Catherine Bennett resumes the weekly look at the performing arts world, with the sad end of Jerusalem, the luck of a cabbie, and French revolt. Do you hear the people sing?
Adam Alcock reviews Nigel Kennedy playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons and his own Four Elements at York Opera House.
Catherine Bennett highlights the trends in the performing arts world today.
Jonathan Cridford reviews 'Ghosts', one of the Freshers' plays for this year.
On a cold, dark and rainy sunday night, The Yorker battled through the elements in order to get to the highly anticipated York Come Dancing! One self-confessed 'Strictly Come Dancing' addict gives her and the judges take on each of the performances.
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Grufford Jones (Mr. York): dancing the American Smooth with Abigail Fenton.
The choreography was lovely and they made a very elegant couple, both forming smooth lines with the arms and body. The judges thought that despite a few shaky moments, the dance was very, very good.
Yorker Score: 8
Judges Score: 8/8/8/8
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Emily Scott (DanceSport President): dancing the Paso Doble with Richard Barker.
The Paso Doble as a dance is very aggressive and fierce, and the couple captured the strength of the dance well. Although the judges thought the dance felt uncomfortable when the couple was apart, they danced it well. The couple seemed glad it was over and although proud, thought it could’ve gone better.
Yorker Score: 6
Judges Score: 5/6/6/7
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Jason Rose (YUSU Campaigns Officer): dancing the Viennese Waltz with Claire Cornock.
They both had good posture throughout and the comments received all focused on how beautiful the dance was.
Yorker Score: 7
Judges Score: 7/7/7/8
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Anna Bucks (YUM Chair): dancing the Rumba with Nathan Burles.
The Rumba is the slowest and most romantic of the Latin dances and the couple fondly renamed their dance the yumba rumba. From seats high up, the spark wasn’t visible, but the judges noticed the smouldering eye-contact between them, describing Anna as laser-locked in on Nathan’s eyes.
Yorker Score: 5
Judges Score: 7/6/6/7
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Zoe Stones (RAG President): dancing the Waltz with Philip Sellers.
Their footwork was very good and the couple’s lift was lovely. Although they were said to have great body contact there was some tension towards the middle of the dance. It was noticed that they stumbled a bit when their feet caught, but despite the near fall, the couple said it was all worth it.
Yorker Score: 6
Judges Score: 7/7/6/7
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Steve Miller (Doorsafe): dancing the Cha Cha with Rosie Portas.
Rosie was a winner last year, so there were high expectations for this couple on Sunday. Their dancing was really, really together and their moves were very rhythmical: Steve’s shimmy received a huge applause. The judges thought they made an interesting choice not including one of the moves suggested in training, but nevertheless had great energy and were very entertaining.
Yorker Score: 9
Judges Scores: 8/8/7/9
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Ollie Hutchings (Alcuin JCRC Chair): dancing the Quickstep with Sarah Naylor.
Highlights of this dance were Ollie’s hairflick and the bounciness of their footwork which instilled lots of energy in the dance. The judges noticed quite a few fumbles and slips but still thought they were great to watch, partly due to Ollie’s magnetic personality. The re-appearance of Ollie’s hat seconds after the dance made everyone giggle.
Yorker Score: 7
Judges Score: 6/6/7/7
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Tim Ngwena (YUSU Chair): dancing the Samba with Harriet Waghorn.
My personal favourite of the evening, this dance was amazing. The couple had excellent rhythm and energy and the choreography was infectiously fun. Inspired by the film The Mask, Tim wore a bright yellow suit, and Harriet a white tassel dress reminiscent of the iconic one worn by Cameron Diaz. Comments they received were positive; the dance was hot with nice shakiness and the Samba moves were done really well.
Yorker Score: 10
Judges Scores: 9/9/8/9
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Ed Lewis- Smith (Campus Showman): dancing the Tango with Sarah Cook.
A highlight of the performance was Ed’s ‘Tango-face’ which was in keeping with the dramatic and fierce nature of the dance. One judge got shivers down their spine watching them dance, and they were deemed the best of the night. The couple’s footwork was impeccable and they were strong and dramatic both in body and performance. Ed’s last words were that he was ‘drifting away in this spectacularly ethereal wonder’- so someone was happy at how things went!
Yorker Score: 9
Judges Scores: 9/10/9/10
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Peter Warner-Medley (YUSU LGBT Officer): dancing the Jive with Abigail Wilson.
The most entertaining performance of the evening, with Abi’s bright green peacock dress the most eye-catching of them all. The dance was very energetic with the couple’s rhythm and footwork near perfect. Despite the fast-pace of the dance they were light on their feet and made it seem easy.
Yorker Score: 9
Judges Scores; 8/8/8/9
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Lewis Bretts (YUSU Democracy and Services Officer): dancing the Foxtrot with Emily Sargeant.
This dance was really smooth, graceful and elegant with the most impressive lift of the night executed perfectly. The judges thought that although their footwork was not the best, it was a pleasure to watch. The couple floated across the stage and performed a stunning dance.
Yorker Score: 8
Judges Score: 8/7/9/9
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