CV | Workshop
Rob
Vale – Statement
The production of my oneplace film, le
ballet de cour, was a long and tremendously varied journey,
much like the piece itself. The concept was relatively simple; a
single continuous dance linking individual places from the Tatton
landscape. The creation was both tremendously satisfying, and at
times tremendously complex and exhausting.
I could talk of the difficulties; filming in –12 degrees,
breaking the camera, weaving four centuries of dance styles and
music together (with many thanks to Ella and Matt), or the time
required to fuse 85 spaces into one piece. Fortunately I was able
to remind myself that any problems I might face paled into insignificance
when compared to my dancer, and sister Alice, who for six months
has danced in every conceivable weather condition, outside, on point,
in the same red shoes, through mud, snow, gravel and flowerbed,
and still managed to look beautiful and graceful in every scene.
This is as much her piece as mine, she is remarkable.
As for Tatton and the experience, without exception every person
who I met was warm, helpful and very giving of their time. Their
favourite places have, I hope, been captured in le ballet de
cour, with the same fondness that they recounted them to me.
The opportunity to work in a place that is so inspiring is rare,
and I am tremendously grateful for the experience.
I
hope that the piece resonates with its surroundings, that it inspires,
remembers and acknowledges this magical park. Everything you see
has come from the people and the place, and that place is one I
hope to return to many times again.