Willow in use around Bristol Harbour as a 'Performance Stage'.


Poorly 'Photoshopped' image to give an idea
 One element of the plan for the boat's use is to travel around the Harbour in Bristol, using the Narrowboat as a 'Performance Stage' for local artists to show their talents on a slowly moving open-air-show, cruising leisurely around the busy waterfront.

Having a 'stage' only five feet wide somewhat constrains dancing performers, as each dancer's spot is more-or-less fixed on the boat roof, so the dance performance is limited, but nevertheless will surely be inspiring and enjoyable to the onlookers around the Harbour.

I posted a message on the Theatre Bristol website and as a result the first "performance session" was with a band called After Some Words, who comprise 4 guys newly-signed to Crucial Records, accompanied by two contemporary dancers, and was held on the pleasant evening of 25th July '06.

It was all organised by Katrina Horne and Lisa Thomas of Bristol, choreographing the dancers who performed to the band's music. Lisa and Katrina were also directing the Video crew, the purpose being to create a Video which will be used to promote the band 'After Some Words' and their new CD album.

The boat will be available for the use of inspired dancers, who would enjoy a challenge to use a 'different' dance-stage to perform on, and to enjoy a leisurely trip around the Harbour at the same time. I have also posted a message on www.DanceBristol.net and have made contact with Rachel (the Principal) and a few others from the Funk-It-Up Dance Company in Bristol encouraging them to make use of the facility.

The evening of 7th Aug was used for a trial cruise around the Harbour by African Contemporary Dancer Louis-Roger Eboa, who recently performed an amazing and colourful African Dance show at the Bristol Harbour Festival with his troupe of Dancers. Louis and his Dancer / Drummer colleagues came on a trip around the Harbour with his Bongo-drummer merrily drumming away, to see how they would need to modify their choreography to work on the roof of the boat. Hopefully we will soon see them in a 'Performance' mode, dancing in their stunning African costumes, and accompanied at the stern of the boat, by a pair of Bongo-Drummers.

Please contact me by email at dance@onmyboat.co.uk if the idea of "Dance On Water" appeals to you.

More images and updated information will follow as soon as they become available

"After Some Words"
Christine and Ressha
Ariel, the camera boat
Reflective view

"Ariel"
Blurred dance

Website by Trevor George, Bristol, UK.