DANCE students at UCS have teamed up with a high school to create a film project as part of their degree course.
The idea came about following a conversation between UCS dance lecturer Sarah Alexander and head of Ipswich High School (IHS) Elaine Purves.
Sarah said: “Elaine attended an Open Event at UCS, looking to collaborate on an idea for a film that drew on the beautiful buildings and grounds of the school, and on daily life for the pupils within it.
“I saw the potential for the UCS dance students to work on a large-scale project incorporating choreography, film, teaching experience and professional practice, giving both parties the opportunity for a fulfilling project.
“UCS students then began creating storyboards and movement ideas for various sites at the school in collaboration with Stuart Brindle and Eileen Aldous from East Media Productions, who came on board to film the project professionally.”
Charlotte Brooker, 23, is one of the second year dance students involved with the project.
She said: “It’s a collaboration between the two institutes, where UCS second year BA (hons) Dance in the Community students are able to run, choreograph and direct a dance for film at IHS.
“It is designed to be enjoyable for all involved and it includes as many staff and pupils across the school’s beautiful historic grounds as possible.
“The music film travels through these areas in time to music with directed and choreographed scenes.”
Katie Langford, a year 10 student at the high school, said being part of the filming was “very different to our normal lessons and very exciting”.
Year 10 pupil Tilly Thomas added: “I have enjoyed the experience so far and it has been very different. I am very excited to see the finished video.”
The finished video will be on YouTube, East Media Production’s website and Facebook, and UCS and IHS will also use the video for promotion.
Year 11 student Erica Betton was granted three days out of her timetable to work with East Media Production in the filming process.
She said: “The filming world is not one that someone could usually experience, so when the opportunity came for me to be a production assistant for East Media Productions, I was extremely privileged and excited.
“I want to be in this industry and I feel like the experience I have gained will benefit me.”
For the UCS students involved in the project, the experience has also been invaluable.
Alex Stephens, 21, said: “The process of this project has given me an opportunity to work with many different age groups. It allowed me to gain teaching experience within a professional environment, which will benefit me greatly in my chosen career path. It has been really great being able to work with the students and staff at Ipswich High School.”
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