new term of workshops and classes

SPRING CLASS & WORKSHOP PROGRAMME
at the BIG RED DOOR
For all bookings & enquiries email bigreddooredinburgh@gmail.com
WEEKLY CLASSES

MONDAYS:

TRAPEZE BEGINNERS I
With Tree Stewart
Learn the basics of single point dance trapeze, gain in confidence off the ground, learn some simple tricks and sequences and get fit the fun way
8 Week Course – 18th January – 8th March 6pm-8pm
8 weeks £80 (£75 members)

AERIAL OPEN STUDIO
With Tree Stewart
For improvers level or above (not beginners) the Open Studio for personal training. Room is suitable for low trick work and strength training, 5 rigs and a mixture of equipment to play. A fun way to improve your training and share with others
8 Week Course – 18th January – 8th March 8pm-10pm
£5 (£4 concs and members) weekly
TUESDAYS

DANCE
With Joanna Jeffries
Sweat, stretch and shake off the old year and ring in the new with this invigorating and energising movement class.
6 Week Course – 19th January – 23rd February 5.30pm-6.30pm
£5 (£4 concs and members) weekly

BEGINNERS CAPOEIRA
With Mão no Chão
Capoeira Angola is an Afro-Brazilian art form involving music, instruments, song, dance, martial-play, acrobatics and theatre. Includes free entry to roda on 19th Feb. All abilities welcome. Contact maonochao.edinburgh@googlemail.com for more booking information
6 week course – Tuesday 12th January – Tuesday 16th February 6.30pm-8pm
£25

!HULA HOOPLA LA
With Mazzula Hula
From basic moves to hooping tricks to finding YOUR OWN STYLE of hooping, learn at your own pace in an open, fun, hooptastic environment. Funky music, hula hoops, learn tricks, share tricks, Hooping Jam… Hoops provided but bring your own if you have one!6 week course – 23rd February – 30th March 6.30pm-8pm£30 or drop in £7 (£5 members)

PHYSICAL COMEDY & IMPROVISATION
With guest tutors each week
Participant-led workshop exploring the fundamentals of theatre clown, improvisation, character development, buffon, slapstick and mime. With guest tutors including Tim Licata & Simon Abbott, suitable for all levels but particularly those open to their imagination and willing to play.
Drop In class – 19th January – 30th March 8pm-10pm
£5 (£4 members) weekly

WEDNESDAYS:

STRETCHING & CONDITIONING
With Sarah Phizacklea
General combination of yoga, press ups and other delights! Spend an hour working on core strength, balance and flexibility, ideal for improving your condition for aerial or acro or just general fitness. Run as a weekly drop in class.
Drop In class – 20th January – 31st March 5pm-6pm
£4 (£3 members) weekly

TRAPEZE BEGINNERS II
With Tree Stewart
This course is only for those who have completed a beginners course or the equivalent elsewhere. Learn new moves, improve the basics, learn some exciting drops and put together sequences.
8 Week Course – 20th January – Wednesday 10th March 6pm-8pm
8 weeks £80 (£75 members)

THURSDAYS:

BARTITSU
With Philip Crawley
Bartitsu is an Edwardian martial art, created for the defense of Ladies and Gentlemen, blending punching, kicking, grappling and walking cane techniques. All abilities welcome. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes and be prepared to be physical.
Drop In class –21st January – 25th March 6.30pm – 8.30pm
£5 (£4 concs and members) weekly

BEGINNERS POI WITH FIRE SPINNING
With Antti Jalkanen
Five workshops to get you through the most confusing part of playing with poi: the beginning. The workshops will include basic moves, movement while spinning, simple choreographies, fire safety and a chance to try fire spinning in a safe environment.
5 Week Course –21st January – 18th February 8.30pm – 10.00pm
£70 (£60 members)

FRIDAYS:

MINI MISCHIEF MAKERS
With Sarah Phizacklea and Jess Whiteley
Circus club for kids aged 5 to 11. Running weekly and covering all manner of different circus skills; juggling, acrobatics, acrobalance, poi spinning, stilt walking, clowning and more! Lots of games and lots of playing.
Drop In class – 22nd January – 26th March 4pm-5pm
£4 (£3 members) weekly

CIRCUS SKILLS
With Tom Caine
A fun five week introduction to circus skills covering stilting, juggling, acrobalance, firespinning and balloon modelling at a basic level. Each session will cover one area.
5 Week Course – 22nd January – 19th February 7pm – 9pm
£40 (£28 members) or drop in £10 (£7 members) weekly

SATURDAYS:

BIG DRUMS AT THE BIG RED DOOR
with Jem Le Lievre
Explore the basis of hand-to-hand drumming, rhythmic structures, unusual time signatures, entertainment. Using big drums with sticks , and a range of percussion (provided), Jem will cover fundamental aspects of group drumming – listening, tempo, timing, beats/offbeats, “the count”, time signatures, technique/stance.
Taster Session – 16th January 4pm-6pm10 Week Course – 23rd January – 27th March 4pm-6pm
£60 (£45 members) no drop in.

SUNDAY:

JUGGLING CLUB
More than just a club, this is your weekly social engagement to play, swing, throw, fall, get up and keep trying. Kit and mats available plus friends, sharing and inspiration aplenty.
Every Sunday – 3pm – 6pm
£3

OPEN STUDIOS
We have drop in Open Studios for you to come in, use the space, equipment and train.
Wednesdays 4.30 – 6pm & Thursdays 4.30 – 6.30pm
£5 (£4 members)

WORKSHOPS:

FOOLS STUDIO
With Jess Whiteley
For all sketchaholics who want something a bit different, here is a chance to play with your creativity and become part of the artwork! Costumes, props, games and role-reversal…draw with hands, feet, even teeth! At the fool’s studio every one is free and anything goes.
Sunday 17th January, Sunday 21st February & Sunday 21st March, 2 – 5pm
£5 (£3 members)

BI AIG FOIS: HEALING MEDITATION
With Miriam Prosser
Friendly and informal group healing meditation in a beautiful safe space; a chance to come together with issues and problems, worldwide and personal that are close to your heart. Make space in the New Year for both the beautiful things in life, and the sad.
Sunday 24TH January, 1pm – 3pm
DONATION

BUTOH
With Yuri Dini
After initial research into body mechanics, we will move on to using the imagination to locate expressive sources in the body. The process is aided by looking to ancient myths for inspiration, seeking to embody the experiences they signify. This work can be suitable for people of all ages and levels. Contact ilteatrodellabeffa@gmail.com for booking details
Saturday 6TH February 12pm –2.30pm
£12 (£10 advance)

FIRE EATING
With Antti Jalkanen
Nom nom. It’s actually safe and quite an experience when you know what you are doing. Just swallow hard and book it now!
Sunday 7th February 2pm –3.30pm
£25 (£20 members)

CLOSE UP MAGIC
With Tom Caine
Can you keep a secret? This weekend of intensive workshops covers all the basics of card magic, coin magic and most importantly misdirection. With an emphasis on performance this course gives you the skills, knowledge and psychology to perform amazing feats right in front of their very eyes.
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th February 10am – 6pm
£100 (£90 members)

STORYTELLING
With Kenn Musso
An afternoon of spontaneous magical mythmaking, weaving of wonder, and telling of tales. No prior ‘Storytelling’ experience required. We are all storytellers after all. Just bring lots of imagination and a loose well-warmed toung.
Sunday 7th March 1pm – 5pm
£25 (£20 members)

BEGINNERS STILT WALKING WORKSHOP
With Bright Night International
Introductory level stilt walking workshops for complete beginners and those just starting out on stilts. All stilts and safety equipment will be provided. Book early as places are limited. jl@brightnightinternational.com
Saturday 13th March 12 – 4pm
£25

INTERMEDIATE STILT WALKING & STILT JAM
With Bright Night International
A part led session for those with previous stilting experience, giving an introduction to slightly more advanced stilt walking techniques and acting as a creative lab for experienced stilters to meet, play and share skills. Stilts can be provided but use of own equipment is preferred.
Sunday 14th March 13th March 12 – 3pm
£10

MEMBERSHIP
You can support us and help yourself by becoming a member of the Big Red Door.Membership entitles you to discounts on classes and workshops an entry to special members’ only nights. All money is going is helping us to buy the building.
New Members £5
Renewal £3

for those of you who'd like a day out and about at the beach

The great Porty vs iced paths battle, match starts at 9.30am Saturday 9th Jan

Any locals who are ready, able and willing to join in, please meet on the beach at the foot of Bath Street 9.30am tomorrow (Saturday) with yer bucket and spade. The aim is to finish clearing as many pavements as possible in Portobello, inspired by the work already done by folk over the past fortnight. You can shovel ice or just lay grit (well sand, gathered from the beach) or both.

In case you're worried, it's an urban myth that you would be held liable if anyone slipped on your cleared parts of the street!

On Saturday morning, we are proposing to continue the work on:
Kings Road
Bridge Street Area
Bath StreetRegent
StreetMarlborough
StreetBellfield Street
Pittville Street
John Street
James Street

We may find we have to spread the grit first then shift it later, once it's loosened up. Dress appropriately. There will be hot drinks afterward, courtesy of The Espy. Bring yer sledge, skis, kayak if you want to make the most of access to the snow.

Anyone who was fit enough to help but only came out to say 'you missed a bit' will be launched at Fife.

changes

The Big Red Door's last night as a full bar (for a while) this Friday so come along to make the most of wine, women and song. Well, drums, jugglers and heather ale. It'll be BYO until Easter I think, but there will be even more events and workshops than ever before.

Nichol Edwards' pub on Niddrie Street re-opens officially as the Banshee Labyrinth on Friday too. The clue towards music genre and clientele is in the name! Wheelchair access to the only room of the labyrinth on street level if you ask security to open the fire door.

On Saturday head through the snow for the Botanics; you can always warm yourself in the hothouse afterwards, or go along to:

Cedars in the Garden
2.00 pm — 3.00 pm
John Hope Gateway
Free
Age: 7+
No booking required
Capacity: 15

Often enjoyed in modern gardens, the cedar is a truly majestic evergreen tree. Look at how scientists name them and discover the differences between the species. Find out why they are so important in the Garden.

Balkanarama presents Celtic Connections at the old Fruitmarket Gallery from 8.30pm in Glasgow on Saturday night.

but I'd recommend only travelling through if the roads and forecast are clear. There's nothing like being stuck freezing in a car on the side of the motorway for 12 hours to make your weekend complete, but there's nothing like having to battle through snowdrifts rescuing people who were asked not to make non-essential journeys but went out to a gig/ shops/ party anyway and are now demanding to know why its taking so long to be rescued, to make your weekend complete...

Then on Sunday:

Real Life Science - Scotland's Native Plants
1.00 pm — 4.00 pm
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway
Free
Ages 5+
Drop in, no booking required

Scotland is home to a huge range of plants, lichens and fungi. Find out more about Scotland's native plants, where they grow and what we can all do to help them. Come and have a go at making pots from waste paper.

and

Talking Trees Storytelling

Sun 17 Jan 2010
2.00 pm — 3.00 pm
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Patrick Geddes Room, John Hope Gateway
Free
Ages 5+
No booking required

Let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with their stories of long ago and far away.

As a storyteller myself I'm particularly interested in this last one. I'm curious to hear their style.

Free things: Wonderful sledging opportunities all over the city thanks to the tangle of hills and slopes. Grab an oven tray, or your camera. The canal and wee lochins are frozen, sunset is around teatime, wildlife is keen to be fed, so you should get some good pictures. If you (or your pusher) has no rugged shoes, hat or thermal clothes then the best of this weekend's TV is:

Saturday:

Great British Railway journeys 7pm BBC2

QIXL 9.30pm BBC2

plus NCIS and films, none new but good enough

Sunday:

Antiques Roadshow 7pm BBC1

Larkrise to Candleford 8pm BBC1 (corsets!)

Best of Top Gear 8.30pm BBC2

Wallander 10pm BBC1

plus Dancing on Ice, which may be too sore a point for anyone who has been skidding around the city all day...

Ok, hire a couple of films and games, you might need them.

ere, plans afoot

You know, I'm sure I was talking recently about how the images and words usually take turns, go in cycles, and that music joins in as a cycle in itself. And how it can be bad timing as in the depths of one cycle, its hard to switch into another. Possible, but confusing if at that moment full of inspiration. Well, the plans for the start of the year were to write for upcoming antholgies but priority was going - whether it liked it or not - to portraiture till Feb then life studies for an exhibition (possibly via the printmaking dept) from then on. So, take a wild guess at which part of me has burst into life and is filling my head and heart with ideas? Music.

I have passed the insomniac hours of the past two mornings very creatively and am now ready for collaboration. Yes! Not only was it not words or images it was not solo work either. I have ideas for pathways I haven't even noticed before and it is terribly exciting to feel such creativity. I feel a little guilty for being ungrateful that it is coming at 5am and when I really really urgently need to get some image-making done...

I can't post descriptions until they are underway, and first I have three potential collaborators to charm out of the trees. One is already interested as I've worked with her before and we seem to bounce off each other well and that project can be open ended time-wise. The other has already suggested I record with him but is expecting words not choons, and the third is the tricky one. Hmm. Oh the fourth project has a deadline of the 25th but I don't know who to suggest it to. Does that give you a clue? Put it this way, there's no shortage of talent in the vicinity, its my daylight hours which are the weakest link. Oh, and my having to write the words on my hand...

In my defence I was relatively upright tonight but was snowed in by several blizzards in a row.

This is all of course pure escapism from the reality of being so ill, being stuck indoors and in bed, the todo list mundane items and the currently quite enormous frustrations and grrring that I would be feeling/ doing if I wasn't not doing this.

Co-incidentally I found a fab wee music and art festival on at the music library in town this weekend but I can't recommend it to you as its the one part of Central Library that is inaccessible to wheelchairs. Come to the Big Red Door, 10 Lady Lawson Street on Friday 8th for the Dark Moon Party and feel the rythym there instead.

happy new western year!

Oooh the pressure to write an errudite/ moving/ amusing/ resume of not only the past twelve months but of a whole decade! That sounds like a novel to me, not a 500 word post for the day after. Yep, I might be Scottish but I was in bed before 6.30am on New Year's Day, what a woose.
If its any consolation this will knock me into next week. I'm already planning ahead for the Chinese New Year celebrations in about a month and a half's time. I was looking forward to January not least as a lovely empty month in which to float gently downstream. It would appear that when I wasn't looking someone filled the calender. So much is routine maintenance that it barely squeezes in any actual plans. There are so many interesting things happening!

Ok, no specifics, just concepts. Amazingly no magic transformed me at midnight so I find myself carrying stressful baggage into this year. I'll get rid of it, but tonight there was so much else to think about that I didn't have oomph for catharsis and emotional exfoliation, or even some frenzied dancing. If only it was acceptable to slap some folk repeatedly around the head, it would have sped up the process enormously. I know, I know, it is more appropriate to turn away and just not care, but actually I do care. I don't want to ignore someone, I want for them to not be doing such crap things that I need to ignore them. And I'd like to know why someone has started ignoring me in case its something I've done or said - honestly, I'd want to know so we could fix it!

So, clambering back out of the navel, hogmanay was strange but good. Heading into town with wheels on a night like this (weather and crowds and transport issues from blockaded roads to taxis fully-booked was nerve-wracking and possibly foolish. I'd have loved to have my usual magical neighbourhood outdoors party with bonfires and fireworks and fiddle music and gin, but for various reasons I ended up in town for the bells. Balkanarama was wild and fun and crazy, and I loved it. Such passion - and talent! I'm so glad that te POOKa were out in force, wildlife included. Studio 24 staff were great too, the venue was possible and the taxi home arrived five mins after calling, thank-you guardian angel of tonight's transport.

I really missed my original and usual outdoor plans and company, but I couldn't have done both. Wherever I was it wouldn't have been the other. Anyway, I saw that blue moon when I returned, in a clear starry sky.

Its very hard being in a venue that has stairs and inaccessible rooms all over the place if the event is spread over the whole building. I was able to get down to the main dancefloor and sit with a very good view of the stage, but I had to stay there. The people I knew were spread all over the venue and I could only see them when they came to me or wandered past and accidentally found me, which is very artificial and of course I never did find some of them. There were no other wheelchairs that I saw. Sometimes I wonder where they go. Maybe there is somewhere easier.

In a crowd where everyone is moving from dancing to the bar to the other rooms upstairs to backstage to outside to goodness knows where and back round within the hour, it can quite disconcerting to be the one sitting still and not quite part of the flow and the rythym of the room sometimes. The rest of the time I am happily away with the faeries.

I did have a wonderful time though. The description didn't all sound blissfully happy did it... No, I am happy, I'm just reflecting on sad things that are in the background that I can't see a way to improve upon. Best to let them out or the constant suppression might turn them to treacle. After all, I want to feel free of at least some of the baggage when I get stuck into January's views and reviews! Happy New Year! There will be another one along on the 14th February, and that one will have tigers.