University IOCT and other - different Staff & Departments.

I have spent some useful time organizing/ filing and collating receipts and such things. In addition to reviewing the last couple of months costs and project activities. We continue to make pleasing progress, but it is the creative discoveries and successes that drives everything .

It continues to inspire us all - we are now organizing further shoots with the creative team at Phoenix square Digital Media Centre , only in the studio this time with a range of character/model actors. With further sessions of choreography with Louise Katerega. Building on our choreographic work done to date. Digital Performance platform Designer Sean Clarke and Creative Design Marketing & Communications meetings We already have secured a two page lead artist interview with a popular regional arts lifestyle magazine. This next phase is already building up a momentum of its own - the energy continues and feels like it is growing . We are definitely, going on a another ride on the big creative wheel - but its a different wheel.

WOW !!!!!!!! Choreopoem Excavations & Discotastic Filming

Several sessions, (two so far) with Louise Katerega at Phoenix Square Digital Media Centre . These have been some of the most powerful, profound and very beautiful artistic experiences . Sharing techniques , mapping the movement language of the piece and understanding my particular body, my visual memory, to begin to explore the particular I way use my body for the piece. Choreopolectics in action - excavating common/different sources and world roots - the benefits of extensive research, to realise the underpinning of the movements. My choice in working with Louise is affirmed most positively, as we have discovered a common language of expression for our concepts - using a range of tools, drawn from , food, jazz music in general to etc. describe movements , ideas about the body. Expanding our roles , in terms of translation and transliteracy, in the interweaving of the narrative and movement shapes, aligned with afrocentric rhythm. Fascinating stuff - we continue next week, having made incredibly quick progress to 'string some essential movements together'..

Today we also had the most brilliant film shoot with disco club scenes, from the narrative with up to thirty people on set!! . With make up hair costumes and props - alongside my creative arts technical team of |Sally Hossack, Abi Morris , Simon Myhill and with myself directing. Great shots in the rushes , marvellous fun had by all - no more outside location shoots - all for the studio now . I am very happy with how it is all going now - even better than I had hoped ! I am grateful for the support of all the actors, dancers, roller skaters, wardrobe, make up, hair and the assistants. Our partners, Curve Theatre Phoenix Digital Media Centre , More Productions (props) the venue Nottingham Oddfellows Club (Committee)Leicester. The Arts Council have made it possible with their assistance, for all these creative arts technical people to participate in something really exciting for Leicester to share far beyond our counties borders...

Creative Play At Work & Mac Pro Happy Days ..

Awesome , creative time in workshops, delving to find the characters voice at different stages of her life , extemporising with shakespearean text (Merchant of Venice) rewritten by our Staging Deviser - for a black woman character also focusing on line breaks and rhythm. The text for the piece has a non western afrocentric rhythm. Recruiting several more important persons as patrons for the project. Most importantly acquiring a mac pro computer and making the pc to mac transition - a key tool for the project creatively in using IT, specialist digital, software, and social media tools (there are quite a number that are intrinsic ! ) within the team internally and externally. For a wide range of tasks, but with a refreshing element of creative play and freedom, to expand any number possibilities - in seeing and doing things creatively. TheMac pro will be able to run the creative software required for the work - it can create real wow factor.

We have added our excellent Choreographer Louise Katerega (she has a film interpretative text background also) who has given valuable and critical methods & insights of her reading of the text to inform the physical movements. We are developing for this choreopoem, a bespoke movement vocabulary a ' gumbo' a bank to draw on of signature movements aligned with the narrative . In addition to the role of the filmed movement, areas for interactivity linked to key moments in the narrative . Three days to go , before the big shoot on photo/film location - excitement adrenalin is building (potentially up to 30 people on set !) - it will quite be quite an event of itself . I am enjoying the challenge of it all.

Being a film director & Tapping into Leicester Heritage

Well things have certainly heated up activity wise, a few glitches with with paperwork and personal front family worries around of ill health . But the show must go on..so a lot of work negotiating permissions to film /photograph to set up location shoots. Prop hire , wardrobe costumes make up hair , recruit up 11 character model/actors for about and 20 extras !. Not including the creative technical crew of about 7-9 people !!!. Now I think I know how Busby Berkely must have felt !

As we are recreating Leicester 70's nightclub in a important part of Leicester's heritage the Nottingham Oddfellows Club Humberstone Gate in the city centre. the Secretary had been at the club 50 years and the club it self dates back to the 1880's. My memory recollects it being a hub for the phenomena that was Northern Soul ! It is still regularly used as a venue for functions & event we will utilise its fabulous layout, dance floor and lighting rig complete with gold lame curtains stage, to create a 70s, Disco club night as part of the narrative for the piece. It will be

such a special event- with all those local people participating - being part of the project .

Yes Yes Yes 'We will build Jerusalem in England' etc. ! Blake

YES , the answer is yes we got it !! A vitally important milestone has been reached - major achievement in the current financial climate . We have been notified, we will receive grant funding, from a major funder, Arts Council England, for our wonderful project. I know I have not written for awhile, due to, much anxiety (lots) , anticipation alongside a mind boggling flurry of activity. Needless to say it has not all quite sunk in but we now have the means to move very quickly and positively forward !!!!

We have in place a really fantastic creative team ( theatre, performing arts, creative artists , digitals till & moving image, multi-media MA's BA's etc) planning out with me in our regular team meetings, still and moving image shoots, the art direction , external and studio, locations and venues , extras costumes, props , hair make up and personnel . In addition to very having stimulating discussions with clear decisions emerging about creative technicalities about the visual look, colour textures, post edit treatments of the piece, across the different decades of style, throughout the narrative of the piece . We are currently recruiting a crowd of extras. All our main character/model actors have all been sourced locally and cast by me. All to generate the quality images we need for the stage production . Key project management tools are Dropbox and Google Calender-essential !!! It does feel historic, with an unstoppable positive forward momentum. We are building something that will really be very special and unique right here in the middle lands of England ..of Leicester The world awaits....

Its All Over Now.. !

Indeed it is all over... well because one key part is ,now a very important arts grant application flew off into cyberspace !!! I have received notification already - which is a great relief. It is a 6 week turn around - ten days first to find out if you are eligible. Here is hoping for the best and all of that stuff to actually start this project in earnest , on behalf of the project the team, board , champions everyone !!! A big thanks to them all so far on this journey...

I met last week with Further Education College of Excellence in Leicester to talk about the project, young people and exploring future learning possibilities . This afternoon I meet a journalist from a arts lifestyle magazine for an interview about me as an artist , my work and this mind boggling project. Great ! Tomorrow I have tour with fellow collaborators Simon and Sean , of a prestigious arts venue to check out its technical possibilities. does R& D ever really stop or is an on going process hmmm -possibly ?

Next week I do presentation with Sean, for MA students at the Institute of Creative Technologies De Montfort University to talk about the project, at the invitation of Dr Sophy Smith. there will be further discussion in the Autumn 2011 with the Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts in Leicester, have shown great interest in the project for his Digital & Performance students

Setting Off - A Truly Amplified Moment !

Maybe the blog will be more frequent from now on..why because we have arrived at very important point. I am so pleased to know, from now on there will be no more R& D or recruiting Arts Project Champions (they must be powerful, influential & informed for an artist to advance most importantly know & appreciate your work) Project Advisory Board Members all the pre-production etc . The project has secured over eleven grand - eleven thousand pounds' in kind support to contribute to the overall project budget for the main arts funding application. This will be added to other in kind support for marketing and the Igniting Ambition grant award of five grand - five thousand pounds . My biggest arts project to date- but worth all the hard work, despite the setbacks in these harsh economic times for an innovative project to move forward. But create and innovate WE MUST !!!!

These recent and very important resources , are made up of three creative residencies, they are as as follows;- an arts centre dance studio & rehearsal space for physical theatre text performance and music workshops; a digital media centre to record edit and process all the still & moving digital images - for the digital performance platform; several days technical rehearsal and 'sharing of work in progress 'at a major arts venue. The overall arts grant application is being proof read (very important you may have missed something especially for online applications) for final submission this week as all at last all the information is in place GREAT !

Now all the juicy creative arts work really begins in earnest - the text , the improvisation performance , locations , recording images (still & moving) construction of set/props, design and implementation of the digital performance platform etc etc. So now we need some more project management tools,web based/online ones, as a team member reminded me . For better and more quick effective communications for the next phase.

I have used for example Basecamp usefully in the past for an arts project and I would strongly recommend others to try them for their own project work. Especially for sharing documents , images etc quickly the a number of people in a safe secure and private way. When I said I was taking the digital challenge- I really did and the Amplified Leicester course certainly open and prepared to up my level digitally speaking in so many beneficial ways. A few examples apart from arts research references etc., making national & international arts contacts , pitching to arts venues using power points, diagrams, to communicate our vision and concept quickly for the project. Finally, social media to consolidate a range of interest, wider engagement and audiences for the project. I becaome mor amplified as an artist by the day - but also learning to manage and filter !!!

On Tippy Toes....but getting more financial know how

I have not blogged for what seems like ages loads emails and phone calls zinging back and forth . On the cusp of finalising a couple of key deals (money figures needed). To then submit (big breath here ) the full application for oversight by those in the know with these things . I will breath a long yogic sigh of relief when eventually the whole application to wings it way up north, to be assessed- the decision will be defining one way or the other... I am so much more confident this time round .

The Project Advisory Board is looking GREAT we have now added an accountant and financial adviser of of the first order . It now as a wide range of experienced qualified and knowledgeable people - who support artists and the arts.

We are looking forward to a technical site visit at a high profile arts venue, looking over work schedules and making beauty

Mixed Messages but Creative Designer Gives Top Buzz

So somewhere those ooooooh's is are still being sounded somewhere about the new commission... but recent times have also featured confusing mixed messages from another key arts venue. Must therefore seek to clarify matters with them further ... However this has lead to sharpened up and more precise communication of information. So here is always hoping....I have noted the amount of information,the different types and quantities to different people at different times. Is well nothing short of l - staggering !! I have lost count of the number of e mails, documents, power points, the amount of phone calls, meetings conversations etc. etc. It is all very much worth it though and it all does yield results in the end . A brilliant creative designer/fiction writer has come on board, who not only gets it all in one fell swoop (too my utter delight ) . But also brings fabulous goodies to the table - like art work design, advertising marketing support (sooo needed later on), clubbing experience and to top it all literary input ! You have enjoy some of all this stuff or otherwise - why do it ? We just need a Finance person and our Project Advisory Board (*two other new members Education professional & ex local Councillor) is looking the business. For a new re- vamped Dare to Diva arts organisation. Ululations aplenty !

OOOOOhhhhhh - Joy Joy Joy !!!!!!!!

There is no other word for it I have been going round in the last 24hours going ooooooooh in a high pitched voice , sounding like one of those little digital things that make a similar sound- that used to heard in Bashment (Jamaican Dance Hall) Dances as a sign of enjoyment and pleasure to the DJ's... more recently seen in the latest Pina Bausch Wim Wenders Film - a dancer mounting then descending balanced on single chairs, letting out huge ecstatic oooooohs !!!!!!!

Why ? because yesterday was a simply a huge massive tremendous awe inspiring fantastically brilliant BREAKTHROUGH kind a day all artists would hope for !!!!!

After the good advice , all the project work to date, all the information gathered, presented and pitched etc. The project successfully- will now receive a commission at a local Digital Media Centre for a Creative Residency to produce a pilot digital performance platform Summer 2011 a
A well as produce an innovative installation piece for 2012 at the Digital Media Centre . This will undoubtedly will change everything. Ooooooh !!!!! this boosts the project work massively Then to top it all, I had the most excellent letter of support from a local University English Academic, with regard to the project and more specifically my creative writing, placing it within an East Midlands tradition of writing GREAT !!!! All from day one SUPERB !!!!!!

Nothing Can Stop This Now

Someone said about this project at this juncture 'nothing can stop this now. I sat at home the other night and likened it to a snowball gathering pace and taking unto itself all manner of things, to make it bigger stronger and more robust ! There is something different more confidence , definitely - like as if you can smell it all done ... really well ! The list is endless as to what has been learned so far, the transliterate arts must offer themselves hither and thither being an artist is somewhat like a call girl, as one high profile arty commentator remarked 'one chooses to be an artist , its not a job' I see ) being fully competent in all manner of digital paraphanalia, have good writing skills, get independent assessments of you and your work. Important working collaboratively, keep focused ,do not lose sight or let anyone take over completely your overarching vision. For them to tun into something it is not and can never be. An abundant artistic creative talent , limitless energy , faith, self belief in the face of utter fear despondency (especially other peoples) i.e Jobs (the bible) constitution. Always spend time with very creative people, to rub together and make big sparks for each other. I am not at the end but .... we are rolling right now..

Soul to Soul & Trashing Post Modernism

In the last 24 hours I have been in the company of Rozena Maart Head of Gender Studies Kwazulu Natal University S. A. Soul to soul talking about Black Consciousness (yes you do not hear that very often round these parts !) black afro-centric artists being copied and then blocked, the hidden afrikan herstories and histories of Afrikaans people and white europeans in general, non european forms of philosphical reasoning . Plus completely trashing post modernism and its champions e.g. Paul Gilroy etc and exposing its apologisms - it was awesome !!! The new is totally upon me, revelations abound in my millieu as to who really helps and who actually hinders...Wonderful ! Now having said all of that, circumstances do change and a fire is catching with a good head wind towards fulfilling the dream. Mostly in a totally beautfiful way. So lots of smiling by me inside and out.