Links of Interest- Make-Up

Make-up is a complete necessity for me as a dancer and over time has become an interest of mine. I first started learning about make-up when I was at college, as we would have stage make-up classes once a week during the first-year. Make-up plays an important role on-stage for instance allowing the audience to see you’re facial expressions more clearly as well as helping to create a character. This can be seen in the musical ‘The Lion King’ for instance, where the animals are created through a combination of make-up, costume, masks and props.

It was compulsory to wear make-up every day to class so as I began to learn how to wear it, I started to experiment with different brands, products and colours. I studied art before going to dance college, so started to imagine that my face was the blank canvas every morning and that I had to paint the picture. This made it become a creative task rather than a chore. For others, make-up may not only be viewed as an art but also a confidence booster.

I now work part-time in Harrods Beauty Halls where there is every brand imaginable available at you’re fingertips! It is unbelievable how many products are on the market at the moment, from sparkly lip-gloss that stays on all day to a complete variety of false lashes.

My favourite brand of make-up is MAC Cosmetics. As a dancer, you need make-up that is going to last the duration of a performance- through perspiration and quick costume changes- MAC make-up will never let you down! The eye-shadows and liners are fantastic, in brilliant colours as you can see in the tutorial above advertising Barbie loves MAC. The brushes are similar to that of a professional make-up artist and very good quality. You can’t help but fall in love with the simple yet glamorous, glossy black packaging. Visit http://www.maccosmetics.com/ for more information.

There are so many online websites and tutorials on how to achieve certain looks with make-up, where to buy it and what is going to suit you, it is impossible to go wrong. You can visit http://www.marykay.com/ and experience a virtual makeover by uploading a photo of yourself to practice on.

Links of Interest- Music

Being a creative person, music is one of my main interests. Whenever I have a spare moment, I will be switching on the television to watch the music channels, listening to the radio or to my I-pod on the train. I used to stay in every Friday night when I was younger to watch ‘Top of the Pops’ and even had the opportunity to dance on the show on one occasion!

Music is one of the reasons that I love to dance as I feel that for me, dancing is mostly an expression of the music. I enjoy going to watch live performances, especially of current artists who can dance and sing well together such as Justin Timberlake, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Britney and Beyonce. I believe that presently Beyonce is a great innovator in music as well as dance, and has really taken the choreographic content of her performance to another level. I love the fact that the entire purpose of this video is the dance routine, that there is nothing to distract you from the movement.

Although, I mainly listen to the current chart music, I do listen to other genres, in particular musical theatre as it is important for me to if I want to work professionally in this area. It also gives me ideas of songs I can sing at auditions. I obtain most of my sheet music for auditions from a website called:

http://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/

You can search for the digital sheet music of the song you like, pay over the internet and then print off the music from you’re printer at home. It’s quick and easy, and very useful to me if I get called to a last minute audition.

Links to Work from People I Admire

Bob Fosse is the first artist I would like to share my passion for, as he was a man whose work was always provocative, entertaining and intense. Fosse directed and choreographed a number of hit musicals including the original Broadway production of ‘Chicago.’ His signature style can be distinctly identified within the musical.

Ever since I went to see a performance of ‘Chicago’ at The Adelphi Theatre, my true ambition has always been to play the character of Roxie Hart. She is a leading role you just cannot easily forget! The video below shows Ruthie Henshall, from the original West End cast of ‘Chicago,’ performing the number ‘Roxie’.



Fosse was a very innovative choreographer, who had developed a jazz dance style that is immediately recognizable, exuding a stylized, cynical, sexuality. Noticeable elements of his choreography include the use of inward knees, rounded shoulders and body isolations. Below is a transcript of an interview with his wife Gwen Verdon, who was the original Roxie Hart. She gives an insight to the precision of his work:

GWEN VERDON: "If there is any part of your body that could move, he would use it. But not all at once. I mean it would be a shoulder, a finger. He choreographed what you did with the joint of your little finger. Teacup fingers.”

Fosse drew influence from Fred Astaire, using props such as bowler hats, canes and chairs. I found out that his trademark use of hats was influenced by his own self-consciousness, as he started to go bald at an early age. He also used gloves in his performances because he did not like his hands!

During my final year of college, I had the opportunity to be part of the cast of the graduate show, ‘Fosse.’ It was one of the highlights of my training as I was able to work with Alistair David, a member of the original West End cast of ‘Chicago,’ and also Rachelle Rak, who most famously performed in the number ‘I Gotcha,’ from the original Broadway performance of ‘Fosse.’

Their knowledge and execution of Fosse’s choreography is utterly inspiring, and aided me in performing movements which although simplistic, are demanding for even a highly trained dancer. Fosse is a truly motivating force in my role as a dancer and I continue to be captured by his work.

Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel is an American award-winning actress, singer and songwriter. Best known for initiating the role of Maureen in Jonathan Larson’s rock musical ‘Rent,’ followed by the role of Elphaba in the musical ‘Wicked.

Idina Menzel grew up in New York, and began singing at Bar Mitzvahs and weddings at the age of fifteen. She then proceeded to study and achieve a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama before landing her Broadway debut as Maureen in ‘Rent.’

I first came to know about Idina Menzel, when a friend played me a version of ‘Take Me or Leave Me,’ from ‘Rent.’ I was amazed by the power and range of her voice as well as the distinct rock quality, which could literally raise the roof! It was obvious from the way Menzel stepped onto the Broadway scene, that she was a talent like no other and certainly not to be missed.

I finally had the opportunity to watch Idina Menzel in the original West End cast of ‘Wicked.’ This took me by surprise, as her live performance was absolutely outstanding. Far better than any recordings I’d heard of her voice, particularly the signature Elphaba solo song, ‘Defying Gravity,’ that finished the first act. As an actress, she managed to capture the vulnerability and endearing qualities of the green-skinned ‘wicked’ witch.



Alongside, appearing in many other Broadway musicals such as ‘Aida,’ ‘Hair’ and also ‘Wild Party,’ she has proceeded to gain film roles, making appearances in ‘Just a Kiss,’ ‘Ask the Dust’ and ‘Enchanted.’ Idina Menzel has also released three solo albums, the third ‘I Stand’ being released in January 2008. One of my favorite songs on the album is called ‘Brave,’ as the lyrics inspired and encouraged me through a difficult point of my training.

It has always been my aspiration to be an artist who can achieve in all fields of theatre, film, television and recording. Idina Menzel is a fantastic role model and example that this is possible.

http://www.idinamenzel.com/

Stephen Mear

Stephen Mear is a dancer and choreographer, most widely recognized for his choreographic work within Musical Theatre. He is a man who practically lives and breathes dance, something that I admire and can relate to!

Mear studied at a dance college like myself, from the age of eighteen, being accepted onto the musical theatre course at London Studio Centre. His West End debut was at the age of twenty in the cast of ‘Evita,’ whilst still a student at college.

He then proceeded to obtain parts in the West End musicals; 42nd Street, Cats, Follies, Anything Goes, Some Like It Hot and Crazy For You. Mear was then promoted to dance captain followed by assistant choreographer for the show ‘Crazy For You,’ eventually taking over the role of looking after the choreography single-handedly.

Mears progression from successful dancer to emerging, young choreographer was mostly thanks to his discipline, hard-work and extremely high standards. Since ‘Crazy For You,’ choreographing a whole number of musicals and famously co-choreographing ‘Mary Poppins,’ alongside Matthew Bourne.

Mear has now been chosen to choreograph Disney’s latest screen to stage spectacular of ‘The Little Mermaid!’ This seemingly was a challenge as it is not easy to create the illusion of appearing underwater on stage. It has been achieved successfully though, with the help of shoes with wheels on them so the dancers can walk and glide across the stage!

Steven Mear came to watch my graduation performance, handing out each student’s diploma and congratulating them individually. It was fantastic to actually meet Stephen as he is someone who I both respect and would hope to work for in the future. I enjoy watching and also learning his choreography as it has a flow and a rhythm which makes the steps more pleasurable to dance. Below is a link to an article about Stephen Mear from The Stage online:

http://www.thestage.co.uk/features/feature.php/8118

Five Top Resources from my Professional Practice

1. The Stage Newspaper

‘The Stage’ is the newspaper for the performing arts industry. It is without a doubt, my top professional resource as it features everything from what’s currently on at the theatre to the latest news and features, professional advice and of course the most recent job opportunities and auditions.

You can register with the stage online at www.thestage.co.uk, or subscribe to the newspaper which arrives weekly in the post. A subscription is useful if you happen to live in a house full of performers like me! I often read articles from the stage newspaper as it allows me to expand my knowledge of the industry I hope to build a successful career in.

I use the stage website 3-4 times a week, to update my diary with up-coming auditions and castings. This is essential for a self-employed dancer like myself and has provided me with one of my jobs already! The stage is a fantastic resource which, alongside my agent, aids me in sourcing the most relevant job opportunities available to me.

2. Contacts

Contacts is ‘the essential handbook for everyone working or wanting to work in the entertainment industry.’ Published by Spotlight annually since 1947, it is overflowing with thousands of listings of companies, services and individuals across all areas of television, stage, film and radio.

I was first introduced to the handbook in a meeting with Spotlight whilst I was still training at college. They highlighted the necessity of acquiring one of these books and I haven’t put it down since! It has provided me with all the information I have needed to get started in the performance industry. I have been able to find the contact details, and post my CV and photos to various agents as well as find a photographer to take my professional headshots.

Visit http://www.contactshandbook.com/ online to place an order for the 2010 handbook!

3. Pineapple Dance Studios

Pineapple Dance Studios is situated on Langley Street, opposite the tube station at Covent Garden. It feels almost like a second home to me, as I attended the performing arts school that’s takes place there every week from the age of fifteen.

The studio holds a large variety of classes in all kinds of dance styles such as, technical jazz, hip hop, classical ballet, cheerleading and pole-dancing! You can obtain a yearly membership or just pay as you go, enabling dancers to keep up their professional training in a welcoming environment.

I attend class at least once a week to improve and maintain my stamina, flexibility, technique and knowledge of current dance styles and trends. I always check the timetable to see what classes are available at:

http://www.pineapple.uk.com/

4. Facebook

Facebook is widely known as a social networking site, which is very easy to become addicted to! It is recognised as being a fantastic way of keeping in touch with acquaintances old and new, as well as uploading and sharing with the world you’re latest party snaps!

Despite its reputation, Facebook is a major professional resource for me as a performer. I have joined various groups set up for dancers which inform me of the latest auditions in every genre, as well as teaching vacancies and rooms available for rent in London. It has enabled me to look at the portfolio’s of various photographers that were recommended to me, and eventually find one that was suitable for me.

Whenever I am performing with other dancers, I always remember to add them as my friends on Facebook as it allows me to keep in touch with them and also converse about future auditions.

http://www.facebook.com/

5. Equity

Equity is ‘the UK Trade Union representing professional performers and other creative workers from across the entertainment, creative and cultural industries.’

I often check the Equity website at http://www.equity.org.uk/, as I believe it is invaluable to be a member of a union which strives to protect us as performers and that are constantly setting boundaries for our working conditions.

Being a member, entitles you to a minimum pay and also presents guidelines for your working conditions. They reserve your professional name, offer you legal support, tax and welfare advice, accident insurance and also a personal pension scheme. As a professional, it is important for me to be informed as to my rights within the workplace and be able to communicate with someone who can give me advice as to how I can manage these aspects of my career.

Professional Curriculum Vitae

DANIELLE COLLETTE ELLER

Agency at Bodywork

25-29 Glisson Road
Cambridge
CB1 2HA
01223 309990

Height: 5' 3"
Dress Size 6/8
Shoe Size: 3
Hair Colour: Dark Brown
Eye Colour: Green
Waist: 25"
Hips: 30"

Date of Birth: 05/02/1988

Education:

12 GCSE's achieved (Grades A*-B)
4 A-Levels achieved (Grades A-B)

Professional Training: (2006- 2009) Cambridge Performing Arts
National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre NVQ Level 6

Dance Disciplines: Classical Ballet, Technical Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Matt Mattox, Commercial Jazz, Pointe-work, Pas de Deux, Freestyle

Acting Skills: Improvisation, Shakespeare, Poetry, Sight Reading
Accents: Standard RP, Heightened RP, Standard American

Singing: Voice Type- Soprano, Range- Bottom F to Top C

Performance Experience

Basshunter UK Tour 2009- Dancer- O2 Academy's Uk- Ministry of Sound

Club High School Musical - Dancer- Arts Educational- Kevin Adams

Rudeye Performance - Dancer- Lambeth College/Clapham Common- Stuart Bishop

Fosse Diploma Showcase - Dancer- Mumford Theatre- Philip Foster, Alistair David

'Les Miserables' - Cosette- Mumford Theatre- Philip Foster, Alistair David

'Snoopy!!!' the Musical - Lucy Van Pelt- Bodywork Studios- Philip Foster

'A Chorus Line' - Understudy Morales- Mumford Theatre- Andrew Jarret, Alistair David

UK vs. USA Hip Hop Championships- Dancer - Wembley Conference Centre- Maggie Paterson

Top of the Pops- Dancer- BBC Television Studios- Andy Peters

Pineapple Performing Arts- Dancer for Y@P- The Mermaid Theatre- Fleur, Mark Battershall

Special Skills

Ice Skating, Rollerblading, Horse Riding, Modelling, Speak Spanish, Hold a full, clean driving license

E-mail: danielle.eller@hotmail.co.uk