Switching things up with the Deanna School of Dancing
‘Switch’ a musical show by the junior and senior school of the Deanna School of Dancing, will demonstrate just what the body-and mind-can do when it comes to dancing. ‘6Switch’ is based on the fantasy of a newspaper coming alive in front of your eyes; a clever blend of contemporary ballet and hip hop, the show will breathe fresh life into old news as the young and old dancers of the school take to the stage for their annual show.
Natalie
This year the show will be directed by Natasha and Natalie Jayasuriya, Heads of the Senior School and Junior School respectively. Their mother renowned instructor Deanna Jayasuriya established the Deanna School of Dancing in 1980 and together the family has garnered a reputation for their gifted students as well as their popular annual productions. This year will be no different; ‘Switch’ is presented principally by the Hip Hop school within the institute, with a touch of contemporary ballet.
Natasha
Natasha, who qualified in the UK, has a portfolio that includes classical ballet, hip hop, street jazz, tap, Spanish, Ballroom and Latin. She has danced since she was a tiny tot of two and her qualifications include a Gold Standard in Ballroom Latin American Dancing and Intermediate (Royal Academy of Dancing, UK) in Ballet. Natalie, her older sister, was trained by Deanna and The Elmhurst Ballet School and the Pineapple Studio in London. “We’ve never been very keen on taking old formats and just changing them up for our shows,” says Natasha. “If we’re doing something it has to be something brand new.” Hence, ‘Switch’, with its newspaper theatrics and great music is sure to appeal to the more discerning of audiences.
We’re told that items have been categorised into the traditional sections of a newspaper; cultural news, classifieds, crime, fashion, events, breaking news, travel and weather. But that’s where the convention ends and the fantastically imaginative choreography will begin when the students take on popular numbers to bring colour to the monochrome print. So ‘crime’ will have Bronx themed, burlesque numbers, ‘breaking news’ will involve a new age chemistry lab disaster and classifieds will bring to life the Lonely Hearts advertisements. The Travel section will bring to life an excerpt from the ballet ‘Pharaoh’s Daughter’ combined with a hip hop sequence. “The music was picked by myself and Natalie,” explains Natasha. “It was a tough choice, as there’s so much great music and the kids want to perform their favourite tracks. But we’ve been conscious of the fact that some of our audience members may be older, so there’s definitely something for everyone here.” The show promises to be an evening of great music and dance that will have your toes tapping in time.
‘Switch’ happens on August 6 and 7 from 7.30 pm at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. Tickets for the show are available at the Deanna School of Dancing on Longden Place.
