We started rehearsing in class and decided that we were going to be singing as well. We found a karakoe version and decided which parts we were going to cut out as it's a very long song. Us singers decided between ourselves which parts we were going to sing. We divided them out making sure everyone had a small solo and everyone who wanted to sing got a chance. We all knew the words already which was a lot easier because we could throw ourselves right into it and not waste time learning words.
We started the choreography and each made up eight counts each to not make it too much hard work. After choreographing everything we learnt it all properly and brought up the energy levels. As the dance was very up beat it was impossible to sing the whole thing while putting full energy into the dancing as well. We decided that the singers were going to still dance but only do the arms movements and not put in full energy. This meant that the dancers had to put in extra effort to make up for the singers.
When the whole performance was put together we got students and teachers to come and watch and give us some feedback. They all loved it and couldn't believe it was all put together in 2 weeks. Comments were also made about how the energy was amazing and they couldn't believe how the singing still sounded good even though we were so out of breathe.
Throughout the day other acts were rehearsing and we supported them in proper Kings Langley style. We really threw ourselves into the supportive spirit and enjoyed most of the day.
It got to show time and we had all our hair and make-up done. We decided to go big on hair and make-up and it looked really good on stage. We only had a small budget for costumes but we dealt with that and ended up with a simple costume that looked really affective on stage. As we stood back stages we were talking to the other acts and supporting them by wishing them luck. We didn't know we would be getting comments by the judges and we all had a group chat and told each other not to react badly to criticism.
We had a lot of support in the audience and this always makes a performance a lot better when you have people really cheering and clapping for you. I was very nervous as this was the first time I would be singing and dancing on stage at the same time.
The performance went really well and we were all keen to get the judges comments. The two women judges were lovely and gave us some really nice comments. This all changed when we got to the two men. So nasty hurtful comments were made leaving us deverstated. We could of dealt with the fact that the timing was a little bit out in some part and some people didn't put as much energy in as others but comment "it came alive a bit when the singers stopped singing" really got to us. We are a group of young girls and a comment like this really knocked our confidence. We thought this was going to be an enjoyable performance for charity and it was ruined by these comments. There was no need for these comments and a lot of parents were upset as well. Letters of complaint were written by teachers and parents and we did get a reply. He did make an apology but it still doesn't make up for what was said.
This has made us aware though that some people may not like what you do and you just have to rise above it. It doesn't matter what other people think as long as you are doing what you want to do and are enjoying yourself that is all that matters.
