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| Press Releases
RWB School Students Step Behind the Curtain (Winnipeg, Manitoba; January 30, 2008) Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Professional Division students are stepping behind the curtain and taking on the role of choreographer to compete in First Steps, the RWB School’s annual choreographic competition of new works being held February 14 – 17 and 19 – 23. Each First Steps performance will feature one of two different programs (each incorporating half of the total entries). First Steps was developed by the RWB School in response to students expressing their desire to create their own works. The students are involved in every aspect of their choreographed piece, not only choosing the steps and movements, but making all of the artistic decisions including selecting music, performers (from their fellow students in the Professional Division), costumes and lighting. “First Steps is a good opportunity for the students to be on the other side of the studio,” says Claire Marshall, First Steps Coordinator. “It allows them to research, experiment, explore and create something that is entirely their own, which results in a full perspective of the profession of dance.” Ryan Booth, Professional Division Level 7 student, will be participating in First Steps for the third time and finds the process of choreographing extremely rewarding. “I love the first day of rehearsal and the last day of rehearsal and all of the challenges in between,” says Ryan. “Watching your piece being performed on stage is an electrifying feeling.” The works are judged by a select jury composed of artists, arts administrators and RWB School faculty. Awards decided by the jury include First, Second and Third Place; the CIBC Award for Innovation; and the Paddy Stone Scholarship, which is awarded for the best work in the tap, jazz or musical theatre genre. The students also compete for the RWB School Award and the Doreen Macdonald Scholarship, which recognizes talent and interest in design, both of which are judged by RWB School staff. Audience members have a chance to participate by casting their vote for the People’s Choice Award. All award presentations will be made at the First Steps Gala Performance and Awards Ceremony on February 23 at 7:30 pm, which will feature performances of all the award-winning pieces. CIBC World Markets continues their generous support of students presenting their creative works through their ongoing sponsorship of First Steps. First Steps will take place in the Founders’ Studio at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Building, 380 Graham Avenue. Admission is silver collection at the door, with the exception of the Gala Performance and Awards Ceremony. Tickets for the Gala are $20 and available at the RWB Customer Service Office or by calling (204) 956-2792. Dates and Times: Saturday February 23 7:30 pm (Gala) -30- A First Steps media call launch will be held Wednesday, February 13th at 2 p.m. in the Founders’ Studio at the RWB Building, 380 Graham Avenue. It will feature performances and provide opportunities to interview artistic staff and student choreographers. If you are unable to attend or wish to gather further footage and/or interviews please contact Heather Saxton. For more information contact:
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