Aspiring dancer, Savannah Ffrench, will be performing on stage at the Royal Albert Hall at this year’s Classic BRIT Awards together with her musician father Alexis Ffrench, one of Britain’s most gifted modern composers and pianists.
We asked Savannah about working with her father and preparing to perform at the Classic BRIT Awards in front of a live TV audience:
How old were you and why did you start dancing?
I was about four years old. I come from a very musical background and my parents took me to the local dance school, Dupont Dance Stage School in Leicester and I fell in love with dance from the very first lesson.
You’re performing Bluebird with your father at the Classic BRIT Awards, how are you preparing for the show?
I’m training everyday and rehearsing the choreography of the performance. It is going to be such an emotional yet exciting moment in my life, as I am dancing next to my father.
It is important to prepare mentally, so my emotions don’t get the hold of me. I am preparing myself for the piece by engrossing myself in the character. Also, I’m listening to the music all the time, so the music and movements are as one, and flow out of me.
You’re one of the youngest performers at the awards, how does this feel?
I hadn’t realised that I was one of the youngest performers at the Classic BRITS. I think that is really cool and I feel very honoured.
The youtube video of you and your father performing Bluebird has been seen over 80,000 people, how does this feel?
I feel very humble that 80,000 people have taken the times out of their lives to watch me perform. I do want to go into performing dance when I am older, therefore it is nice that I am starting to get known.
Do you think having a composer father influenced your attitude to dance?
I have grown up listening to my dad’s music ever since I can remember. It is so nice that I constantly have live music playing around the house every day.
When my dad’s music is playing, my brother Jobim and I have always made up dances to it. And so I guess that is where my love of dance and performing has come from.
My father is extremely hard working, disciplined and very artistic and creative. And all of those have influenced my approach to dance.
How are you feeling about performing on national TV? How are you preparing for the show?
I am feeling lots of emotions; excited, proud, thrilled, stimulated and determined as I am going on television. I can’t wait to do it! I am preparing for the show by training a lot, eating healthy, getting a lot of rest and staying positive.
What are your aspirations and dreams for future?
My dream is to be a dancer. I want to perform in many dance companies and musicals here in the UK and abroad. My ultimate aspiration is to be a soloist with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
How do you want to develop yourself within and outside the dance world?
In the dance world, I want to develop myself with more variety and experience with full time vocational training and work with many choreographers to broaden my technique and perform on as many stages as I can.
Outside the dance world, I’m currently in the sixth form at Uppingham School and I’d like to do well in my A levels next year and go on to be the very best person I can possibly be.
The Classic BRIT Awards takes place at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 13 June 2018 and will be broadcast live exclusively on ITV.