February 2014

Posted on February 27, 2014

Choreography is central to dance of every kind, whether it be classical ballet, contemporary dance, hip hop, ballroom and Latin, and everything in between, and in this month’s issue of Dancing Times we investigate various different aspects of this important art form. Zoë Anderson talks to four British-based choreographers, including Christopher Hampson, the new director of Scottish Ballet, where he has just created a new full-length production of Hansel and Gretel.

She also talks to Robert Cohan, Yolande Yorke-Edgell and Charlotte Edmonds, each of whom are currently involved in a choreographic mentoring scheme with Yorke Dance Project. David Mead interviews Lin Hwai-min of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan on the eve of the company’s visit to London, and Paul Arrowsmith explores the relationship between composers and choreographers when making new works. In addition, Laura Dodge reports on a symposium dedicated to Robert Helpmann, who was noted for the choreography he created for Sadler’s Wells Ballet during the 1940s, and Matthew Hawkins discusses how aspects of the Cecchetti method of teaching has informed his own work

JONATHAN GRAY

February 2014 Volume 104 Issue 1242

Cover stories

13 Taking responsibility. Christopher Hampson, Scottish Ballet’s new artistic director, talks to Zoë Anderson

17 MOVE IT 2014. Find out about MOVE IT’s Dance Teachers Convention

18 He never said no. Laura Dodge attended The Royal Ballet School’s recent symposium on Robert Helpmann

33 Noted for dance. Paul Arrowsmith explores the relationship between composers and choreographers

Features

21 Cloud Gate at 40. By David Mead

24 Stepping up to the barre. Caroline Reilly of British Harlequin offers advice on how best to achieve a healthy approach to dance

27 Gems rocking. Matthew Hawkins identifies current creativity and sees the Cecchetti method writ large

38 Working as one. Jenny Veldhuis introduces Dutch National Ballet’s Junior Company

41 Choreography across the generations. Zoë Anderson talks to three choreographers

Regulars

6 Dance Matters. IDFB 2014, Richard Alston

8 Letters

10 Talking Point. Gerald Dowler on audience behaviour

44 Dance Scene. Reviews include Scottish Ballet and Northern Ballet

63 Letter from St Petersburg. By Igor Stupnikov

65 Notes from New York. By Jack Anderson

67 Dance Media. By Reginald Massey

69 Obituaries. Jeanne Brabants, Derek Westlake

71 Dance People. New Year’s Honours

73 Health. Debbie Malina looks into somatic education

79 Dance Education. RBS, Dance Forward

83 Classified

84 Where to Learn

93 Calendar

Into Dance

87 Dancer of the Month. Margaret Willis meets Sunbee Han

91 Blaze. By Zoë Anderson

Simon Oliver

Simon Oliver has been production editor of Dancing Times since 2010 and is highly experienced in design across print and online magazine production. Throughout his career, Simon has worked on a diverse range of subjects including music, family history, book collecting and poker.