Dancing at the Kennet Centre

Click on the group's name above for more details, or scroll down to view full details of the programme.

NB This programme will be subject to change, please check regularly for the latest details.

Monkey Music

Monkey Music introduces music and movement to very young children in a way they can understand and enjoy. They learn social and musical skills in a fun, stimulating, musical environment amongst their friends.

Throughout a 30 minute class, the teachers engage the attention of the children and their carers using catchy music, percussion instruments, visual props and boundless energy. For the Fringe they will be dancing some examples.

Monkey Music in Berkshire operates in Newbury, Hungerford and Thatcham under the guidance of Carol Hultmark and teachers Lucy Tyler and Sally Beach. To learn more call 01635 872639.

Hungerford Dance Club have come into this showcase at very short notice. We are very grateful to them and delighted to welcome them here.

The Hungerford Dance Club first started in 2003 and currently has over 50 members from 5 years old and up.

The dance club is run by I.D.T.A., (International Dance Teacher's Association) teacher Jennifer Kilduff, a former professional dancer and choreographer.

Many of the children take medal tests with the I.D.T.A., in various dance styles, which includes: disco freestyle, pairs, trios, teams, cheerleading, rock `n roll and street dance. They also compete in the national A.D.F.P. competitions. although, equally, many of our members just come and enjoy the classes for fun and exercise.

The Dance Club meet on Mondays and Fridays.

We all hope that you enjoy their dance programme this afternoon which will include : freestyle, rock `n roll, street and our team dance.

The Reading Hindu Temple Dancers are children of age group 10-14 years and they will perform two dances from Hindi films (Bollywood Films) from India.

Kennet School

As well as running GCSE Dance for the past three years, Kennet School have introduced AS Dance to the curriculum. They have a strong group of both male and female dancers on the AS course and we are looking forward to them continuing their course into A Level status next year. The school offers both GCSE and A Level Dance to students in our area, and pride themselves on being one of the few schools able to do so. Extra Curricular Dance has continued to thrive and they have been pleased to welcome new members to all the groups throughout the year. 

Kennet School are looking forward to this years Dance Show at the end of April with all groups, working extremely hard with staff to challenge themselves with new styles of physical movement in order to produce their best performances yet. Many items are being produced by the GCSE and 'A' Level candidates as part of their examination group and solo choreography and all are a testament to the high standards that we have come to expect of Kennet School pupils.

For the Fringe the class will perform brief excerpts from the Kennet School dance show.

Layali Masrea

Middle Eastern 'Belly' dancing has its origins in the Middle East and North Africa, and paintings of dancers decorated the walls of Egyptian tombs. The dancing was also documented in ancient Greece and Rome by writers such as Juvenal, Ovid and Martial.

Many women in the Arab world learn to dance from childhood although they would never dream of giving a public performance - dancing is an essential part of family celebrations.

Layali Masrea dance leader Judi Linley says "We specialise in the Egyptian style of belly dancing though there are many different styles of dance and costumes. The version most Westerners visualise is the cabaret style done in a sparkly two-piece costume seen in films or restaurants."

"The focus of the dance you will see at the Kennet Centre is on intricate and controlled movements of the hips and torso, not on elaborate footwork like Irish dancing or tap dancing."

Newbury and District Caledonian Society

In the Kennet Centre the Newbury and District Caledonian Society team will perform a selection of Scottish Country Dances from the Society's regular répertoire for spectators to watch.

During the longer session in Victoria Park, the team will encourage you to take part in easier and traditional dances.

More about Newbury and District Caledonian Society...

ncYdc

Newbury Contemporary Youth Dance Company now has 68 members in three groups. During their first term this year Ros Pryor and Rachael Mossom have been working to establish a strong technique and a new piece of choreography for each group one of which will be premièred at The Newbury Fringe.

ncYdc was founded by its Artistic Director Ros Pryor in October 2001.  There are currently 68 members aged 13 to 19 who meet regularly to train and rehearse in preparation for performances around the region. 

Over the last four years the company have become well established and are known for producing work with a dynamic feel and professional quality.  Dancers in the company are drawn from a wide range of local schools and colleges including.

ncYdc meet on a weekly basis in the dance studio at Park House School which has become their home over the last year.  The parent company, NCDC, actively supports, nurtures and encourages commitment amongst the young dancers. 

Shall We Dance
2005 saw ncYdc biggest undertaking to date with a dance extravaganza at The Corn Exchange Newbury celebrating its fourth year as a company. In total over 100 dancers and 7 different dance groups took to the stage which made for a dramatic finale for this sellout performance.

More about ncYdc...

Newbury Contemporary Dance Company School (ncdcschool) children's creative dance class will perform two short pieces. Children aged 9-13.

ncdcschool offers community classes in both Jazz and Contemporary suitable for children aged 9 through to teenagers and right on to adults. Classes are taught by Debbie Camp and Ros Pryor, both members of the parent company NCDC.

The children's creative dance class is held in the Dance Studio at Park House School on Wednesday evenings 5-6pm and is for young people aged 9-13 with an enthusiasm for dance.  No previous experience is needed just bags of energy and a willingness to work hard. Call 01635 255159 for details.

More about ncdcschool...

Jawahir

Jawahir ( Diamonds) are a group of Bracknell based Bellydancers, whose members range from Schoolgirls to Grandmothers.

For the Frinfe we are showcasing our skills with props and will be dancing to a medley of music mainly from Turkey and Egypt. We meet every week and welcome a range of abilities. Our Influences range from Traditional styles to modern cabaret and fusion.

Dance in The Park

Dance in The Park will perform five short pieces - one by each group.

Mini Class - Children will be invited to join in learning a short warm up and a very short routine taken by Helen Bonner, Kirsty Martin & Laura Kelleher.

NRG Choreographed by Helen Bonner (ACE Dance Co.), a contemporary piece with an up beat pace with movement created by using an imaginary 'energy ball' being passed through the body. This piece includes choreography created by the dancers.

Sublime Choreographed by Laura Kelleher (ACE Dance Co.), a calm contemporary piece that is smooth and flowing and features movement created by the dancers.

Newton's Law Choreographed by Kirsty Martin (ACE Dance Co.), a cool contemporary piece that explores contact movement, lifts and counter balance - this piece also includes choreography created by the dancers.

Flap Choreographed by Laura Kelleher (ACE Dance Co.), a weird and wonderful piece that explores isolated sharp movements, this piece includes movement created by the dancers.

More about Dance in The Park...

West Berkshire Youth Dance Companies

Junior and Senior West Berkshire Youth Dance Companies will be performing one piece each (Junior first then Senior).

The Symphonies Choreographed by Laura Kelleher (ACE Dance Company).

Two beautiful contemporary pieces which both include choreography created by the dancers.

More about the West Berkshire Youth Dance Companies...

ACE Dance Company

ACE Dance Company will perform two pieces.

Quantic Happening Choreographed by Racheal Mossom (Henri Oguike Dance Company, Xfactor Dance Company). A fast paced contemporary piece that explores movement created in Oquike's familiar style.

Lost Choreographed by Laura Kelleher (ACE Dance Company). A beautiful duet which is dedicated to anyone who has lost someone they love.

More about ACE...