| The
Cecchetti Centre Trip To White Lodge
Teaching
ballet is such a joy but when frustrations build because
we have too short a time in the studio or pupils miss
class for other important dates like ‘Halloween’
(was I the only person to average four pupils per class
that afternoon?) there are times when we lose a sense
of what it’s all about.
The
Cecchetti Centre trip to White Lodge was just the ticket
for reminding us of the real reason we teach dance.
Passion!
The
day began at Sparrows with a Year 7 (first year intake)
Body Conditioning class for both boys and girls. This
was particularly impressive as it was overseen by three
teachers including the full time physiotherapist, and
accompanied by excellent music. Incorporated into the
class was a thorough and appropriate cardiovascular
warm-up and Pilates mat work. Immediately followed by
separate ballet classes for a further one and half hours.
Clearly this carefully constructed programme is beneficial,
as there are no new injuries present among any of the
first years.
The
day continued with body conditioning and Ballet classes
for all year groups and we were able to ‘studio
hop’ during classes to see other teachers and
students at work. It was wonderful. Each teacher appreciated
and nurtured the talent before them and worked to develop
the artistry, style and presence of each student through
constant references to theatre, ballet, auditions, Nutcracker
rehearsals etc. It was all very ‘now’ and
up to the minute.
White
Lodge follows the Vaganova system of training, which
meant some of the terminology was unfamiliar. The stylistic
qualities are beautiful and there was a definite ‘schooling’
among the dancers. But rather than a one-method-only
approach to ballet technique, it was emphasised that
an ‘English Style’ is being taught. It embraces
all things good and relevant for the needs of current
classical companies and choreographers. For example,
the Cecchetti port de bras are incorporated in such
a way they are refreshing to watch. The students are
able to take the RAD major examinations. Primarily this
is with a view to competing in the annual Genée
awards and thereby gaining recognition and advertising
for the Royal Ballet School. However, exam syllabus
work is regarded as an adornment in that it is taught
in the minimum amount of time (weeks not years) to gain
maximum benefit, before a final examiner’s appraisal.
Diane
van Schoor, the Principal takes a very active role in
the school, she doesn’t just sit in her office
(despite having the best views of The Queen’s
Ride!). There is a nice feeling of cohesion in the school
at a time when things are changing daily. The staff
and pupils could not have been more welcoming and accommodating
and the atmosphere everywhere was positive and focused.
White Lodge is undergoing a £22 million redevelopment
to modernise the dance, academic and boarding facilities.
There is a constant buzz of activity beyond the studios
and there is now a new accommodation block, a stunning
new studio with more to come and a larger canteen (enabling
everyone to come and eat on time, which was impossible
before). Eventually there will also be a museum and
hydrotherapy pool.
Thank
you to the staff and pupils at White Lodge for hosting
us for the day. Our glimpse into a typical day with
the inevitable timetabling adjustments or Nutcracker
rehearsals, ‘goal setting’ and tutorials
leaves a fine impression of the constant pro-activity
and an overwhelming passion for the arts. Finally, thank
you to the 26 Cecchetti Centre teachers and friends
who supported this event. Many of you said what a great
day it was and I for one would love to return.
Penny Kay
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