A talented Cadbury Sixth Form College Performing Arts student took centre stage at the Birmingham Hippodrome with confidence and creativity.
Kelisse Cobo-Brown, who studies Business and Mathematics A Levels alongside Performing Arts BTEC, danced at the packed venue as part of the Motionhouse Curtain Raiser performance, ahead of dance-circus production, Hidden.
Through the college’s partnership with the Hippodrome Education Network, back in September Kelisse took part in a 90-minute workshop-style audition with 50 dancers showcasing their skills and talent through a series of repertoire, choreographic tasks and team building exercises, before she was chosen by Motionhouse’s Creative Learning Team, Harrison Yafai and Hannah Marshall to form one of the final 16-strong company.
Over the course of a week, the young company spent two days learning choreography by Harrison, whilst also implementing the young dancers’ own ideas and choreography into the piece. Working in alternating small groups, the company were able to choreograph their own work using ideas from skills class or a prescribed element or theme, such as a lift or jump. Then working with Associate Director, Daniel Massarella, the next two days were spent cleaning and polishing the five-minute piece full of lifts and tricks.
The Curtain Raiser was met with rapturous applause and cheers, providing a goosebumps moment for both audience members and young performers.
Reflecting on the performance, Craig Randle, Education Manager (Secondary & Post 16), said: “To work alongside Motionhouse and this incredible group of dancers was pure joy! The work ethic, professionalism and talent that was showcased across the week was second to none, doing both themselves and their respective schools/colleges proud!
“The Motionhouse team, but particularly Harrison and Danny, always bring out the best in young people, providing a safe, welcoming space for experimentation and exploration. I couldn’t be prouder of what this young company created in such a short amount of time!”
Motionhouse, an internationally acclaimed dance company born in the Midlands, is renowned for its powerful blend of dance, acrobatics, and theatre. Taking part in such a professional and creative environment gave Kelisse valuable insight into the discipline, teamwork, and artistry that drive world-class performance.
