Dance Workshop: Rub Shoulders With Pros

April 4th (possible extra session will be added) Bingham Hall, Cirencester

During the Easter Holiday, two dancers quite at home on a theatre stage will now be helping others along their own journeys to show time. After having tap danced with Adam Garcia on a recent Positive Luxury advert, they are soon to be running a workshop in Cirencester at Bingham Hall.

Thomas Ashton

Thomas started dancing whilst studying at Cirencester College on the Performing Arts Btec in 2004, under the guidance of Katherine-Lucy Bates (Principal of Cirencester Creative Dance Acadamey).




Thomas Ashton

This kind of opportunity only came after years of work. He completed his BTEC course with a triple distinction. Afterwards, he choose to continue his studies in Dance and Performing Arts at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Whilst at LIPA, Thomas studied Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary dance to name but a few, and got to work alongside such noted dancers and choreographers as Steve Nestar, Lavelle Smith Jr etc. Thomas graduated in 2011 with a first class honours and the prestigious dance award, voted for by the staff of LIPA.

Since graduating, Thomas has moved to London to further his career within the dance industry. So far he performed in several productions including ‘Echoes’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, ‘Grease’ with Future Cinema and The Smarta 100 Awards as part of Living The Dream Company, as well as being signed as a choreographer to top commercial agency Riven Productions, and being taken on as resident choreographer for Thinking Bob, an interactive events company which saw Thomas put on a production of ‘A Rocky Horror Picture Show’. Thomas has worked on "Resolutions 2013" at The Place as part of Wrecking Ball Dance Company. Much of which work can be seen on his YouTube channel. Thomas is currently choreographing Cheltenham Fashion Week.

www.youtube.com/ThomasAshtonDance

Camilla-Alicia Bates 

Camilla-Alicia Bates

"Millie" as she is affectionately known has a good deal in common with Thomas. She will also take part in Cheltenahm fashion week as a dancer. Camilla-Alicia started dance at CCDA, taking her ISTD examinations to a vocational level in Tap, Modern and Ballet. Along with dancing, Camilla sings which was displayed in her solo platform "9 to 5". She then went on to obtain a triple distinction in her BTEC in Performing Arts and Distinction in Dance Award. She auditioned and obtained several offers of places from the top dance & musical theatre schools including scholarships from Italia Conti, Millennium and Urdang Academy but decided to take up a place at Bird College, where she studied the BA Hons Degree in Dance and Theatre Performance.

During her course at Bird she was taught by many industry names among them David Leighton (XFactor) Mandy Montess (SYTYCD) and Nicki O’Hara. Since graduating in 2011 Camilla has been danced in London Fashion week for designer Meadham Kirchoff, done a 6 week singing & acting tour, acted in Under Milk Wood at the London New Cross Theatre and danced in a Bollywood film. She also has performed in three different shows at the International Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the most recent production being “Echoes” in 2011.

She has danced for Thinking Bob interactive events company and played the role of Magenta in their version of The Rocky Horror picture show. She teaches dance and musical theatre classes at various schools in London and hosts dance birthday parties for children under 12. As a young choreographer Camilla has directed the dancing for a viral video for an ice cream company and produced numerous show, festival and exams numbers. Camilla is currently rehearsing with a contemporary dance company for a performance in The Resolution season at The Place (LSCD). 

www.youtube.com/CamillaMillieBates
CCDA Web Presence:
danceline@CCDA.co.uk
www.CCDA.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/CcdaCirencesterCreativeDanceAcademy

West End Comes to Cheltenham: MJ-UK Music and Arts

https://www.facebook.com/MJUKMusicAndArts?fref=ts
Musicals and opera comes to Cheltenham's Parabola Arts Centre!
On April 3rd, 4th and 5th MJ-UK will be delivering their show "The West End Comes to Cheltenham". Being somewhat new to Cheltenham, MJ-UK have a strong following around other parts of the Cotswolds.

Past productions have included Sweeney Todd, Seussical, and La Boheme.

The show will include some hits from Les Miserables as a nod to the newly released Hollywood film.

Troupe leader Maria Jagusz is an experienced opera singer herself, and as a director very inclusive and able to refine peoples raw talent.

Though the remit of MJ-UK is to bring young people opportunities, some people attached to the group make opportunities for themselves. Some past and current members have or are developing professional careers in music, be it opera or pop.

Ben Maggs is one example. The songwriter from Cirencester was the lead in Sweeney Todd in 2012.

Now the Troupe is coming to the refined environment of the Parabola theater, take the opportunity to see the group on a wonderful stage!
Tickets: 01242 707 338
www.ParabolaArtsCentre.co.uk
http://mj-uk.co.uk/MJUK/right_now%21.html

Music At Somewhere Else

Grab a seat!

Music at Somewhere Else

Somewhere Else is well known for its food and drink in Cirencester. Open from 08:30 to 00:00 most days, great and healthy refreshment is provided by Relish, as well as more indulgent options covering the lattes and liquors of the world.

From 29^th March music will become a fixture for the next few weeks, culminating in a “Cafe Open Mic” where regulars and newcomers will be welcome to take to the stage on April 14^th. 

Whether you’re tried and tested looking to network, or wanting to develop your skills, it will be the day for you.

Friday 29^th sees duo Lewi and Josh play recent chart covers and classic Beatles songs. Evan Burgess will be performing on the night, interpreting artists as diverse as Johnny Cash, Depeche Mode and Nat King Cole.

Not long after, Easter Sunday has the Tourettes playing their particular style of harmonised covers. Whether it’s Crowded House or Spandau Ballet, people will be able to sing along or get up and dance.

April 5^th will be a different flavour all together, with female vocalist group Sounds of Soul coming in with Tempations, Stevie Wonder and Sade covers.

On April 14^th, it's Open Mic! If you’ve ever wanted to play at Somewhere Else, here’s your chance. On a laid back Sunday afternoon, no one will be lairy but supportive and chatty. If you do need a drink to build up your courage, that certainly won’t be a problem as the venue is fully licensed. But if you’re a non-drinker used to music in pubs, you definitely won’t be told the coffee machine's switched off!

See www.somewhereelse.co.uk for menu.

The Flaming Feathers Burlesque troupe come to town!

Scorching Ladies

http://www.theflamingfeathers.co.uk 
Cirencester will be suffering from an early heatwave as the Flaming Feathers come to the Barn Theatre this Friday, 22nd March 2013, we'll be there to interview them and look forward to a review...

With 10 talented dancers, vintage, buxom and sexy are words that immediately spring to mind if you were doing a word association with "The Flaming Feathers" on a Freudian psycho-analysts chair. Coming out of Bristol, they are coming to the Barn Theatre in Cirencester to add yet more spice to the already popular venue.

The strictly 18 plus event will draw a sizeable crowd already, but with such a class act coming through the town, you'd kick yourself if you didn't make an effort to get a foot in the door.

The pale skin of slender girls fits the Victorian era archetype, and despite each girl being as gorgeous as the other, it is actually a variety show. Poetry, dancing and music will augment the visual delights of the likes of troupe leader GoldieLox. If you want to see something quite different, this is your chance.

Friday 22nd March 2013. Doors 7.30pm Tickets £15 

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The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester, GL7 1BN

01285 648230

info@inglesidecirencester.com

http://www.inglesidethebarn.com/

Le Beaujolais-The French Option in Cirencester

Conveniant Parking (at the right times)

Le Beaujolais-The only French option in Cirencester

After meeting in the Alps, Eric Lepine and Kiean Glynn independently moved to England and by chance bumped into each other once more. “Would you like to open a French restaurant?” one said to the other. Le Beaujolais in Cirencester was the answer. With French chef Eric, the authenticity of the project is hemmed into the charming locale. The experiences of Kiean in the Alps and his first-hand knowledge of both English and French culture enables the boys to work cohesively so everything is French and yet plausible to the English.

It is a restaurant that can accommodate most budgets. The lunch time array of crepes (12:00-14:30) are reasonably priced and the venue can be enjoyed as a café at this stage, however during lunch if you want something more substantial one might take a two course menu for only £11.50 per person.

Outside Catering Available

When dinner time comes (18:00 to late) the menu is diversified more, with traditional dishes available, such as “Raclette”, a special cheese popular with Swiss farmers that is cut into a half wheel, put on a rack and heated until it becomes gooey like fondue, at this point the surface layer of cheese is cut and directed onto a plate where the lucky recipient then uses as a dip for new potatoes or bread. At £17.95 per person, with a minimum of 2 guests per serving, it is something perfect for a couple travelling the world through their mouths, or a business hospitality meeting. If you baulk at that, fondue itself is available for £14.95 per person.

Children, vegetarians and people with allergies are taken into account, with salads and goats cheese ratatouille available meat, wheat, dairy and gluten free.

Olympic Torch at Le Beaujolais

Desserts are wide ranging and delicious. Tarte Au Citron, sauce framboise (lemon tart and raspberry sauce) is one example along with Crème Brulee a la Vanille. A cake and a reasonably priced coffee can sharpen you up for the road at the end of a perfect night in a place easily accessible in the centre of town.

On top of the wonderful venue, outside catering is also available upon request.

Contact Details and Online Presence:

www.restaurantlebeaujolais.co.uk

www.facebook.com/RestaurantinCirencester

01285 644 440

Art in the Cotwolds 2-Ellie David: Miscellaneous Styles

Kaleidoscope

Ellie David creates completely original art in the Cotswolds...

Ellie David

Ellie is a Cirencester based artist who’s inspirations include Pop Art by the likes of Andy Warhol. Displaying her art at Ann’s Pantry in the Market Place of Cirencester, Ellie has had a long affinity with art. “I used to just do random doodles for my family, and once my uncle told me I was better than my sister… but I didn’t realise art was my passion until secondary school.” Drawing was a cathartic pastime for the young Ellie, who found it let her take her mind off everyday ups and downs.

Continued Below

Surreal

Decorative

It wasn’t however for personal reasons that Ellie finds art so compelling, “Realising that what I have made can brighten up someone else’s day is most rewarding.”

As an artist, the mood she is in can determine how she does her work. “I don’t always know when a piece is finished… I can get to a point where I think if I do anymore, I could ruin the piece, whilst sometimes it’s already too late.”

To see more of Ellie’s work, just pop into Ann’s Pantry Café where she also works. Who knows, perhaps you could get the guided tour. Bear in mind that not everything Ellie is capable of is on display, with that, if you like something show in this article perhaps Ellie could make you a replica or something bespoke but stylistically similar. To send Ellie and e-mail about her work, you can connect with here or on facebook:
elliephant24@mail.com

https://www.facebook.com/Elliephant24

Montage

Ann's Pantry can be found at 25 Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NX and its online presence here:

http://www.annspantrycirencester.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anns-Pantry/169777929749788?fref=ts

Ben Young for London Marathon: Can You Help?

Gloucestershire Echo

(Donate here: http://www.justgiving.com/Benjamin-YoungLM2013 )

Gosia and Monia

Ben Young is a Cheltenham based personal trainer, and for the last few months he has been trying to raise money in order to run the London marathon for Arthritis Research UK. Working with the Polish promotion team of Gosia & Monia at the Frog and Fiddle in Cheltenham, Ben has got some way there.

Katey Brooks before her tour kicks off

At the gig was a wonderful set by amongst others Katey Brooks, who managed to spare some time before her tour of England.

The nights raised over £700, which indeed helped, but now there is just a small amount left to be pledged before Ben is assured his place.  If you have a spare fiver, think about making a difference and assuring Ben his well due spot at the starters line up.

To hear some music by Katey Brooks, look at her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kateybrooksmusic?fref=ts

Shappi Khorsandi, Dirty Looks and Hopscotch-Sundial Theatre-09.03.13

Shappi dressed to impress

http://www.sundial-theatre.co.uk/

People started to stream in at 19:30 and within another 30 minutes 200 people had crowded into the theatre after getting a bottle or glass from the bar. And then it began. Shappi introduced herself and came on the stage getting to know the crowd, and imploring them to get a bit closer to the front at the tables. It was hard to convince mum to move, but by the time another couple had got close in she’d changed her tune. “Come on Ev, someone’s gone first we can go now.”

Shappi isn’t the kind of comic you’d usually take your mum to, as a young man discovered when his mum was interrogated about the nature of his upbringing. But if you have a sense of humour you’ll cope! Shappi had a chat with mum, and came to the conclusion that I had gotten her a ticket for mother’s day. She was wrong, we got free entry. I knew it was mother’s day coming up, but why change my ways now?

As the first half came to a close, we were prepped in the knowledge she was just getting to know us. When we came back, we got the show she’s been touring and nearly at the end of. A thinly veiled true story about her relationship with the singer of a Yorkshire based Oasis knock off band was hilarious, but I was quite surprised that you didn’t have to be that good at music to have a load of groupies. Well, I learned my lesson. Apparently he was so busy he had lost property, and required some of the girls to bring a form of I.D., which Shappi discovered to contain a GCSE certificate.

Shappi was on a fine line, as she was trying to explain the debauched behaviour of the guy she was love fooled by, yet accepting she had fallen for it, almost like a “Take a Break” reader’s story where the lady accepts silly excuses like “I need to leave tonight, mum’s cat needs feeding”. Somehow, she managed to reason her way to the point where it all made sense, and the audience went with her. And why not, she’s a good story teller. Finishing on a high note, I’d imagine the only ones left disappointed would be due to taste rather than her skills as a performer or comic. Soldiering through her heavy pregnancy, we were lucky to get close to a lovely talent and when she’s got a new show, hopefully she’ll be back, even if Cirencester doesn’t have Nandos.

Next big comedy show: Marcus Brigstocke April 18th 2013, book your tickets now at: http://www.sundial-theatre.co.uk/

Editor: Evan Burgess

Ingleside The Venue Presents: Everything Wedding

Ingleside House Wedding Fayre-By Kelly Leadbeater

http://inglesidecirencester.com/

Ingleside House recently hosted its first wedding fayre, and we can only be proud of it. So much so we’re pleased to announce the next one is 6^th October 2013! See the end for a list of satisfied suppliers and consultants. Though the sun didn’t break the clouds, the day was a success. Over 40 local suppliers attended whilst 100 newly-weds to be took in the wares of the talented local enterprises. Live music lilted in the background which served as a catalyst to ideas being created and pizza being consumed. Reflecting on what made the day a success, four points stick out.

1.       Tailored Fit

The fayre gave the suppliers an audience, and the audience had lovely options to choose from. Nothing is worse than being bored and uninspired at a trade show. As a couple you may well be asked the same question multiple times, just like fresher’s week at Uni! For the supplier it’s easy to over egg the pudding with a desire to isnpire! However, Ingleside works on a pragmatic business basis and won’t encourage too much pomp when we know their core product is good enough. We work with suppliers of a similar size to us, so we get an SME’s needs.
We are not a vintage fayre, but we mix contemporary with classic designs. We have individual and intimate function rooms. This means that guests can wonder at a leisurely pace and they are certainly not cattle to be moved about by anyone else’s agenda.  The suppliers are picked in the same way a tailor would make a bespoke dress, with care and measured thought.

2.       Caring is Key

The event started for us 6 months ago. It was a learning curve, but the wait caused a buzz to build up. Doing the event was very much like having faith when jumping off a diving board, did people see the promotional material, and if so, did that material capture their imaginations? In the end, we landed safely in the pool.

3.       Standing out from the Crowd

There are so many ways to arrive at one destination, so we didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. We remained plausible at all times. Finding people of genuine skill and facilitating them in doing what they do was key. We encouraged florists and stylists to work together to give an example of what one might expect at their wedding.

To get people chatting and networking, wine and music did the job. To see what worked we took the time to talk to newly engaged ladies and suppliers in order to find out what motivated them. It turned out both parties had a similar goal in mind. It was a great process, and I learned that we can be bold, outgoing and extroverted, yet also give simple directions to people that anchors the wildness. Clear directions for guests will help next time for those who’ve yet to discover Ingleside’s delights.

4.       No Promises, But Plenty of Planning

Though we cannot guarantee success, we can certainly guarantee we work towards it. Though we can’t cater to everyone’s tastes, we are confident in our selection of our suppliers. Short said, they can do the job! Our fayres are fun, relaxed and enjoyable. With our food, no one would ever go hungry. Make a day of it “Wedding It Up” and be a party of Everything Wedding at Ingleside.

Successful suppliers for February:

Kelly at Mum's birthday

Posy & Pearl, Lemon House Photography, Vanessa Smith Make UP, Heidi Vince Hair Studio, Dan Greenaway, Lavender & Linen, Richardson Marquees, Adam Drake Photography, The Cake Chemists, Alissa Couture, Unique Wedding DJ, Stephanie Saunders, Rosstyle Chauffeurs, Pizza Monkey, Elf Sitters, Ingleside House & Stephanie Saunders Flowers.

Scallywags at the Strand Cheltenham, 28/02/13

Bad picture, great night!

Scallywags is the first comedy night at the Strand since Rick Wood passed on the torch to Jon Wagstaffe. Jon is full of energy and started the night with enthusiasm and a confidence that opened the crowd up. The cellar was so full, that people had to sit on the floor. The mic was causing a little problem during the show, but the acts didn’t let it distract them.

James Dawn rocked on first, a compeer and auctioneer, why let a faulty mic stop you? He got on with it with a good clean set that would go down as well at any matinee performance as at 21:00.

Lydia Rickards did a wonderful ten minute set, but when she picked on a guy in the audience, she got unlucky as he was lacked the personality to go along with it. Two gorgeous ladies standing next me said very clearly “Oh no, she picked a dick”. Well, that made my night.

Rick Wood was there to offer his support to his mate Jon’s first night, and went down great with the crowd of about 55 who took everything in good humour.

Russell Mulligan delivered, and clearly found the right crowd for his facebook jokes, should go down well with any student crowd!

Hannah Silvester from Birmingham came on with her guitar and hit the right note with the audience. After ditching the guitar the stories were still great.

Jack Brown fought the mic but his laid back style meant there was no real problem, and the audience supported him, he’ll be back.

Dan Nicholas (https://www.facebook.com/DanNicholasConversationGarden?fref=ts) was the de-facto headliner and got strong reactions from the crowd. Apart from one, who was dealt with. It wasn't all smooth, Dan revealed he was single and two ladies left the room, but not everyone can appreciate his sexual energy.

Pulling the night to a close Jon left us feeling great, definitely a night that should keep it up.

If you're on facebook check out Jon here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jon-Wagstaffe/139598136120071?fref=ts

Contributor Evan Burgess

Personal Training in the Cotswolds: Week 1

Zane Bokmeldere PT

The Project
My name is Evan, I'm 27 years old and I have enjoyed working out for many years, but sometimes I lack the motivation. I'm doing a project over the next three months to transform my view of food and exercise, with the help of Zane, a personal trainer who lives the life that many people wish they could.

Counter-Intuition: Don't be a Slave to the Scales
For Zane, there is no excuse to be fat. Going into a cafe, she'll order a latte with no sugar or a milk free americano. To eat? Well that's another thing, because she simply doesn't eat cafe food. Instead she prepares a shaker which has high protein foods ready for preparation, primed by adding hot water. Where does she get the water from? She just asks the staff. Odd you might think? Not as odd as you'd expect, having a gang of personal trainers in your cafe isn't a bad idea, so providing a bit of hot water on the house helps breed a good atmosphere. And protein, for a lady? Doesn't that give ladies a bulky shape? If you didn't know her you might not tell she trained. In fact, when woman train with weights they are much more likely to become slimmer than bigger, because they simply cannot build the types of muscle men can. Whilst she may weigh more than when she didn't lift weights, clothes loosen as the weight is redistributed into heavier muscle that has a smaller volume.

Compound Interest on Your Choices
Not only does Zane not have an interest in the croissants and cakes at a cafe, but nowadays it's clear if you were to buy some food out, your eyes open as you realise most cafes are now doing porridge and sugar free yoghurt, as well as fruit. Of all the things available these are the healthiest option, yet have the least process. Is it this that makes people not willing to pay money for it? Many people suffer with faulty maths when weighing up food decisions. "I'm paying for something that someone has put work into" might be what you subconsciously think when you see a barista labouring over a mocha with whipped cream, "I'm not paying £2.80 for some grapes and mango" might be another thought. But for your waistline, the choice between the two options is markedly different.

If you go for a porridge, adding your own ingredients to it isn't banned, putting some seeds or whey powder in doesn't do anybody harm yet lets you be healthy. With that, you avoid wheat, a product Zane doesn't see much use in, "It's bloating."

First Week: No Exercise!
The first meeting was simple, I was given a sheet to be my "food diary" from Monday to Sunday, and I was simply to fill it in along with the amount of water I consume each day. It was an eye opening experience. Don't get me wrong, I've tried food diaries before unaided. However, when you are simply showing it to yourself and not a health professional, delusion will set in. Lots of people try to get around the fact they care about what other people think, but it would be very hard to lose that impulse, so why not use social pressure constructively? Knowing I have to show this food diary to someone who has higher standards means I automatically want to eat less.

I was shocked reading my food diary that I ate chocolate 5 days of the week, only one day was unmarred by sweet things. On one of the days I didn't eat chocolate, I had gingerbread and a croissant. If I'm honest, for the last few months I usually eat more rubbish, but knowing I would write about this and my determination to change has led me to already make gains and reducing my intake. Upon telling Zane I had chocolate 5 days of the week, she simply said "That'll have to be gone soon". It's one thing to know it, but to be told that by someone who does it themselves is inspirational.

With my slip ups, it's little wonder I find myself just over 14 stone with a BMI of 27.5, when BMI apparently should be 18.5-24.9. At 181 cm I should be about 11-12 1/4 stone. I have tried many incentives to make myself lose weight. I have a pair of jeans that cost £50 a size too small for me, that have stayed unused for over a year. Getting a personal trainer strips away the excuses and helps you avoid silly things like scale gazing, which often depresses you and makes you go back to eating trash food in frustration at not seeing instant changes.

BMI is often criticised and rightly so, because it doesn't take body fat percentages into account, but I can hardly claim the extra weight I'm carrying is a six pack. Between 2008-9 I did have a six pack and was in the weight range the BMI would find acceptable. I remember then it could be as much as a month before I ate ice cream and I hardly drank alcohol. I avoided dairy because it had negative affects on my nose, and I held to it. So when Zane told me she will drink alcohol only twice a year and I was the one horrified, I realise how far I've drifted.

Perhaps you are the same, and just need a personal trainer to get you back on track.

If you are interested in training with Zane, especially if you are a lady who wants to learn from a girl who knows what you are capable of, contact Zane for personal training or phone coaching here: zane@zanekremane.com