As a backing dancer to arguably some of the world’s most successful female artists and as part of the original West End cast of ‘Memphis’ and ‘Bodyguard The Musical’ Yasmin Harrison is used to thousands of excitable children and teens, which no doubt came in handy when she headed to Medway to teach a dancing master class to the students of Razzamataz Medway.
Likewise professional actress and singer Catriona Mackenzie who’s most recent work includes ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ has performed in front of many young and enthusiastic audience members which set her in good stead to lead a singing and drama master class to the younger students of Razzamataz Medway.
Both Yasmin and Catriona visited the school in Medway on July 14th to teach young people of Medway a specially devised master class as part of the Razzamataz Theatre School’s weekly classes.
Both master classes were part of the student’s normal weekly classes. As part of its pledge to keep up to date with current performance trends, Razzamataz works with professional musicians, dancers and actors to run special masterclasses on a regular basis to inspire and mentor students. The younger students were treated to a story and narration led workshop whilst the older students received a commercial dance workshop. For the youngest groups, aged 2-3 and 4 – 5yrs the emphasis was on introducing narrative movement and encouraging confidence and teamwork. The older groups, age 6-8, 9-11 and 12-18 were treated to more specific, intensive dance choreography and stylized moves to really challenge them. The dance style excitingly crossed the school’s Musical Theatre and Commercial (current and funky) curriculum as Yasmin has worked professionally in both sides of the industry.
“Razzamataz Medway is a very talented school and it was lovely to see everyone so eager. I hope they enjoyed it as much as me.” says Yasmin Harrison.
Each Saturday during term time, Razzamataz teaches dance, drama and singing, covering the whole performing arts spectrum and creating ‘triple threat performers’, that is performers who are equally skilled in all three disciplines. What sets Razzamataz apart from the competition is the very strong links the team makes with those working professionally to give the students lots of amazing opportunities.
“These type of master classes really give the students a taster of what the industry is really like and challenges them to explore different styles across both commercial and musical theatre styles of dance, drama and singing” says Emily Miller, Lead Principal & Co-owner of Razzamataz Medway. “Even if students come to Razz for fun, it’s really exciting to be taught by the professionals our students see on the West End stage and television!”
The students at Medway all attend Razzamataz every Saturday and during term time. Ages range from just 2 up to 18 and each week they attend singing, dance and drama classes and experience a range of styles from traditional West End musical theatre to pop singing and street dance.
To find out more information about Razzamataz Medway or to reserve a place at our next free taster session in September, call 01634 893524, email medway@razzamataz.co.uk or visit www.razzamataz.co.uk
