Peoples Republic of South Devon

INHALE AND HOLD #2

July 8th, 2008

Inhale and Hold, the endurance dance event which splashes its way from Ilfracombe to Plymouth, starts on July 10. This is the second of dancer Matthew Robinson’s daily updates of the progress of the aqua dance adventure.

I’m writing this after a bit of a sleep. One word describes me right now… exhausted. The piece is really coming together but long days and sporadic eating is taking it out of me.

I’ll just get a good night’s sleep and I should be back on it tomorrow.

Today was a mixed up day, we had to move fast as there was plenty to get done. We started by getting ourselves warm (hard in the village hall, where there seems to only be one heater that works), laid out the new lane ropes and signs and then went straight into running over the piece in some sort of form. Going over it from beginning to end is very useful as it makes it clear in my head how things run, but it really highlights the endurance needed in me for the piece.

We then worked on creating some small snippets of choreography with a more chaotic feeling, showing the breakdown in the piece towards the end. I was working with Hugh and Jamie to make a duet; I think they enjoyed being flipped upside down. After this we stopped for a really quick lunch where I got out the cup-a-soup and biscuits, a really nutritious meal…

After lunch it was on with the costumes which we tried on yesterday, apparently I look pretty good in mine (I’m sceptical), but Bev (costume designer) has done a great job with them and mine fits perfectly. Next to appear were the dreaded swimming caps – my blue one and I are not getting on particularly well. I think there is definitely a skill in putting them on. It’s just unfortunate I haven’t mastered it yet as mine takes about 10 minutes to put on… shame.

After this it was outside with Kevin Clifford (the photographer) to take some promotional shots for publicity/papers etc. I had a look at a few and they looked cool to me.

We then had a case of invisible parents, as no-one came to collect Hugh and Jamie (as they leave rehearsals early), so we soldiered on with rehearsals while they tried to get hold of their parents via the phone box (why is there no mobile reception around here?) and ended the day working with Chris (musician) trying to help him get his head round what he’s doing and work out some cues between us and him.

Right I think that’s enough. I am starving (as usual) and need to walk up to Lynton to get some mobile reception so I can call some friends in London.
- Matthew

• To get in touch with the dancers, email: inhale_and_hold@peoplesrepublicofsouthdevon.co.uk
or just comment in the box below

Follow the action at
Thursday July 10, 12.30 pm - The Manor, Lynmouth,
Thursday July 10, 5.30 pm - Landmark Beach, Ilfracombe
Friday July 11, 1.30 pm - Grand Western Canal Country Park, Canal Basin, Tiverton
Friday July 11, 7.00 pm - Hatherleigh Community Centre (river)
Saturday July 12, 12.30 pm - Roadford Lake, Okehampton
Saturday July 12, 7.00pm - Dartington Hall (riverside)
Sunday July 13, 2.00 pm - Moretonhampstead Swimming Pool
Sunday July 13, 5.30 pm - Tinside Pool, Plymouth

Read part one of the Inhale and Hold entries.

For more on Inhale and Hold, read the PRSD story

• Inhale in Hold is part of Big Dance and Dance-ing Devon.

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Entry Filed under: Society