Song and Dance

Photography and words by Zarina Holmes

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London, United Kingdom. April 2010. I took up dancing lesson a little over 11 years ago after I broke my right foot. I broke my left 3 years before. I am genetically arthritic. Ice-skating is pretty much out of the question and skiing is just pure torture. Following doctor’s advice, I took up ballroom dance. Tango in fact. It remedied my clumsiness almost straightaway.

I discovered that dancing is another language altogether. It is a very elegant art form. I have come to admire professional dancers more as a result. It takes a great skill and talent to convey a story to an audience using just your body and the surrounding space.

I am inspired again after photographing City Academy, the largest performing arts school in London. They offer dance, acting and singing lessons at fantastic venues such as Saddler’s Wells Theatre, The Dominion Theatre, The Actors Centre and The Urdang Academy. Singing lesson by Vikki Stone is as enjoyable to watch, as to participate in. There were always laughters. Singers show more intense emotions than actors when performing. Singing is very powerful when songs are delivered from the heart.

Acting is a very intelligent art. It breathe life into storytelling and literature. I love watching drama tutor Cat Clancy guiding actors to mold themselves into characters. Documenting City Academy is one of the most fun assignments I’ve done.

My favourite photography moment was the musical theatre presentation at The Dominion Theatre. For a group of amateurs, the chorus line was unbelievably entertaining. Afterward, I felt like bursting into “All That Jazz!” with high kicks on the way home. It’s easy to see why the nation is so taken by Strictly Come Dancing and Glee. How can you feel down while singing and dancing your heart away?

Photos © Zarina Holmes/City Academy.