By: John Byrne
In just a few days, the Fort Wayne Dance Collective will be “heading” to London for our annual holiday program. This year’s recital is titled Scones and Crackers: Holiday in London.
So, why London?
As I stepped into this role of Artistic Director, I knew the holiday program would be the first production assignment that I would be responsible for. Naturally, I wanted to bring a fresh twist to the program, but still honor the tradition. So one morning as I lay in bed the words SCONES and CRACKERS just popped in my head. Perhaps I was craving a scone, as this is one of the best treats I have experienced (with clotted cream and jam of course!) The more I thought of the title, I realized what a perfect little twist on the tradition of Nuts and Crackers, which has been the holiday production’s title now for the past 10 years.
A cracker in the UK actually refers to the after-dinner party gags you receive and pop open to the sound of a nice bang before a little paper crown and plastic toy fall out.
So from the title I thought, hmmm…What would Christmas be like in London? I wonder how many people from Fort Wayne have experienced London? What if this could be a way for us to all “travel” together for the holidays and experience Christmas on “vacation”?
I realized there is definitely no shortage of classical Nutcracker Ballet performances (for which I adore), and I didn’t want to go the route of being sarcastic or doing an ironic twist on the traditional Nutracker.
But, the idea of having choreographers create around a theme would be exciting for all of us. I knew out of the challenge of having assigned music and the task of creating a concept based on Christmas in London, the teachers would choreograph a rich and colorful story that would not only be visually and emotionally stunning, but also educate us all along the way.
My personal connection to London is a bit well…odd. When I was around 19 years old I befriended Sir Elton John and he became like an uncle to me. I spent the summer of 2004 at his home in France and vacationed with several iconic Brits including Victoria Beckham, David Beckham, and Elizabeth Hurley. It was an incredible summer, and Elton has stayed a generous friend and supporter since. I was intrigued by the nuances of the British; their dry humour, their directness and the levels of aristocracy that span centuries back to the dark ages.
In 2007, my best friend and colleague would direct Amy Winehouse’s last music video “Tears Dry on their Own.” At the time, I was so moved by Amy’s uniqueness and the effortless gift of her musical talent. I could see that even under the blanket of sadness and conflict in her life, there was this innocence and soul that came out in her music. Shortly after we filmed her music video we were preparing for a trip to Las Vegas to see Pamela Anderson in a magic show, and Amy was determined to get her nails painted. She kept saying “I can’t meet Pamela Anderson without having a manicure”. Amy was an enigma, she had a gift that still haunts us today. She was so powerful and yet so vulnerable, and very human. Amy enjoyed the simple things in life that make us all smile. Even today I listen to her recordings on replay – for hours.
So much of the music that is so great today, so many of the musical trends that America follows actually originate in the UK. The Beatles, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Sting, The Cure, Adele… ADELE!!!! – I digress…. I can just say fortunately her new album came out AFTER we planned the music for Scones and Crackers, or we may have just ended up with one whole Adele show 😀
It wasn’t until 2013 that I was able to actually visit London in person. It was a strange and incidental trip that I tagged on to a job I had in Scotland. The weather was wet, grey, and foggy, and I was quite lonely. The city is built on a spider web-like grid and so much of it is lush and beautiful with gardens, parks and fountains, yet it all looks similar which makes it hard to tell where you are going, even with a map. I spent two days roaming London and visiting both landmarks and coffee shops. One of the rewards of traveling (which is definitely true in London) is every sense is challenged and stimulated. Things feel different, sound different, smell and taste different. And the HISTORY! The overwhelming satisfaction you will find standing in the remains of a medieval castle that once was a bedroom for kings and queens! There’s a magic to experiencing England, much like New York and Chicago. The city of London is rich with diversity and art.
Regarding Christmas, many of the traditions we have adopted here in America originate from the United Kingdom. Many of our ancestors originate from the United Kingdom and so through the process of developing Scones and Crackers, the staff, volunteers, choreographers, and myself have been learning so much about London just having gone through this creative process. Last week we started building the set which is inspired by the landscape of London. We were tracing and cutting out Big Ben, the London Bridge, and the Eye of London out of Styrofoam. We have been practicing dances with tea cups and marching like the guards at Buckingham Palace. All of the pieces of this recital are coming together like pieces of a puzzle.
Personally, I really look forward to seeing everything put together at our first full rehearsal. I’m elated to finally see the product of our choreographer’s magical imaginations. I am enjoying see the comradery of volunteers working together. And finally, I think we are all excited to see the joy that our performers will get from performing in the production of Scones and Crackers on the night of December 12th.
Please join us after the performance at Mi PUEBLO RESTAURANT at 2419 W. Jefferson Boulevard. We will be having our Official Holiday Party from 9PM to Midnight. 20% of all restaurant sales from the party will be donated to The Fort Wayne Dance Collective.
We will see you next Saturday at the South Side High School Airport Terminal 😉 Your flight departs at 7PM, so don’t be late!
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