So many helping hands

I am more and more impressed by the success of the project.. The young people have simply risen to the challenge to be the best they can possibly be. They are wonderful. Such a simple idea. Discovering the skills and excitement of dance and, perhaps, more importantly the joys of self confidence, trust in other people, tolerance and self discipline. Life skills.

Monique had the vision. Josef is realising it. Two strong role models whom the youngsters can relate to. I think it important for the boys and young men that they have strong men here. Monique recruited a dream team who complement each other magnificently, all unselfishly and passionately committed to the same end. Mihaela and Klaus parent the young people from outside Bucharest with a wonderful good humour and ideally. Marta, Oana, Irena and Iris support the children in dance movement. All superb dancers themselves and delightful personalities, they command respect. Tedi, Bogdan and the rest of the team are filming sensitively. Tedi, an adorable young man, who is himself a fine role model, dealing with physical difficulties with independence and without complaint. Educators accompanying young people from Bucharest are in the “theatre” to mop up any problems. Unusual, Josef says, to have such a large team in theatre and ever higher standards can be achieved in the dance. Alexandra and Ada calmly – or so it always seems - ensure everything runs without a hitch. This very generous adult presence at all times ensures the youngsters are - and feel - encadres.

Last but not least there is an army of organizers, drivers, helpers and volunteers without whose work in the background we could not cope and which goes unseen - but not unappreciated. Mircea and Virgil snaking through the streets of Bucharest to purchase the most unlikely shopping list - a hundred metres of elastic, 12 grapefruit, t-shirts in all shapes and sizes, shuttling backwards and forwards to the airport day and night to meet team members, carrying the full - and minutes later -empty food containers - the list is endless.

Also in theatre are the photographers, Daniel Angelescu and the lovely Alisa Tarciniu who discreetly capture the moment. The youngsters are now oblivious to their presence thanks to their tact. I find their photos both arresting and natural. In fact all the photos on our Dance-with-us blog since the rehearsals began are Daniel's and we are grateful for their professional skills.
Viv