Many of the dance pieces will be revised works originally created by Dancework between 1977 and 1984. Bambole dancers will take on the roles that were performed by Dancework:
Tony Thatcher, Sue Curtis, Caroline Pope, Mary Goodwin, David Turner, Christine Juffs, David Armstrong, Jane Franklin, Sallie Gardner and others.
Works that Bambole hope to revise/ revive include “A Day in the Life of a Romantic Novelist” which will be retitled in Italian in keeping with our policy “”Una Giornata nella Vita di uno Scrittore Romantico”. Newly added (March 2023) to the programme of works is “X Rated Check Up”. “The Check Up” was originally choreographed for Dancework by Stuart Hopps. Italian for check up is la visita di controllo; As far as possible Bambole intend to replicate some of the set and props, although they may not always be to the original scale. “Ronsaria” originally choreographed by Tony Thatcher will be presented by Bambole in a revised scaled down form. The solo by Christine Juffs “Sidescraper” already has its revised version which had its premiere early in 2023 (“Sidescraper Secondo”) All the new choreography will in some way reference the original pieces by Dancework.
There will also be new works that Bambole create for themselves, under the creative direction of Tina Giuffre.
“X Rated Check Up”
X Rated Check Up is a 11 and half minute slideshow with music. Performed by Bambole Dance Company Tina Giuffre and Tony Chaumier, to an abridged (extract) of the original music composed by Christopher Benstead. Based on “The Check Up” choreographed by Stuart Hopps which was premiered for the London Dance Umbrella at the ICA in 1980. The original dance was performed by Christine Juffs and Tony Thatcher of Dancework. This is X rated because it contains some scenes of an explicit nature. Parental guidance is advised. The dance has a set similar to the original work.
“Due Fazzoletti”
This work is a revised version of “Duet with 2 Handkerchiefs” – which was originally created in 1979 by Dancework for the Hobson Art Gallery in Cambridge. The original dance was choreographed by Tony Thatcher. The duet formed part of an informal presentation in the gallery along with a solo. The dancers were invited to create a work by Liebe Klug who was instrumental in the contemporary dance scene in Cambridge. She founded Cambridge Contemporary Dance Group who performed in unusual venues outdoors and indoors. Liebe was the wife of the famous Cambridge molecular biologist Aaron Klug. The founders of Dancework taught dance technique classes at the invitation of Liebe, and also performed as part of programmes by CCDG in Cambridge and Harlow in the late 1970s. “Due Fazzoletti” is a doll dance that contains some images from Dancework’s version, but creates its own “drama”. In the gallery performance a handkerchief was thrown out of the window at the end of the piece. The dance was later developed for theatre presentation and formed part of Dancework duet programme for Dance Umbrella 1980 at the ICA London. The slideshow is viewable by clicking on the link to Vimeo. The video of the Dancework piece is viewable on Vimeo. Bambole dancers Tina Giuffre and Tony Chaumier perform this new work created in 2021. The sound in addition to a recording of rain, has an extract of music “The Lone Wanderer” by Derek Fiechter and Brandon Fiechter.
“Il Guanto”
This is a revised version of an original work “Glove” by Dancework. “Glove” was choreographed by Tony Thatcher in 1980 and first presented for Dance Umbrella 1980 in the Dancework duet programme at the ICA for Dance Umbrella. The dance was later adapted for 3 dancers for a trio programme in 1980/81. “Glove” was performed in Turin Italy, January 1981 and was performed by Dancework co-founders and Mary Goodwin. Mary later joined Ballet Rambert when she changed her name to Mary Evelyn. The music was specially composed by John White. Costumes for Dancework were designed by Katie McPhee and Beatrice Berry. The Bambole costumes for “Il Guanto” are all made by the creator of this website. Bambole dancers Tina Giuffre and Tony Chaumier and Carolina Papa perform this new work.
“The Birdcage”
This is a collaboration between Belinda Neumann and Shannon Lapin. Classically trained, the girls have a little experience of Cunningham based technique. They saw an old photograph of the director of Dancework taken when she was about 10 years old. The photo shows her in a tutu on pointe and there is a birdcage hanging from the ceiling of a room. This inspired them to make a ballet dance working with this theme. It explores the feeling engendered by looking in at the bird in the cage, and a gentle desire to fly. The girls are not experienced choreographers, but this was a first attempt at making a dance. The music consists of a ballet class piece by Richard Maddock and a recording of a Spanish canary.
“Percy’s Garden” is a new work inspired by “Grainger Suite” that was choreographed by Christine Juffs and premiered by Dancework at the ICA 1980 London Dance Umbrella. The solos and duets were then extended and a trio added for touring in 1981. Bambole Dance Company dancers Tina Giuffre, David Girando and Carolina Papa devised the new work together in 2022. Their costumes pay homage to the Dancework costumes, substituting tabard green tops for the leotards, and cream cotton trousers with ribbons similar to the originals. The dance is constructed for the Percy Grainger piano pieces “Knight & Shepherd’s Daughter”. “Country Gardens” (both played by Leslie Howard) and “Lullaby from Tribute to Foster played by Penelpe Thwaites.
“Sidescraper Secondo” features original music for piano composed by Gavin Bryars in 1980. A dancework for dolls based on “Sidescraper” a short solo choreographed and performed by Christine Juffs of Dancework. The 1980 dance was performed as part of a duet programme for London Dance Umbrella at the ICA. “Sidescraper Secondo” is performed here by one of the talented new recruits, Mary Buonvinto who joined Bambole in 2022. The costume she wears is very similar to that of the original dance. As with the 1980 work, this also features a fan.
© Bambole Dance Company 2024