Twists in the tales of Fusion
Get twisted, and Good Luck!
I am finally going to see the show tonight – not only am I super excited, but I’d like to wish all the cast, Committee and techies a lot of luck, once again! I’m sure you’ll be suitably twisted, suitably fairy-like – and from what I’ve heard, it’s quite something to behold! I saw the trailing queue from last night’s performance, and I can only say one thing: flame throwers. Now that’s something you don’t see everyday at Vanbrugh Paradise. Makes a nice change from the current trend of electioneers…
You can check out the Nouse review of the show.
As for the after party: be there, or be square. All the proceeds go to RAG, after all. Will see you after the end of what has been a truly ‘Telling Tale’ of a few weeks.
Design, detail, and drink deals
Fusion…IS TODAY.
And the rehearsal schedule, from what I’ve heard, has been beyond crazy for dancers and models alike. They’ve aimed for perfection and all will be revealed later on tonight – I’ve heard rumours about a few very special Fusion-esque extra effects, not to mention the fact that there’s going to be a rather unique finale! That’s all I’m saying for the time being…
But for now, I’ll concentrate on an area which I haven’t before given a great deal of time to: clothing! There are about 15 student designers from within the university who have made costumes for some of the modelling scenes this year, and I was granted an exclusive to Nouse sneak-peek at one of the dresses for the show.
Unfortunately no photos were allowed, as obviously not too much could be given away. Therefore, I have had to find my “way with the words” to describe what can only be deemed a textile masterpiece sewn by Vanbrugh first year, Hanah Mamoojee…I entered her room with William Booth, one of the Fashion and Beauty Directors, entirely unsure what to expect, only to find Fusion model, Maria Risman, clothed in a very noble (hint hint) creation: a corset made complete with appliquéd bows and lace detailing; elbow length gloves; and a train that even the late Monsieur McQueen would have tipped his hat to. The dress is very much reminiscent of Marie Antoinette and the Versailles era, yet combines this with the temerity of the 21st century. Topped off with a pair of killer heels, the look made myself – and certainly Will almost burst with excitement – not only wonder how she had the time to make it, but also the actual vision to create it in reality.
Will was definitely lost for words at the time, but I later asked the designer about her inspiration for the outfit, and how she went about making it…
“It was really hard to come up with something in the first place…so the first few weeks of term I just brainstormed a few ideas. I wanted to do something really striking and out there, so I looked as a few couture gowns by John Galliano and then we watched Marie Antoinette one night, cause my twin loves that movie and we went to Versailles for our eighteenth, so that’s where I got my main inspiration from.”
Caption: Kirsten Dunst, as the lead in the film 'Marie Antoinette'
Caption: Couture dress by Galliano
Caption: Couture dress by Galliano, part of Mamoojee's inspiration
Hanah was very very modest about her dress, but also said: “I’m deffo nervous to see it in action, but I’ve seen Maria practising in it before and it seems like it will be okay…I’m just excited to wear my own dress to the after party! Hopefully my dress will stand up to the other student designers.”
I can however, give you a peek at the preliminary sketches Hanah made for her design, both front and back!
And I can assure you, if all the other dresses are up to the same standard, Fusion will not fail to disappoint on the student design front.
Hanah will be wearing her creation to the Fusion after-party, allowing us all another chance to catch her great work up close and personally! The Fashion and Beauty Directors, Will Booth and Cecily Cole, have also procured a number of items from both high-street and high-end names for the modelling scenes…I will doubtless be envious by the end of the show, for sure.
I’ll be bringing you another blog après the after-party, which by the way, is to be held at Judges Lodgings, and will be a continuation the theme of twisted fairytales complete with drinks deals including flavoured sambucca shots…apple, orange, mango, raspberry, cinnamon and banana…for £2! If that’s not enough of a reason for you to get your ticket – all the proceeds are going to RAG, and it’s nearly sold-out, so I hear…so get your after-party tickets now, Fusion lovers!
The show, ‘Telling Tales’, opens tonight, so enjoy!
This dance is…
Fusion, my friends, is some hot stuff right now. Rehearsals have been kicked up a gear, with all nighters for the whole cast, and a fair few in the middle of the day as well. The show is competing to be the words on everybody’s lips against the elections hype at the moment, and in the midst of all this, I bring you one of my last blogs.
I wrangled a time slot with Jeremy Lilley and Danielle Spears, the two Head Choreographers for the show after a fair bit of effort in co-ordination. Where to start with them was quite a challenge – but I bring you perhaps the most epic of all my Committee chats to date. We met in the Courtyard, where I brought them supplies of Malteasers, Galaxy Minstrels, and some raisins. (Just in case they wanted to be healthy.) Here’s what went down…enjoy!
Guys, you’ve spent inordinate amounts of time on campus for this – why on earth did you run?
J: Looking back, I’m not sure…
D: We knew of each other, but first encountered at the Fusion after party last year.
You “encountered” each other?!
Both: Over a few cheeky bevies [I later found out there was an endless supply of champagne involved, all paid for by Jeremy].
D: Cesca called after the Fusion after party, and I remember thinking I’d like to choreographer a dance…
[Jeremy’s phone rings]
D: Babes that’s so rude…I’m gonna get some water…
So you were both in Fusion last year?
J: As a dancer! And I was a model. And I choreographed.
And you, Danielle?
D: Just as a plain old dancer. [she sighs]
Over the past few weeks, I’m not going to lie – you’ve both been really motivational to watch – what drives you forward?
J: The fact that we just enjoy it so much, so many of our friends are doing it too
D: For both of us, before uni there was the choice of going to uni or dancing…so uni has ended up being both!
J: Before there was a fear of not having the scope of being able to dance at uni
D: I didn’t know about Fusion before, either so it’s been great and unexpected.
What do you do when you feel like giving up?
D: Have a cheeky sob in the toilet at Willow and then we eat things there…prawn crackers
J: We just do it. There is not answer!
D: At the end of the day we are perfectionists – we’ll never have the opportunity again, even if we’re taking it a little to far!
As an aside…
J: Camilla, you might have noticed, it looks like we’ve all flipped a switch and gone insane.
D: People just end up looking at me with looks of horror!
I know for a fact that the cast have a huge amount of respect for you guys – do you find all this work gratifying? At the end of the day you’re just students like the rest of us and are putting in so many hours for a final product…you’re seen by a lot of the cast and Committee doing physically and mentally draining work but I know you do so much more, as well as still having some semblance of a social life…
J: It’s just an example of making the most of uni life and getting involved. People moan about being bored and something for absolutely everyone
D: Over Christmas we said we didn’t want to sacrifice either [our degrees or the quality of Fusion] and you do need a break. It’s important to socialise not just with dancers, but with other people too like your housemates.
A discussion then ensues about our plans for the night – I met up with them on a Sunday…
D: We’re going to be wearing sparkly hot pants out.
J: You know, I might wear some of my Fusion Fairytale Peter Pan outfit…
D: [outraged] As if you’re wearing tights to Gallery!!
Did you two know you have a sort of Good Cop/Bad Cop thing going on? (And not just in your brand new hoodies that I’ve been seeing a load of people wearing as of this week)
J: Do we? Which one am I?
Me: Bad Cop. Definitely.
J: Ah well, I don’t mind, it’s just who I am!
D: You told me you didn’t care about shouting at people! It’s nice to have a balance, and good to have both there at rehearsals.
J: Because of our personalities it balances out…
D: When we rehearse and choreograph we do it together, and always confer with the other one. Besides, you know why we’re really scary [to other people] – pale, dark circles under our eyes.
What’s the most frustrating thing for you? And what do you appreciate in the cast?
D: Attendance in rehearsals – excuses like “I’m really tired” or “I’m not feeling well” are frustrating when it’s a bullshit excuse.
J: But most frustrating thing is that it holds up the rehearsal process.
D: And that people subconsciously expect us to catch them up…
Do you find it a lot of responsibility to take on, and quite a big pressure to live up to a the standard as set by last year?
J: Yes. We’ve got an entire team behind us which makes it easier, and essentially what’s going on that stage in five days time is just quite a lot of pressure. Knowing what’s going to be seen has to be amazing – work has to happen for it to be good. That is it: what you’re visually seeing determines the show.
D: And it sets a precedent for the next year’s show, it’s not all just on hype. Hopefully we’ll help next year’s too?
Has Fusion been an unexpected hassle?
J: It’s not a hassle – it’s just about how much time it has take up. We knew it’d be a lot of work…
D: What we didn’t realise is that it’d be cheeky all-nighters! In back of my mind I’m gonna be happy with how it is – there will be criticism, but I just hope it’s justified.
J: Yeah, I hope it’s constructive.
And the most fun part?
J: Rehearsals!
D: Especially late night ones.
J: As long as if everyone’s in a good mood and up for it.
D: Which as we’ve got closer to the show, they really are up for it!
J: Everyone’s so hyped, it’s all about the motivation
Which is your favourite dance?
[they both think about this question for quite some time]
J: Modern Ball. It’s odd. We like odd. We’re very strange.
D: Lost Boys…[she thinks about this statement for a moment longer] It’s basically the dancification of us. Of our partnership.
Okay, I just want to touch on this really briefly as it’s a bit of a hot topic- why do you think people see Fusion as elitist?
J: With anything on campus that involves rehearsals or practices it’ll be there, like with sports teams or Dance Soc, cause you spend time together. It’d be weird if you weren’t a little bit!
D: Parties help other people get involved. You become like a family. Late at night you get this camaraderie which means that as soon as it’s over you’ll miss them straightaway.
What are you looking forward to most about Fusion being over?
D: Will really really miss it, spending so much time Jez…
J: [there is a distinct pause] Wish I could say the same thing about you!
Danielle slaps Jeremy and they both begin to laugh rather hysterically
J: No, well seriously – bouncing off each other and having a laugh has fostered a really fun atmosphere in rehearsals…it doesn’t make them a hassle, they’re something you’ve enjoyed.
D: Omg. This time next week it’ll be over!
J: I’ll be in the library. By about 2…Maybe 3.
Have you enjoyed choreographing modelling scenes as well?
D: Once the models became more responsive and got to know each other, it was really fun.
You two seem to spend a lot of time together, have you had many fall outs?
J: The amount of time is not healthy! Husbands and wives don’t spend that much time together. But we can sense tension and when something is going to happen…
D: We genuinely actually haven’t, we’ve had niggles and disagreements. It’s sickening but funny – whatever we have is just to do with a dance, it’s really silly in the end.
J: Sssh!
D: But we don’t!!
So, the question is guys…SNG?
J: I can’t wait, I’m so excited.
D: Buzzzzzzing!
Final words?
D: We probably need to say something witty…
J: And sound clever.
Both: OOF. [they burst into fits of laughter again]
By this time, all the Malteasers and Minstrels were gone…and only the poor raisins remained. I ran off, inordinately late to a pub lunch at Evil Eye, whilst Jeremy and Danielle went for a well earned (but short lived) rest until the packed rehearsal schedule for that evening.
I remember meeting ‘J-Dizzle’ at the very rehearsal I went to. I commented, back then, that if they could keep up the same level of enthusiasm that they put in until the end, that Fusion would be a great show. They have. And according to that prediction, I think that in TWO DAYS, we’re all in for a treat. The title of this blog relates to a text that I sent one of my housemates a few weeks back, during a rehearsal, at the height of my Fusion envy. The full text read: “This dance is sickkkkkkk. And you know I would never even use that word as an adjective!”
Tomorrow: I’ll be bringing you a commentary on an exclusive to Nouse student fashion designer sneak-preview that I had last week of a stunning dress created by Hanah Mamoojee.
Getting “behind the scenes”
The first performance of Fusion’s show, ‘Telling Tales’, for those of you who have been entirely oblivious is in just six days, in Central Hall. The rehearsal schedule is frantic for models and dancers alike, the Committee are busy to an extraordinary degree, and tickets are on sale now. I have but one piece of advice: go go go! From all I’ve seen, heard, and been confided in the last few weeks, this is a show you will not want to miss.
This week I’ve been chatting to Tim Green, Technical Director, and Simon Burrell, Music Director about their experiences of Fusion. They’re both involved in extremely “behind the scenes” roles, adding to the final product that we’ll all be seeing next week.
Hey Tim. So, um, Technical Director…that means what, exactly?
I work really closely with Rose – we work out how it’s all gonna actually come about on stage…she has the ideas and I say how we’re gonna make it look like that. It’s all about entrances, exits, effects and equipment, that sort of thing…staging, lights, smoke machines…whatever you want!
How did you start out with all of that?
Rose would throw words at me and we’d look and change it and design. It’s the techies who make it look like it looks… so if it looks good, then we’ve done a good job. It’s hard to explain to people who don’t do it, it looks like you’re just flipping a switch.
And are you stressed?
Not yet, but I’m sure there’s plenty to come. Why bother stressing?
What’s your biggest worry?
Getting stuff delivered… and with the financial aspect, the technical area is the biggest thing that Fusion spends its money on. We’ve had free-flowing budgets in terms of sponsorship and how the events do. Ultra-vires ruling makes things difficult, so we’ve had lots of meetings with Helen and Zoe and Rhianna.
What made you the right person for this position?
I worked a whole load of tech stuff at school and as assistant at the theatre in my gap year.
Do you have any last words for the Fusion lovers out there?
Come to the show and get involved.
Simon Burrell, Music Director, has been described as “immense”, a “legend” and “out of this world, a real dude” by various Fusion Committee members. Simon was also the Music Director for last year’s Fusion show, so has plenty of experience already. Having heard so much about this creative and mysterious character, I met up with him in Central Hall to see for myself the man behind the hype – and his poetic one-liner prowess certainly did not fail to impress…
How would you describe being Music Director, Simon?
I take water from many sonic pools and put them into one glass.
You’ve been described by some of the Committee as a bit of a legend…what do you make of that?
It’s me against the world.
Why did you think you got the position – do you think it was down to your previous experience from last year?
I was the only one to run. And maybe because I’m so tall and stuff.
How do you feel about this year’s show?
I really like darkness. It’s very different to last year’s shows, a down rather than up spectacle… if that makes sense.
Do you find it to be quite a lot of pressure for one person? Do you think people will like this year’s music?
I don’t give a shit what people think.
A refreshing perspective…
Like to be a controversial guy… I’d like there to be a blanket ban on Jack Wills.
Outside of Fusion circles, what kind of music are you into?
I like it deep, I like it loud, and I like it human.
And finally – any last words?
I’ll give you a lowdown on the creative team… Will and Cecily are Public Enemies Numbers One and Two for promising me a modelling cameo and then not delivering. Rose is a fantastic psychopath who has regular dreams involving decapitation. Cesca is responsible for the bad weather of late. Jeremy is buzzing non-stop and I cry myself to sleep every night because Danielle still won’t go out with me.
N.B.: Do not take offence, Fusion Committee, I’m pretty sure Simon was joking about you guys… although there may have been an element of truth in that he cries himself to sleep over a love that has been lost? Make of it what you will…
You can buy your Fusion tickets for Friday 5 and Saturday 6 of March now from YourShop both in Market Square and online or from Vanbrugh stalls from 12pm till 2pm everyday this week.
I apologise for all these lengthy blogs, Fusion lovers – it just appears that once you get the Committee talking about Fusion, they just won’t stop! I promise to be rounding off all the Committee chats this week, if I can catch the remaining members between their ridiculously hectic schedules! The effect is starting to wear off on me as well, though. On Tuesday I was asked about how Fusion works: 20 minutes later, I was still babbling on about it… and I’m not even in the show. Infectious enthusiasm? I think so.
It’s all about the cashflow
This week, we’re talking denarii, yen, dollars, and a whole load of organisation in between. First, I met with Becky Young, the Fusion Secretary at The Courtyard. After an enlightening discussion about the head-freezing qualities of smoothies, we get down to business…
Not to be rude, Becky, but what on earth does the role of Secretary actually involve?
Booking rooms, however dull that sounds, that’s my main role, along with organising Committee meetings, taking minutes…
Is it ever…problematic to book rooms!?
Actually, yes! Everyone wants the biggest spaces.
Why did you run?
The show last year was phenomenal… I’m not that fashionable, I can’t even put own makeup on and I can’t dance to save my life, but I was fascinated by role. I heard Cesca was to run and although it was labelled stereotypical, it was such a good thing to join.
What do you say to the stigma attached to Fusion?
Lots of people think it’s all about ‘pretty people’ but it’s an amazing dance show, and one of those University experiences which you should definitely get involved in. It’s the most versatile thing on campus. It’s not a case of prettiness – the fact is that there were 155 girls, all competing for the same position.
It seems like I’ve hit a nerve of a sense of departure with Ms Young… As we leave The Courtyard, she exclaims: “I’m really gonna miss it… oh!”
The next day, I kept to the “serious stuff” and met with Emily Scorey, Fusion Treasurer in V-bar. Busy busy times for the majority, but for these two ladies, things are dying down.
What does your role actually mean, Emily? Is it basically a load of number crunching?
I tell people what they can spend and collect money. I also sort out budgets for the show, and I make sure people actually understand how much they have to spend.
All this talk about finance is definitely not to my liking!
The money we spend is what we can afford and what makes the show look good. It might sound hard if you sit and look at it not knowing tech terms if you’re given money accounts.
What have your aims been in terms of working out the budgeting?
To absolve costs and still give a decent amount to RAG, and make more than last year.
Why did you run for what seems to be a pretty serious role?
I really wanted to do more around campus and Cesca told me about the elections…and I’m really into the performing arts anyway.
So would you ever consider performing in the show?
I’m desperate to be in it, I’m really kicking myself. I was at auditions helping out, as well!
So maybe not as quiet times as I thought? It would appear that for these ladies their involvement with Fusion means doing things entirely behind the scenes, without much outward recognition for it. Maybe that’s what I should do. After all, my dancing abilities are more than limited (to Tru, Gallery, or similar)…and I’ve certainly not got the making of a model.
Coming up… RAG chats and a couple of backstage peeks exclusive to Nouse!
And not to mention, that with TEN days to go, tickets actually go on sale on Wednesday 24 March. It might be a little later than expected, but with any luck this won’t have too much of an impact for the Committee… Hop to it, web-goers!
3, 2, 1: Lift off
This week has also seen the final Fusion event before the show itself: the Launch Party. It was held at Vodka Revs on Monday, where about 75 people turned up to see the promotional video for the show, complete with steamy models and a dramatic ‘Twisted Fairytale’ forest setting…A nice little sneak preview with 14 days to go, according to the Fusion website…check out the promo video coming soon to www.fusionyork.co.uk. Tickets should also actually be on sale any day now, exciting stuff! Last year, the second night of Fusion totally sold out, so make sure you get in there quick this year.
In the spirit of events, I met up with Anamika Vithlani, one of the two Fusion Events Co-ordinators. She bounded into Costa Coffee to meet me straight from a Lacrosse practice…and here’s what we got to chatting about!
Okay Anamika, tell me a bit about the role of Events Co-ordinator.
Well, we organise the actual Fusion events, which is the main thing – we try to get at least two a term and then the after party which is the big one. Last year was really good, so hopefully this year will be just as good.
What’s the hardest part of organising these events, and how do you go about it?
First we usually come up with the theme. It’s the venue which is the harder part – a lot of places don’t want to hire out for students and some societies have made a bad name for themselves which can make things difficult…Luckily Fusion has a good rep in town! For example, VUDU were really happy to have us.
Aww, that’s lovely! Which has been your favourite event so far this year?
The Living Room event was really good, we try to make most of the events themed…but the Living Room was totally different. We managed to get the timing just right, with a good location, theme, a jazz band, candy canes, RAG were there, and we had a raffle! It really was buzzing!
How did you get involved in Fusion?
A friend of mine was a dancer so she told me a lot about it…but seeing the show is a big thing and because it’s a really good show you really want to be involved. The other thing I noticed (which is the case where a lot of people think Fusion is “exclusive”) is that coming in, I didn’t know anyone, but integrating has been so easy. I’m so grateful – it’s opened loads of doors.
With events, I can imagine you get quite a sense of achievement in seeing something that you’ve brought about?
It’s always nice to see what you can pull together, so yeah, it does make me feel proud, especially when even events at big clubs can get shut down so easily.
It doesn’t seem too stressful!
My biggest problem is that I never decide what to wear till the last minute, so my housemates always telling me what me to wear and giving me options!
Creativity Central
Hello Fusion lovers!
So far this week I’ve met up with Rose Rea, Fusion’s Creative Director in Central Hall, during a rehearsal. Rose has been present at pretty much every rehearsal I’ve been to, assisting by starting the music and seeing how things look…Blackberry in hand, and MacBook at the ready with a pile of Fusion documents open, I got ready to learn a little more about Fusion…
What do you do in your role as Creative Director?
What do I not do? I oversee all the different creative areas of the show and events, for one – Cesca and I came up with the theme together, and then I wrote the basis of the show.
How did you get involved in Fusion?
I owe Cesca the whole experience – she said there was a great position open, but I didn’t know much about Fusion at the time. Creative Director was the only position I could’ve filled successfully, so I met up with last year’s Creative Director, Ollie Tilney. My idea for the theme was one I kind of liked so I thought about it for a couple of days and ran with it…If there was a reason I got the position, that’s why.
Tell me more about the theme, Twisted Fairytales… without giving too much away of course!
It really has taken some wild turns. There’s a lot of scope to be wild, but if it weren’t for Will, Danielle, Cecily, and Jeremy it wouldn’t have spread as far as it has. It’s both scary and wonderful to see it take shape with other people taking it forward – and those people have such drive that they make the surreal things that I only see in my head a reality.
It seems like you’re very involved with the process at the moment?
I bounce ideas with Simon [Music Director], and am pretty involved with other people’s spheres. If there’s something I can input, I say so. No one minds everyone butting in. None of us were really good friends before the process began but our working and personal relationships have evolved really well. Without everyone pulling their weight, we wouldn’t have the finished result. I love rehearsals – they relax me the most, it’s so weird! I like seeing this progress every week, like we’re gonna get there.
No inter-Committee anger, then?
No one gets pissed off – everything is conducive to end product. I don’t really ever see anything as not being “my area”, I don’t ever feel I’ve done something I shouldn’t be doing. And I don’t feel aggrieved that someone asks me to step in – it’s part of my job, and because I don’t mind it doesn’t bother me.
Are you beginning to get worried about the show?
I’m not worried, but apprehensive. We want it to build on the incredible success of last year. As I sit in this room, I now think we can only go higher, and not fall short. I’m a positive sort of nervous…touch wood nothing will go wrong, the pace is going well!
I think it’s quite hard for people who haven’t been involved in Fusion to understand the workings of it from behind the scenes…
As long as people have a great experience of the show, that’s what matters. It’s rewarding even if people don’t fully grasp it – on the last night we’ll look at the performance and say that’s what we wanted. As long as we’re proud, it doesn’t matter to a certain extent.
What do you think is the hardest thing for people to grasp about Fusion?
The sense of camaraderie. It’s so nice when people come out chatting from rehearsals and are talking about the show… The experience is priceless and no one can take it away from you.
You seem really busy, by the looks of things?
I have dreams about Fusion all the time. Because it’s fairytale, it’s so easy for it to slip into your subconscious! At the moment there’s nothing I like more than when people don’t ask me questions. It’s got to a stage where I’ve got a food timetable…
What!? That’s crazy! What’s on the menu tonight?
Prawn, spring onion, and lemon risotto made by my boyfriend!
I bet you’re really loving all that organisation…What’s one thing that Fusion has taught you so far?
Fusion has taught me diplomacy, and having to accommodate opinions, to learn as much as I can. People with attitudes don’t get anywhere, if you bring it to rehearsal, you get nowhere…it’s so different if you come with a smile and willingness to help.
Would you ever consider performing in Fusion yourself?
Ha! You must be joking! I respect the dancers… Not just cause I’m a shitty dancer but because of their enthusiasm.
By the end of our chat, I realise Rose has been doodling with a biro and some Tippex. And her inadvertent drawing? A little Fusion logo on a scrap of paper. It really is in her subconscious, after all!
Heading straight for the top: chats with the Fusion Prez.
While the supplies of ProPlus flow in abundance after a heavy weekend of rehearsals, today I met up with Cesca Dessain, Fusion President, at the Courtyard for drinks and a proper chat about Fusion. I’ve met her a fair few times, but now I’m really going to try to get to know her and the heart of Fusion. So far in my blogs I’ve introduced the dancers, the models, the socials…the stuff that can be seen on the surface. But it’s becoming apparent that there’s a whole lot more to Fusion than what I’ve already experienced, so I want to discover what goes on behind the scenes with the Committee as well.
Cesca has previously expressed how she wants to make sure that this year of Fusion, as is the case every year, is really different. In her opinion, the show is and should not be about superficialities or an elitist performance group running around like crazy people. Today she’s turned up in between netball practices, only too happy to be talking about the passion that’s taking over her life. Each year it grows and grows – but what’s the real pull behind the entity that is FUSION?
Right, so tell me Cesca: what lies at the very heart of Fusion?
Basically, it’s an opportunity – to meet people, to express all the talents at the University of York, to have fun. It’s a unique, prestigious event that happens every year, and people know it’ll be good. And because it’s different every year, each Committee learns from the previous, takes it up a level, and becomes successful in their own way.
So what direction are you wanting it to diverge into this year?
At university, everyone already has other commitments. But this an opportunity to get involved, not only in performing but backstage. Even if you’re watching, you’re participating. What I want people to realise is that we’re not a dance school, and York has a load of talent which needs recognition.
That’s true, we’re a really academic University, societies like Fusion are really the only outlets for these sorts of creative talents…
The reason Fusion is successful is that there’s nothing that compares to it on campus. I want to promote York’s talent and a real community vibe. So many people say they want to get involved, and you can – it’s really worth it. It gives other societies, like MUS (Make-up Society) opportunities to collaborate as well. We’re working up to a product, but I don’t want to let Fusion drop as a society after that. I’d like to continue the RAG focus – and the third term needs an excuse to meet up and carry on the friendships made through the show.
I’ve previously touched upon the fact that people view Fusion as an “elite”. Are there any rumours you want to dispel about Fusion?
Fusion is definitely recognised as a society involving the “pretty”, “exclusive”, “selective” members at university. Last year successfully, although not entirely, drew away from this and focussed on talents and people saw it in a different light. Each President transforms the show in their own way and I want to grow on last year’s team.
You were involved last year as Ordinary Member – what work are you doing now that you didn’t necessarily expect?
Obviously I have a really high level of involvement in Fusion work as President– being on the Committee last year allowed me to see how it worked and the fantastic job Tim [Ngwena, last year’s Fusion President] did. I really value personal organisation, and having deadlines – I hate being stressed out. We’d been doing preparation over summer – so that we could come back to York and just go. It’s a real learning curve from mistakes. I knew it’d be hard but personally, I only work well when I’ve got things to do. Being an Ordinary Member was like a stepping stone, as now I know how to be highly involved in every aspect of Fusion.
Have you made any underestimations?
I see events as way to meet the cast – rather than a night out, which is something else I’d really like to influence to change.
How would you describe your role as President?
It’s…[she laughs] kinda I’m like the glue, sticking everything together, co-ordinating everything so that it’s running smoothly, on time, holding the pieces together – there has to be a leader, but even behind that leader there has to be a team. It’s the only way you can work – there has to be someone taking charge, different individuals work better together, with different talents and views.
Do you think the cast find you “accessible”? There’s usually a sense of untouchable authority to the leader of a big group of people where you’re not necessarily known personally by all of them…
I’m just one of everyone else really, there’s no hierarchy in Fusion – I’m just guiding the way to a show. My role is also to be a supporter. The Committee is here for one thing – each other and the whole cast. At the moment the cast are connected to me just by what they’re actually doing. Everyone’s got a responsibility. The Committee is the foundation, but everyone is involved. Everyone has a role, even the audience! We need people to be there for us to perform to.
What’s your biggest worry at the moment?
[Without much hestitation] Not reaching people’s expectations. Fusion has a high standard. I have to be at least a bit worried, I’d be worried if I wasn’t! You always want the best – admittedly I’m a perfectionist. As long as you know you’ve worked your hardest, it’s fine. It’s funny, so many people are asking me how stressed I am at the moment. Of course it’s gonna be hectic, but there’s no time to be stressing out. The Committee is there to stick together…Stress isn’t a word I’d like to use!
That’s a really healthy attitude. I’m really feeling the Fusion love here!
It’s such an incredible thing to be inspired, both on stage and off, and the people who come to watch are such a big part of that.
Having finished her mango smoothie, Cesca departs for some more netball, telling me to get in touch anytime. Today I also discovered that she’s actually a second year – to me that’s pretty impressive, to be that passionate about a show and society like this after only a year at university. Something that I’ve realised is that all the Committee members are at the end of the day, (obviously, but importantly) just students. They’re giving up their time to make Fusion the best production it can be, and pouring hours of effort into aspects which won’t necessarily be visible in the final product. Whether it’s scheduling Central Hall and rehearsal spaces or making sure that the cast and Committee are up to date and organised, Cesca is living and breathing Fusion. She’d be happy to talk about it all day, and it shows quite clearly, so I’ll definitely be taking her up on it again.
This week a few rehearsals have been rearranged but the cast are still enthusiastic, wanting the show to be the best it possibly can. The cast are also realising the real time commitment required of them. Missing a week of rehearsals can prove really problematic as the Choreographers discovered this week, in terms of formation and catching up on new moves. But, the Committee have assured Nouse that it’s well worth it – Jeremy and Danielle each spent thirty consecutive hours on campus this weekend, and at the end of it with about an hour and a half of sleep. Danielle says: “we went to nightline for a cheeky brew, but they had ran out of mugs so we had chocolate hobnobs and just chatted to two really nice people for about an hour who we convinced to come to the show! Staying on campus was pretty fun actually and both Jeremy and I managed Gallery last night as well! HARDCORE!”
Wow – now that’s dedication, wouldn’t you say? Oof.
Who’s the fairest of them all?
It seems to me that the Fusion models definitely didn’t know what they were getting themselves in for. When you think of all the “beautiful” people doing modeling, choreographed character routines don’t necessarily come to mind…but when you’re a part of Fusion? Expectations rise to a whole other level.
The facial expressions when the boys from one of the modeling scenes found out that they had to do more than just walk down a catwalk in their first rehearsal, was one of sheer disbelief. Whatever they were expecting, they were certainly not prepared to be learning any sort of dance moves. Without giving it all away, we’re talking real sexual tension between the female lingerie models their male counterparts. The end product? Oh, it’ll be a sight for the ladieeeees. Girls, you’ll want to be there, for sure.
Of the other modelling rehearsals I frequented this week, the variety of musical arrangements which the group of choreographers (it’s not just Jeremy and Danielle choreographing every modelling scene as well, for which I think they’re pretty thankful) have to work with is really going to give the show some diversity. Think easy listening jazz one minute, hip hop beats the next.
It has to be said, the difference between models and dancers became apparent within minutes…let’s just say I’ve never seen so much fuss about walking in a straight line. Yet, diva-esque characteristics equally started to show after an hour of practice, as I even heard the brave word “freestyling” uttered from one of the boys and posing time on stage. (A concept I wouldn’t have shot down, purely for comedy value.) Then again, neither would I have been surprised if I’d seen one of them asking Fusion Pres Cesca to fetch some mineral water. Anyway, I digress, and will be bringing you more on this and the fashion outfits soon!
I now have quite a lot of respect for the girls, who practiced in some staggeringly high heels. Fusion definitely seems to have sourced out one or two potential “Miss York” candidates for it’s cast. To all those who auditioned but didn’t make the final cut, I send you my commiserations, but just think of it the way I do: those girls will be getting a whole lot of jealous resentment from the majority of campus after Week 8. (Sorry, but York is basically ninety percent female, if you haven’t already noticed lack of male talent around campus. Fact.)
However, the real highlight of this week for me was my Fusion-based dreams of the last three weeks coming true. Well, to a certain extent. I actually got involved in one of the scenes…standing in for a male model…Which is not a lot of consolation when you’re not really feeling all that feminine of a day. (Turquoise coat was on the entire time, not exactly the most flattering attire.) But whatever – march, march, turn, turn – that’s the gist of what I got up to on my Sunday afternoon. Screw degree work, I (would like to think) know what it’s like to be in Fusion now. And it’s FUN. Never thought I’d get so into striding round a room. But, just it is. Seriously!
I must say one thing about the male models at least: they should not try to be dancers. Sorry boys, you’re just not gonna make the cut, just stick to looking pretty. Who knows, most of them are probably reject dance auditionees anyway.
Let’s Dress Up. Let’s Get Smashed.
Hello Fusion Lovers! This week saw the second Fusion social event– here’s the lowdown on the stats…
People at event: 90 (although many more tickets were sold)
Well-poised networkers: at least 20.
People who fully dressed up in ‘Fairytale’ costumes: 5.
Award for best costume: Hanah Mamoojee, a costume designer, as an Ice Queen.
Drunken dancers: at least 15, with another 15 well on the way to a thorough inebriation.
Drunken dancers who noticeably fell over: 2.
Drunken dancers slurring “you shhhould be in Fuseshion, why didn’t you auditshionnn?”: 5.
People named Camilla Apcar thinking I should definitely never audition, so as to avoid further social mortification: 1.
Far right: Hanah Mamoojee, photo: Justyn Hardcastle
The money from the social ticket sales goes straight towards the running costs of the show, therefore allowing more of the show ticket sales to go straight to the RAG beneficiaries. Has there ever been a better excuse for a social?
Camilla Apcar, Jeremy Lilley, Danielle Spears and Alana Reeves, photo: Justyn Hardcastle
On another note, there are a lot of preconceptions about the cast of Fusion. Personally, I’m still torn. Word on the street is that it’s made up of a DanceSoc elite, but then again – Fusion is all about dance, so that’s not really much of a surprise, is it now?
Backing this up, two of my Fresher housemates are also in the show, and neither are DanceSoc members. The social also saw a great many of the models striding up the VUDU staircase looking beautifully made up and well coiffed, much to my dismay as I had quite literally run into town from the bus…in the aforementioned huge turquoise coat.
This year also sees YUSU Sabbatical Officers Charlie Leyland and Tim Ngwena dancing alongside the current Fusion President. Charlie may well be the most enthusiastic person there by far, but Tim spends a lot of time either filming the routines or looking baffled. (Probably also delighting in the fact that he’s in a room full of dancers and that the nearest male company is 20 meters away…)
I witnessed the first cracks of stress emerging from the Committee this week, with a couple of frantically tense phone calls mid-rehearsal. Just how many hours certain members of the Committee spend contributing to Fusion rather than on their degree work is also becoming increasingly apparent from the rehearsal schedules. I can only compare that to the amount of time I spend watching television online and making lists of all the menial tasks I “absolutely have to do” (i.e. painting my nails). Cesca, on the other hand, told me that there’s “no point getting stressed”…optimistic leadership? I like it! The Fusion Committee itself is admittedly large,19 students in all – meaning that she probably doesn’t even have the time to get stressed, given that she’s directing that many people.
33 days to go…and all I can hear are the counts of 5, 6, 7, 8 going round in my head. Fusion fever is taking hold! Next time in ‘Twists in the Tales’ – a modeling special!
Fusion 2010: ‘Twisted Fairytales’
Greetings, web-goers! I bring you a sparkly new blog about everyone’s favourite RAG event of the year- Fusion 2010: ‘Twisted Fairytales’.
153 students.
One show.
The time has come! Under the leadership of new Fusion President Cesca Dessain, rehearsals for the show at the end of this term begun last weekend. And I was present to view the nervous faces some of the anxious dancers turn up at their first Fusion rehearsal, trying to anticipate what’s in store for their performances.
Sat there, in my huge turquoise coat with a packet of crisps in hand, I faced 20 students clad in their dance gear. And it didn’t take long for me to suddenly feel rather…inadequate. Because when you see that someone can instantaneously do the splits in a warm-up, it really makes you re-think how much “energy” you put into your exercise regime. Which, in my case, has been in its current phase of non-existence for quite a number of years.
The sheer amount of enthusiasm that Head Choreographers Jeremy Lilley and Danielle Spears put into their very first rehearsals made me feel like it was I, not the group in front of me doing the work-out. If they can keep up that level of enthusiasm for the entire lead up, their passion will be a real driving force for the show. Or…they’ll collapse in a heap of exhaustion. Oof. (Let’s hope not.) But which scenario plays out will remain to be seen over the next five weeks – and I’ll be there charting it all the way.
I must say from the start – as much as I really do love to spend my nights on the dance floor (Gallery, Tru; I’m not fussy), I’m not sure I could physically hack being in Fusion. I didn’t even audition, but it looked genuinely painful. I’m beginning to think that Fusion is a lifestyle, not just a show. There are lunges involved. Yes you read correctly: lunges. In my estimation you need to have a real passion for something to be doing lunges for fun.
For now, the models will be strutting down L/N/028 in stylishly lent clothes (or in much less, for the lingerie models); the dancers will be doing do high-kicks, sweeping rolls across the floor and generally be getting a bit sweaty. And me, you ask? I will be relaxing with my bar of chocolate, secretly envious that I’m not up there dancing too.
37 days to go- I wonder when the tears will kick in…