Dance Consortium’s Chief Executive Joe Bates caught up with Spring 2024 LIPA Placement student Erin O’Connell to find out all about her experiences on the road with São Paulo Dance Company.
Which tour did you work on with Dance Consortium, and what did your role involve?
I worked on the São Paulo Dance Company tour in March 2024 with Dance Consortium. During my internship, I had the opportunity to shadow various members of each department and liaise with the venues. This allowed me to gain insights into how they select programming, market their shows, and engage with the community to expand their audiences.
Photo by Erin O'Connell
What did you learn and what key skills did you gain from the experience?
Practically, I acquired valuable knowledge during the get-in phase. I participated in rigging lights and received instruction on essential knots such as the bowline and clove hitch. Additionally, I gained hands-on experience with the fly system, deepening my understanding of the technical aspects of theatre production. Theoretically, I enhanced my proficiency in analytical programming, various outreach strategies, funding application processes, and administrative duties. Most significantly, I gained an appreciation for the importance of diversifying dance styles to engage new audiences, enrich theatre programs, and broaden artistic horizons.
Behind the scenes: On the "flys" for São Paulo Dance Company
Photo by Erin O'Connell
What was a highlight for you?
A standout moment for me was participating in the barre section of one of the company dance classes. Despite not having danced in years due to an injury, I felt welcomed and encouraged to return to ballet. This experience has motivated me to work towards rebuilding my strength. The kindness and support from the company members and Dance Consortium made this experience particularly memorable and impactful. I also thoroughly enjoyed interviewing company member Daniel Reca on his personal experience as a professional dancer, and his time spent at São Paulo Dance Company.
I particularly enjoyed photographing the dancers from the wings, which was a different and more intimate point of view. I felt much more connected to the movements and hopefully captured the essence of the company through these snapshots.
Photo by Erin O'Connell
Photo by Erin O'Connell
How do you feel this experience has helped to support you in preparing to work in the industry? Has it made you think differently at all?
By gaining in-depth knowledge across various departments, this experience has equipped me to take on diverse roles in the future. I feel more adaptable and capable of handling a wide range of tasks and responsibilities. This versatility will undoubtedly be beneficial as I pursue a career in the industry.
What are your future plans?
Looking ahead, I aspire to gain further experience in stage management and establish connections with venues and creatives throughout the UK. Additionally, I intend to immerse myself in watching more dance shows and delving deeper into dance programming to broaden my expertise in this area.
Pictured: LIPA Placement students Julia Lewanczyk (left) and Erin O'Connell (right) at Wolverhampton Grand
Photo by Erin O'Connell
Photo by Erin O'Connell
