Norfolk Institute of Performing Arts set for playhouse show

On April 22, students from the Norfolk Institute of Performing Arts (NIPA) based in Dereham will perform the curtain raiser at the final performance of 5 Soldiers at Norwich Theatre Playhouse. 

Seven young dancers will present an original piece created by them with choreographer, Ben Nash. Acting as a prequel to the show, the work is created in response to K2CO’s 5 Soldiers and explores the story of young people committing to armed service. 

The group of students from across Norfolk includes Elizabeth Daw, Evie Corby, Daisy Frammingham, Harvey Green, Keiran Blundell, Maisie Moody and Jodie Stimpson. They are aged 17 to 23 years old, and a mix of first-year students and those graduating in July. 

Nichola West, co-director of NIPA (Image: Archant)

Speaking about the curtain raiser, Nichola West, co-director of NIPA: "I feel so proud of our students and thrilled that Rosie Kay and Ben Nash have collaborated to create a unique piece of contemporary work with our performing arts students. It is a privilege and a great opportunity for the students to work with these International artists and gain professional insight into the creative industry. 

"I know this will be an emotional evening reflecting the intensity of the choreography and my joy at watching the NIPA students fulfilling their dreams."

Seven young dancers will present an original piece created by them with choreographer, Ben Nash (Image: NIPA)

Daisy Frammingham said: "I love contemporary dance, and as a college, we studied 5 Soldiers, so to be actually meeting Rosie Kay, seeing the show live, and on top that having three weeks of lessons with Ben accumulating in a live performance is amazing."

Keiran Blundell added: "It has been an inspirational journey. Learning new lifts and physically working with Ben all day has made me want to be a performer even more. The group feels like family, and I am so proud of what we have all achieved."