Portrait, the Dorset Youth Contemporary Dance Company, who recruited its new dancers by audition three weeks ago, has just finished their first residency during October half term at the Dorchester Town Hall. The 2 day residency was led by Rachel Fullegar a former company member from Chickerell, who danced with Portrait 3 years ago before being accepted to go to the prestigious Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

Rachel says ‘Being part of Portrait allowed me to have a taste of life as a dancer, working with diverse and exciting professional dance artists and performing across the region. Without the company, I would not have had the preparation for my professional training. So, to come back to work as a choreographer and see the company continuing its high quality work, with very talented and eager young dancers, is fantastic. It makes me very proud to say that I was part of Portrait.’

For two days the fifteen members of Portrait have been working intensely under the direction of Rachel, perfecting their tendus and pliés, to create a brand new dance piece for the Regional U.Dance platform that will take place in March 2012 at the Pavilion Dance in Bournemouth. If the piece gets selected, the company will perform in front of a panel who will be looking out for the best UK Youth Dance Companies to enter the National U.Dance performance taking place at the Southbank Centre in London as part of Big Dance in July 201

 Reanna who lives in Dorchester and has been a member of Portrait Youth dance for 2 years says ‘It was wonderful to have Rachel back again to experience an intense technique class similar to what she does at Northern. It was lovely to hear all about her experiences and to receive invaluable advice about where to audition. I feel it was a very successful workshop which really helped the group to get to know each other and it’s really exciting how much new talent there is. I am sure we have a good enough piece to perform at the Platform.’ 

Portrait, Dorset Youth Dance Company is a project led by Activate Performing Arts, the Theatre and Dance Development Agency for Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. Portrait aims to maintain education in contemporary dance by nurturing young talented dancers and give them the opportunity to develop their skills and experience by being part of a youth dance company.Portrait, Dorset Youth Dance is supported by Dorchester Town Hall Car Boot Grants and Sportivate Fund.

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