Dancer loves the ballet hoo at Sadler's Wells

4:08pm Tuesday 13th November 2007

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Ballet fans are in for a treat when Chiswick-based Rambert Dance Company returns to Sadler's Wells for a week-long residency on November 13.

An exciting addition to the autumn programme is new work from choreographer Melanie Teall. L'eveil was inspired loosely by aspects of femininity and influenced by the aspects of femininity and influenced by the power of female voice through song.

Melanie said: "Every year, a dancer can submit an idea for Rambert's workshop season in July, which luckily got accepted.

"Then I got started and spent three weeks in the studio."

"It's a different role from being a dancer, you are responsible for everything. It's a wonderful opportunity."

"Another challenge for me is to create a piece which says something as it is an important thing for me to be able to give something of myself while dancing."

Discussing L'eveill, Melanie said: "I drew inspiration from sculptures, designs and images of femininity.

"I guess it's quite an interesting piece for the company and it shows the progression of the lead character.

"The dance is set to Kurt Weill's haunting Je ne t'aime pas and Leslie Bricusse's Feelin' Good, which was made famous by Nina Simone.

"The piece draws on various aspects and I hope to take the audience on a journey."

Melanie began dancing at the age of four and was inspired when her mother took her to a Sadler's Wells performance at Birmingham.

She admits that seeing the performance "drew her" to ballet and was instrumental in mapping out her future career.

She added: "I met dance teacher Nicola Kaptrack who took me backstage to meet the dancers. She filled me with inspiration and remains an important part of my career."

Born in Nairobi her family settled in Warwickshire when Melanie was six years old.

Her mother played the piano which formed part of the creative element of Melanie's childhood.

At the age of 13, Melanie won a place on an arts education course in Tring, Hertfordshire.

She said: "The course involved art, drama and dance - which had a heavy emphasis. I loved it. It marked the beginning of my dreams."

The next stepping stone was when she won an audition for a place at Central School of Ballet in Clerkenwell.

After graduating in 1994 she began working as a dancer.

When singer Kylie Minogue toured to promote the album, Fever, Melanie was part of the ensemble of dancers.

She says: "What was an originally a three month stint turned into a year long project. It toured the UK, Australia and then America. It was quite an experience.

"My experience proves there is quite a range of work for a dancer providing you are prepared to be versatile."

The Rambert Dance Company dates its existence from 1926 and is hailed as Britain's oldest dance company. The company came to Chiswick in the 1970s and remains the flagship for contemporary dance in the UK.

The company's 22 dancers are rigorously trained in both classical and contemporary techniques.

One of it's most famous students is Audrey Hepburn. The star studied and lived with company founder, Marie Rambert before her film career took off.

The touring company visits 14 theatres a year, plus two visits to Sadler's Wells in May and November. Melanie credits Rambert for their support for her career progression.

She said: "I guess I am still pinching myself and I am incredibly lucky to get the chance to work with such fantastic dancers.

"The next stage in my career is to continue to be creative."

Melanie plans to concentrate on choreography when her dance career comes to an end.

The company will be at Sadler's Wells on Monday November 13 until Friday November 17. Call the box office on 0844 412 4300 or visit sadlerswells.com.