Crows Feet do comic 1950s routines

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Crows Feet do comic 1950s hoops and ribbons, Belarusian folk dance and some serious waltzing

Wellington, New Zealand — 28 June 2011 — In their August show Angle Poise, Crows Feet perform a new dance sweetly mocking the school rhythmic gymnastic classes of the 1950s and 1960s, according to Jan Bolwell, director, choreographer and founder of the Crows Feet Dance Collective.

Bolwell discovered an article in the defunct ‘Pavement’ lifestyle magazine featuring the Belarusian rhythmic gymnastic team modelling extraordinary multi-coloured fashion clothing.

‘Instantly I thought—this is a Crows dance. I love working with props, and here was a chance to do a gentle send-up of the world of gymnastics and have some fun with hoops, balls and ribbons.’

The Crows contort themselves into seductive angles in ball, hoop and ribbon routines that enchant the audience.

Tania Kopytko, director of DANZ, is a member of Crows Feet, and her family happens to come from Belarus. As choreographer, Bolwell saw this connection as an opportunity.

‘I asked Tania to teach the group a traditional Belarusian dance, with which we end the show,’ said Bolwell. ‘Another Crow, Carolyn MacKeefry, has taught the group a traditional Russian folk dance, so we have a nice balance between serious and comedic dance.’

The Wellington Crows also engage in some serious dancing to Brahms’s Neue Liebeslieder Waltzes. Bolwell’s choreography here is fresh and delicate.

Long-standing cult favourites with Wellington audiences, the Crows Feet Dance Collective is a mix of experienced dancers, dance teachers, and beginners. Besides the original Wellington Crows, 30% of whom are over the age of 60, two other groups participate in Angle Poise.

Crows Two, under the direction of Tania Kopytko, tackle the tango. And Kapiti Crows perform ‘Point of Order’ — a wicked dance commentary on local politics where members of the community get agitated over roads, rates and water.

Angle Poise will be performed at the Whitireia Performance Centre, 25-27 Vivian Street, Wellington on 5, 6 and 7 August. Details on Crows Feet web site: www.crowsfeet.org.nz.

The show begins in story-telling mode:

‘Once upon a time there were two rhythmic gymnasts. Their names were Olga and Svetlana. They practised for eight hours a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year. They practised so hard and so long they became the best gymnasts in the world. One of their most famous and glorious routines was the hoop dance …’
ends

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