Not quite Mamma Mia! Mamma Nia inspires a new show at Kings Langley Community Centre (From Watford Observer)

Not quite Mamma Mia! Mamma Nia inspires a new show at Kings Langley Community Centre

2:46pm Thursday 18th June 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

When storyteller Danya Miller last appeared at Kings Langley Community Centre the room was packed out with attentive listeners of all ages, who sat transfixed as she wove her tale. For her next visit, Danya has teamed up with her dance teacher Michele Kaye to create Under The Silver Birch a story that children will literally be able to step into and become part of the show.

Michele teaches Nia (neuromuscular integrative action) – which is a holistic dance form – twice a week at the community centre and says it is particularly good for children and self-conscious teens. “Nia is a blend of nine movements incorporating martial arts, dance forms and healing exercises. It’s also known as movement medicine.

Nia is a blend of nine movements incorporating martial arts, dance and healing; it's known as movement medicine

“In Mamma Nia, my children’s class, I modify it for them and we use imaginary movements.

It’s all based on fun, it’s not about getting it right or just looking good. I might say something like lets swirl the clouds, we don’t move mechanically but through using our own creativity.”

The 45-minute show is a fusion of Nia-based dance with some live music and singing intertwined with storytelling from Danya, who is currently in Edinburgh performing It Was A Dark and Stormy Night based on the book by Janet and Alan Ahlberg.

My son and I saw this show at the Community Centre last January and thoroughly enjoyed it and by all accounts it’s meeting with equal success in Scotland.

Danya hopes to go further with Under The Silver Birch.

She says: “It’ll be a truly collaborative show with a guitar, some recorders, singing and poetry, plus audience participation. The theme is nature so we’ll imagine we are waking up, getting dressed and riding through the countryside, chasing butterflies, looking for treasure and then settling down for a story before the campfire.

Danya also points out that visitors on the day will be able to enjoy Watford and Langleys Rotary Club carnival, which has a procession of vintage cars along the High Street from 2pm, followed by entertainment on the common.

Under The Silver Birch takes place this Saturday at Kings Langley Community Centre, The Nap, Kings Langley at 3pm. Tickets: 01923 266355, www.niamichele.co.uk

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)