V.S. (2024)

Bucks Youth Dance Company

V.S was originally created for U.Dance East Regionals (live screened at DanceEast, Ipswich, February 2024), and later recreated for stage and performed at Honeycomb Festival, JUMP START and BNU Dance Showcase. The film was shortlisted for the U.Dance National Festival 2024.

Credits

Choreography: Louise Kelsey & Pippa Fisher-Coldwell in collaboration with the dancers

Filming: Louise Kelsey & Christopher Spencer

Editing: Louise Kelsey

Music: Original composition “Joining Section” by Alex Judd, “Dance Future Runway Beat” by KilUWhy, “Tetris Theme Korobeiniki” arranged for piano by Gregor Quendel, “Ambient Turn” by Greg Carozza

Speech: Adapted text from Camille Rainville’s “Be A Lady, They Said” spoken by the dancers

Costume, Hair, Make-up: Curated by the dancers

Shoot Location: Wycombe Arts Centre

Dancers (Film): Ruby, Grace, Imogen, Ava, Sophia, Cleo, Maycie-Lou, Georgia, Ella, Kate, Isla

Dancers (Stage): Ruby, Grace, Ava, Cleo, Maycie-Lou, Isla, Jess, Erin, Ebru, Hannah, Martha, Naomi

V.S. is inspired by the trailblazing activists who are part of the new VS Collective. The film explores societal perceptions of women, the importance of advocacy, and positive change. Fuelled by Camille Rainville’s iconic poem “Be A Lady, They Said”, and a sprinkling of 80s teen-punk spirit, this company of young, female dancers boldly communicate what swapping VS Angels for Activists means to them.
Programme Note