The October Intensive for the Swindon Programmes was featured in the local press this week. Here is the full article, originally published by the Swindon Advertiser on Monday 3rd November:
YOUNGSTERS got the chance to learn from some international talent during special dance workshops.
Members of Swindon Dance’s Youth Dance Academy worked with top dancer and choreographer Aakash Odedra and hip hop specialist Brooke Milliner, from World Championship winning dance group, Plague.
Aakash was on hand on Thursday ahead of a performance of his piece, Rising, on Friday evening at the group’s 100-seat theatre.
He conducted choreographic sessions with advanced students on the YDA Contemporary Programme at Swindon Dance, while Brooke Milliner led a class with students on the YDA Urban Programme.
The residencies were part of the YDA’s Half Term Intensive week, a chance for students to be inspired, encouraged and trained by working professional dancers – a key part of their dance training at the non-profit organisation.
Lucy Coogan, YDA administrator, said: “Working with current professionals in the dance sector keeps trainee dancers artistically and creatively fresh.
“More importantly, it builds aspiration – they start to realise that there is a world outside their home town, one which is available to them if they are prepared to work hard.”