WATCH: Steampunk ladies dance at derelict Torrington dairy

North Devon’s SWITCHFRAME: Scenic Dance Projects is back with a new offering for Summer 2023. Its new dance film, Bohemia, has strong steampunk styling with a darker, grittier feel.

Choreographer, Sarah Grant, hopes the title of Bohemia suggests a tightly-knit artistic society, living in an unconventional setting - the audience gets a glimpse of their social dance rituals used not only to express themselves but also to solidify their kinship. This is reflected in the music used.

The piece begins with Hans Zimmer’s chilling ‘The End?’ from the movie ‘Sherlock Holmes - A Game of Shadows’, and then leads into a driving classical folk piece ‘Stampede’ by Alexander Jean and Lindsey Stirling.

All 29 dancers stem from Braunton’s Dancing Feet Academy and represent the dedication, focus and determination needed to continue as an adult dancer, juggling work and homelife to attend rehearsals and be ready for the big filming day on July 1. SWITCHFRAME is proud of its dancers and the opportunity to showcase this strong and supportive community.

The company has grown considerably since the first filming project back in 2020. Bohemia’s 29-strong cast embrace a range of dance experience, ability, and ages with the youngest dancer at 22 years and oldest at 67!

‘Bohemia’ was shot on location at the old Dairy Crest milk factory in Great Torrington, Sarah Grant commented: “I knew I wanted a different direction for this year’s piece and I spent a lot of time searching for a location that partnered the more dramatic, atmospheric music and it’s strong instrumentals. A few people had suggested checking out the derelict Dairy Crest factory in Torrington. As soon as I saw it I knew I had the right location. The faded beauty and dilapidated grandeur of the art deco buildings, set against the jagged broken windows and graffiti-strewn walls were the perfect stage for our steampunk society of bohemians.”

This is the eighth piece on which SWITCHRFAME’s creatives Sarah Grant, choreographer, and Gemma Pons Alsina, videographer, have collaborated. A successful mix of English precision and Spanish spontaneity, the duo bring their individual ideas, concepts and creativity together on shoot day to work as a team.

SWITCHFRAME’s previous films have used a variety of beautiful Devon locations including Ilfracombe Harbour for the group’s first ballet piece; Castle Hill in Fileigh; and picturesque Appledore for SWITCHFRAME’s most recent technicolor jazz piece, ‘Book Club’ which was kindly screened at last year’s Appledore Book Festival.

Bohemia will be performed live on stage at Chance to Dance, Exeter at The Northcott Theatre on a Sunday 29th October, 4.45pm - this is a mixed bill showcasing performers from the south west. Tickets are available from The Northcott Theatre.

SWITCHFRAME always welcomes new dancers, so if you are interested in joining this incredible community of creatives and dancers for future projects then Sarah’s first port-of-call for performers is Dancing Feet Academy in Braunton who offer regular adult dance classes.

View it here on SWITCHFRAME’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kKsXZNRmwNw