ANDROMEDA GRAZIANO
Movement Research & Choreography
Schumann: a love story
A new dance film created by award winning choreographer Andromeda Graziano in collaboration with concert pianist Raul Jimenez to Robert Schumann's music.
With filming complete we are now in the editing suite.
A 30-minute contemporary dance film, this is a love story in eight sections for three dancers with an interplay of solos, duets, and trios with Schumann represented throughout by the piano and the pianist. Set to Fantasiestücke Op.12 and based on Robert Schumann's poem, he introduces the duality of his personality to Clara his wife to be, and presents her with two characters: Eusebius the mild, and Florestan the wild. Each character shows opposing sides of Schumann's personality and in this story we follow Clara as she meets each version of Schumann and makes her choice as to whom to marry...
Andromeda Graziano
Director/Choreographer
With a foundation in classical ballet from the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates, Merle Park Studios, and Stella Mann, she earned a BA (Hons) Degree in Dance & Drama from Middlesex University and further honed her craft at L.C.D.S. with a One Year Special Certificate in Contemporary Dance and Choreography. Recognized for her artistic vision, she was awarded a grant from the Prince’s Trust and Pépinières Européennes pour Jeunes Artistes, leading to the creation of a full-length work for the Ballet de Zaragoza in Spain.
Continuing her journey into the world of movement and storytelling through contemporary dance, in London she co-founded White Monkey Trip, a dynamic dance company that toured the city’s leading contemporary dance venues. She later returned to Middlesex University’s Dance Department, taking on roles as a choreographer, dancer, and production manager for post-graduate performances at The Lilian Baylis Theatre.
Her dance film, 'Leap of Faith', made in collaboration with filmmaker Jack Elliott Hobbs, has received awards, nominations, and selections at film festivals worldwide.
Raul Jimenez
Pianist Robert Schumann
Born in Tarragona, Spain, he began his musical journey at a very young age, studying with Christiane Lerouth before refining his craft under the Cuban maestro Cecilio Tieles at top conservatoires in Vila-seca and Barcelona. He earned his degree with high honours and a special prize, and in 1995, moved to London to train with Sulamita Aronovsky, obtaining a diploma from the Royal College of Music with honours and earning the prestigious ARCM piano performance title.
Throughout his career, he has received awards from competitions including Princess Christina (Madrid), Salou, and the Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Italy), and has performed worldwide as a soloist, accompanist, and teacher.
One of his career highlights was premiering Federico González Orduña’s Piano Concerto at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 2015 during the Year of Mexico in the UK celebrations.
With sublime ease and virtuosity, Raul portrays the role of Robert Schuman bringing intrinsic knowledge and artistry to the role.
Matthew Potulski
Dancer Florestan the wild
Embodying the wild and passionate side of Robert Schumann's personality, Matthew is a recent graduate from Rambert School. Bringing his dynamic artistry to this powerful piece, he will join the 25/26 cast of The Red Shoes with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.
Madeline Vaughton
Dancer Clara Wieck
Completing this trio, Madeline brings Clara Wieck to life with grace and depth.
A graduate of Trinity Laban in 2024, she recently completed a three month contract honing her talents with Vivo in Rome, and promises to deliver a vivid and emotionally resonant interpretation.
Martin is the Founder and Technical Manager of i-OB. With over 30 years experience in the industry he has been a sound recordist, a cameraman, run a busy hire department and was employed by one of the best known OB companies for almost 15 years as an OB Unit Manager.
His credits include the BAFTAs, BRIT Awards, Glastonbury and the BST Hyde Park Concerts.
Schumann: a love story 💗
From left to right on the sofa:
Sheldon Ridge dancer, Madeline Vaughton dancer, Raul Jiménez pianist, Andromeda Graziano director/ choreographer, Matthew Potulski dancer
From left to right standing
Danielle Grimaldo director of photography, Robert Graziano-Clint editor/assitant director, Maria José Jiménez costume, Rae Hadley photography, Martin Brown technical director, Llorenç Peris Rodriguez sound engineer
Stay up to date via our website: dance-piano.art
HOW DID YOUR DONATIONS CONTRIBUTE?
We are very grateful for the in-kind support given by the venue where rehearsals and filming took place.
This film could not have been made without your very generous donations which enabled us to pay for:
film, lighting, and sound equipment; fees, travel, and subsistence for the cast and crew; film editing, costumes, insurance, and piano tuning and, 20% of your donations also went to Cancer Research UK.
With your help and support we have been able to create a truly beautiful work of music, dance and film. We so look forward to sharing our dance film Schumann: a love story with you.
WHY DID WE DONATE TO CANCER RESEARCH UK?
This project blends both: the creation of a powerful new dance piece, and a tangible contribution to cancer research.
In 2023, I was diagnosed with cancer. It changed my life, and fortified my desire to share my passion for dance and choreography. It also deepened my commitment to raising awareness and funding research to fight this devastating disease.
Cancer Research UK received 20% of all funds raised by you and in addition we will perform sections from the film as live pop-up performances in hospitals bringing art and comfort to those facing hardship.
WHY MAKE A DANCE FILM?
Creating a dance film unlocks possibilities beyond live theatre. It allows precise storytelling through visual techniques like editing and scene-setting, ensuring emotional impact and accessibility. Unlike live performances, films can reach a global audience via streaming platforms. Films are also permanent, enabling inclusion in international festivals and ensuring the work’s longevity.
Our history of award-winning projects, such as 'Leap of Faith' illustrates how dance films resonate deeply and endure.
Schumann: a love story, aims to blend movement and cinema to share our story widely and preserve its impact for years to come.
