| Cecchetti
Centre Easter Course
Congratulations to the Cecchetti Centre for organising a very
enjoyable and successful Easter Course held at The London
Studio Centre on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th April.
The
two day Associate course, led by Cara Drower, was attended
by students and teachers from around the UK and abroad (a
refreshing reminder of how prominent the Cecchetti method
is internationally). Participants included students working
towards their Associate exams and teachers wishing to further
their knowledge of the Cecchetti method and syllabi, including
the revisions.
Both
days began with a syllabus class incorporating Intermediate
and Advanced 1 syllabus work. Cara's eye for detail and anatomical
precision was invaluable; offering participants pertinent
corrections and a working knowledge of basic anatomy to give
them a better understanding of the dancer's body. This was
a useful reminder that correct posture and technique applies
not only to dance pupils but is essential if teachers are
to prevent injury to themselves.
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| Associate
candidates taught by Cara Drower |
Morning
class was followed by a revision of the Intermediate pointe
work on day 1, and boys' work with 'build ups' on day 2. We
owe a big thank you to Richard Slaughter who was continually
asked to demonstrate the use of demi plié in allegro,
almost to the point of exhaustion. Richard also inspired us
with some wonderful imaginary ideas for boys' free enchainments.
We must also thank Pam Peters, the pianist, for her instruction
on music and time signatures which everyone, even the more
experienced teachers, found extremely beneficial.
The
childrens' grades (including the revisions) were discussed
and analysed in great detail and thanks to the voluntary participation
of the children on day 2, participants were able to put their
acquired skills and imagination into practice.
Cara's
ability to impart so much information with so much clarity
in only two days is quite remarkable, leaving us looking forward
to a further course in the summer. Our sincere thanks must
go to Elisabeth Swan for organising another truly successful
and enjoyable course.
Angelina
Spurrier
Photograph: Alison Dos Santos
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