Ella

Ella

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Documentary following a Liverpool based youth theatre and dance company as they produce their rendition of Cinderella

Realising the lack of opportunity and local spaces for youth to express creativity, Marcia Davis - at only 19 years of age - decided to create theatre and dance company, Catalyst 1+2. Based in Liverpool and honouring her Jamaican heritage in her work, this intimate documentary invites us into the behind the scenes, cast profiles, dress rehearsals and production of her take on Cinderella, titled 'Ella'.

After deciding to shift away from plans to work in London, Davis instead directed focus towards her community and the local youth club in an attempt to make the study of performance arts more accessible. Little did she know this would open up doors for them to perform across schools and venues like the Royal Albert Hall, allowing this young team to showcase their skill, passion and talent on the big stage. The collaborative nature of Catalyst 1+2 is highlighted throughout this piece and is something to be celebrated - taking on a classic tale known and loved by many and presenting a reimagined piece that reflects the experiences of their community, Davis' dedication to her craft is nothing short of admirable!

ELLA is a reimagined version of the fairy-tale story 'Cinderella', cleverly adapted and performed originally as a play, by Catalyst - a group of young black people based in Liverpool, who started their own drama/dance group and are involved in all aspects of production: choreography, scripting, directing, producing, song-writing, search for venues, costumes... the list is endless.


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Performing Arts: Dance

Next up in our Performing Arts series...
Continuing our exploration of the world of performing arts, this collection delves into the universal language of dance. Since the origins of dance are intrinsically linked to self expression, spiritual connection and social interaction, there is a long and fascinating history of movement beyond the stage. This collection invites us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of dance: that which is innate and exists on a fundamental level in each of us, that which is taught and studied as choreography or technique, and all manifestations in between. Each work in this collection is an energetic, vibrant display of dance in its many forms - from show rehearsals and live performances, to traditional festivals and flash mobs. Don't forget your dancing shoes as we journey through the wonders of movement!

25 videos in this collection

1

Ella

2

A Total Obsession

A collective dedicated to arts, culture and performance
3

Steel 'n' Skin

4

A Dance Fellowship

Dance, music and celebrations at the Folklore Festival
5

Sri Lankan Kandyan Dance Troop at Sidmouth

6

Flash Dancers from LS11 to Millennium Square

7

Movement and Meaning 5: A Lesson in Gender

8

The Dancer's Cookbook

9

Furry Dancing

10

Morris Dancing in Portrush

11

50th Anniversary AUGB in Bradford

12

Ballrooms and Disco

13

The Yorkshire Disco Dancing Championships

14

Wheelchair Dancers

15

The Arts, Rehearsal to Performance

16

The House of Bones

17

Urban Exchange

18

Passing Phase

Mademoiselle Valerie is the queen of the ballroom and haute couture.
19

Valerie Clemson Young

20

Tower Hamlets Arts Project: South Asian Dance

21

Morris Dancers invade Horsham

22

Sounds Good [28/03/1985]

23

Sounds Good [04/04/1985]

24

Sounds Good [11/04/1985]

25

Vogue Workshops Final Preparations

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