Dancing at the Albert Hall in VIVA!

Back in April I danced in the Royal Albert Hall at the celebration of the 80th birthday of the Fitness League. The organisation focuses on the health and well being of women everywhere and teaches exercise movement and dance. It was fantastic and I was lucky enough to do it again on the 5th June at the Exercise Movement and Dance Partnership show. Below is a personal review I wrote for the Fitness League to go in their magazine on dancing in their 80th birthday show. It will be my first published work.

‘Designed to bring out the girl’s inner showgirl and outer sparkle!’

The item certainly did that! I only joined the Fitness League a few short months ago but quickly became aware that I had become part of something really rather special. As members of all ages and walks of life came together to rehearse those hip-wiggling steps, I could not quite believe I was to be in my second Albert Hall show. My first was in 2008 when I was in a routine named ‘Hoe Down’ as part of the first EMDP (Exercise Movement and Dance Partnership) show. It was a lot of fun but not the opening, so it felt less pressurised than ‘VIVA’.

Producing a routine for the Albert Hall that 13 year old, birthday girl of the day, and a member who, I believe, has seen her 70^th can perform in and enjoy is an impressive task to complete. My auntie, Suzie France, managed just that and as I joined her and my mother, Gill Jardine (who is also a teacher and long standing member of the League), in performing at the 80^th Birthday of the Fitness League show, I realised I was becoming a League lady, joining thousands of others world wide.

The monthly rehearsals became a lovely excuse to see all the faces involved that I didn’t get to see at Suzie’s Monday night Guildford class, which I regularly attend. As time went on gold and pink began to shine out of the costume cupboard and the individual steps blossomed, beginning to achieve the identity of a fluid dance routine.

As the practices closed in from once a month to every fortnight, it dawned on me – Just four weeks to go!

What had previously seemed so far away was now staring at me, head on and armored with glamorous, glitzy sparkles and feathers. My excitement began to simmer, along with my anticipation.

‘One two, cha cha cha’ I would whisper as I imagined myself travelling across the Albert Hall, looking to my right as often as possible, remembering that key phrase in all league shows,

‘LINES girls!’

Waiting at the top of the stairs, ready in my extravagant show girl make up, moving my hands to my hips in preparation for our grand entrance was, for me, the most frightening part.

I think it is probably the most nerve-racking moment of any show.

All the rehearsals, costume fittings, time and energy had all led up to that point, where I found myself taking my last few breaths before entering the arena. That tricky footwork on the fourth move I struggled to get my head around would have to be performed as best I could. The most important thing, of course, was to remember to smile.

A well-known truth amongst amateur performers is that as long as you smile the audience will forgive you anything!

It turned out that trying to smile was as unnecessary as ensuring accuracy in the finale. I enjoyed it so much I could barely keep back my wide, goofy grin.

As the last move was held and the music came to an end, we shouted ‘VIVA!’ and then poured off the arena to our applause. Hearts racing and faces beaming, we passed other teams waiting for their big moment and I shan't forget the absolute support and feeling of comradeship from them all as we joyously skipped along.

‘Well done girls!’ We could hear as we scurried back to our dressing room to congratulate each other and ourselves. Rather like a group of schoolgirls who have just won a netball match, we were unable to contain our excitement. The kid like giggles and grins coming from all amid our vast variety of performers reminded me of that accomplishment of the League, that allows the inner child spark, found deep within us all, to surface and shine.

Exclamations of, ‘We did it!’ came from all directions in the dressing room.

It was only after this point that the penny dropped and a slight sadness surged through me – for now, it was over. So until next time - Viva la league!