Leeds Conservatoire students performed in a brand-new work for LEEDS 2023 by musician Corinne Bailey Rae and choreographer Sharon Watson, two women with creative roots in the city.
Seeds, Dreams & Constellations image via Northern School of Contemporary Dance Twitter account
Performances of Seeds, Dreams & Constellations, a piece about the infinite potential of the human spirit and our place in the cosmos, took place from 25 to 27 May at the Riley Theatre. These blended evocative live music with powerful dance and visuals and considered the potential we all have for growth and transformation, asking to what extent can we influence the future or reimagine the past? Plus, do we always reap what we sow?
Two of the dancers at Seeds, Dreams & Constellations. Photo credit: Elly Wel Photography
The cast comprised of a choir, which included students from the conservatoire’s Musical Theatre and Popular Music courses, plus dancers drawn from Leeds-based dance companies VERVE, Watson Dance Project and Mobius Dance.
Corinne, who shot to stardom in 2006 with her self-titled number one UK debut album, featuring global hits ‘Put Your Records On’ and ‘Like A Star,’ coached the choir. After meeting students from the conservatoire for the first time, Corinne commented that she was very inspired by their approach, openness, willingness to try different things and propose too.
Some of the singers at Seeds, Dreams & Constellations, including Corinne Bailey Rae at right of image. Photo credit: Elly Wel Photography
In an article printed in The Yorkshire Post, Corinne gave an insight into the creative process:
“For me it’s been interesting to see how a work of this scale goes together. Sharon is unique in how she arranges these dancers, it seems to be in your head but also you’re moulding, you’re seeing them move and then you’re realigning them into your dream to what they’re doing, it seems to me.
“That’s fascinating to see and that’s really inspired me with how I work with the choir. I’ve written lots of original pieces and the choir are a mixture of people from Leeds Conservatoire and also people who are emerging young artists from Leeds.”
Watch the Seeds, Dreams & Constellations trailer:
Luminate Education Group, of which Leeds Conservatoire is a member, is a Gold Education Partner of LEEDS 2023.
