Classical Modern Dance: charity fundraisers and performers

This year, Warwick’s Classical and Modern Dance Society (CMD) have been involved in national and international competitions, the first ever CMD-only showcase, huge amounts of fundraising, and performances all over campus.

We have certainly shown that there is much more to CMD than pirouettes and pointe work.

November saw an exciting start to the year with ‘Live and Let Dance’, the first ever CMD-only showcase performed in the Arts Centre Theatre; the show was hugely successful and sold over 400 tickets.

Following this, performances were a big part of the season and CMD gave it their all in an effort to entertain large and diverse audiences.

From the sensational 1920s-themed dance for the Fresher’s Party, to supporting fellow sports teams with dances for the Varsity Basketball and Rugby games, we have been making their presence known across campus.

Not only that, but we helped to integrate ten dance societies in Warwick Tap’s annual dance spectacular ‘Pizazz’.

As if entertaining the masses wasn’t enough, CMD demonstrated their competitive spirit with success in national competitions, finishing first in Sheffield in a Lion King-inspired ballet dance – the highest-placed ballet dance in the club’s history.

We also finished third in the wildcard category in Loughborough, the UK’s largest inter-university dance competition.

CMD also saw international achievement with an advanced lyrical dance recently being placed first in an inter-university contest in Salou, Spain.

Outside of competition, the club have always been committed to finding exciting and innovative ways of raising money for charity.

This year has been no exception and our fundraising efforts have seen us finish sixth in the RAG leaderboard across the entire university.

November witnessed the return of ‘CMD presents Warwick Dance for Sport Relief’, a thoroughly entertaining evening where sports teams choreographed dances to compete against ten other teams.

After a competitive evening of blood, sweat and far too many boys in drag, Men’s Hockey prevailed and a massive £1686 was raised for Sport Relief, easily surpassing last year’s total.

CMD’s other notable charity work took place in March during ‘Pink Week’, seven days dedicated to fundraising across campus and in Leamington for Breast Cancer Campaign.

Proceeds from various events including cake sales, balloon races, a ‘Cupcakes and Cocktails’ evening, as well as a workshop hosted by a Birmingham Royal Ballet First Soloist enabled CMD to raise an impressive £2113: over £600 more than the previous year.

Even more remarkable was that the Pink Week promotional video campaign went viral, reaching over 13,000 views and prompting Breast Cancer Campaign to feature CMD on their website.

So what’s next for CMD in 2013? Teachers and students are currently hard at work choreographing for the Warwick Students Art Festival (WSAF), the largest European student-run arts festival celebrating the diverse creative talents of Warwick students.

WSAF runs from Saturday 22^nd to Tuesday 25^th June and is this year inspired by Creation, Community, Collaboration and Celebration. CMD will be performing at 10.30am on Sunday 23^rd June in the Arts Centre Studio.