Work Placement with Scottish Dance Theatre July-August 2012.
I am studying BA (Hons) Performance Costume at Edinburgh College of Art, about to enter my second year. Through Dawn Hartley (Scottish Dance Theatre’s Education Manager) I was offered the fantastic opportunity of assisting costume designer Anna Fleischle on the company’s new work: Second Coming, choreographed by Victor Quijada. This is invaluable practical experience, particularly given the unique requirements of costuming dance. I was involved at every stage; image research to sourcing and shopping, fittings to rehearsals; taking part in the complex collaborative web between designer, choreographer, dancers, wardrobe department and technical team. I have had a wonderful insight into Anna’s approach to costume; for example her use of online pin-boards for collecting research. I noted particularly how her design process was adapted to suit the ongoing evolution of Victor’s choreography and the short timescale, a contrast to script-based theatre. Inspired by images of ‘streetwear’ from fashion collections and blogs, a wide range of potentially suitable garments were gathered. Asking the dancers to find initial outfits from these brought immediate individuality to the costumes. In subsequent fittings, Anna’s keen eye for detail ensured the visual coherence essential for stage. Tweaking of hem-length, narrowing of sleeves or introduction of pattern had often surprising effects on the balance of shapes, layers, colours, textures. Movement of clothing on the body was crucial. It was instantly evident in the dancers’ physical expression when they enjoyed what they were wearing. In the wardrobe department’s alterations, I saw clever solutions to making ordinary clothing suitable for dance. Over a short period, I have learnt and observed much, and been so warmly welcomed onto the project. My thanks to Anna Fleischle, SDT and Dundee Rep.
Molly MacDonell Finlayson