BY THE DANCE SCHOOL OF SCOTLAND

Three of our S1 young people had the privilege of participating in a photoshoot to promote the “Discovering Degas” Exhibition at The Burrell Collection.

Classical Ballet teacher at the school, Mrs. Sinclair, talked to us about the day and caught up with Pixie, Jada-Jo and Darcey to talk about the experience of seeing the exhibition, working with photographers and being drawn live by the artist Sarah Wilson-Boyd.

We all arrived at the museum before it opened to the public which was very magical. The tutu’s Pixie, Jada-Jo and Darcey wore are very intricate, with beautiful details and colours, so we knew the costumes would fit in well. It was a busy day and it is quite difficult maintaining a position long enough to be drawn and photographed and the young people did so well. They represented the values of our school beautifully and shone throughout the entire experience.

To finish a special day, we were all treated to some cake in the museum cafe!

 

Can you talk us through the day?

All – “Once we arrived at The Burrell Collection we were introduced to one of the staff members who showed us to our changing room. We changed into our tutus and got to wear tiaras too!”

Pixie – “We were introduced to the photographers and they told us what we were doing that day. The artist showed us her beautiful paintings and we recreated the poses for the photos, which was really fun!”

Jada-Jo – “We had photos taken outside of The Burrell Collection too, as well as photo’s in the Degas Exhibition. It was such an amazing experience.”

Darcey – “After all our photos, we got changed out of our tutu’s and had lunch. We got to eat at the cafe and had a nice wee treat too!”

All – “We loved this experience and were so happy we got to do it together.”

 

How was it working with photographers? Was it difficult having to pose for log periods of time?

Pixie – “I loved working with the photographers! It’s very exciting and fun getting photos taken of myself doing what I love, though it was quite hard holding the positions long enough.”

Jada-Jo – “I really enjoyed this part and you could really see that the photographers love what they do, the same way that I love ballet. I could really see how photography is an art form and I really appreciate this. You could see that they were really trying to get the best angles possible, along with the best lighting and best effects from our costumes because they were really special and I think they were keen to show them in the best way they could. I didn’t find holding the poses too difficult, I tried my best to listen to the instructions from Mrs. Sinclair to help the photographers. I think we did very well together as a team!”

Darcey – ‘I enjoyed working with the photographers a lot that day. My dad is a photographer and I have helped him out before with test shots for light set up, so it was something I am familiar with but it was much more fun getting my photo taken doing something I love, like dance! Holding the ballet positions for quite a while was tricky but the gorgeous costume made up for that though.”

 

What did you think of the Discovering Degas Exhibition?

Pixie – “I thought the Degas exhibition was beautiful and the paintings were gorgeous. The Burrell Collection was also beautiful, all of the paintings in whole gallery were pretty.”

Jada-Jo – “I really loved the Degas exhibition. This was my first time ever being at something like this and the whole experience was definitely something to remember. I felt hugely lucky to be there and to be involved in it, especially with The Dance School of Scotland. There was so much beauty all around us and I saw the smiles on peoples faces, it was clear that it bought joy to so many people. A very joyful, memorable and inspirational experience.”

Darcey – “I thought the Degas exhibition was stunning and it was amazing to see such beautiful ballet paintings all in one place. The Burrell Collection was the perfect venue for it and they created a great atmosphere with the lights they used. I really liked how the colour on the walls contrasted well and made the paintings really stand out.”

 

What have you taken away from the experience?

Pixie – “The experience was wonderful to be a part of and a great way to start my journey at The Dance School of Scotland. I got to know my two new friends better too! This experience showed me how much I love dance.”

Jada-Jo – “I thoroughly enjoyed working with all the professionals on the day and being part of a team, listening and applying the instructions to create something we all enjoyed. I couldn’t believe that the beautiful costume I was in was from the early 1960’s! It was so special to wear something like this, as it really was a piece of art in itself. It felt special representing my school and I now have some really special memories, as well as having all the newspaper clippings.”

Darcey – “This was such a great start to my time at The Dance School of Scotland. It helped in building a friendship between us as we didn’t know each other very well before. It also let me experience certain things that professional dancers can experience! This day made it clear to me how much I enjoy dance and it was so special to be a part of it all.”

 

Thank you to Pixie, Jada-Jo, Darcey and Mrs. Sinclair for sharing this with us.