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50
years of Cecchetti Society Scholars
A Celebration
The Clore Studio at the Royal Opera House on 17th November was the setting
for the celebration of 50 years of Cecchetti Scholarship classes and
also to remember Barbara Geoghegan, who gave her dedicated care to the
Scholars for most of that time.
Past
Scholars, their teachers and friends came from many parts of the country
and from abroad to be part of this very special occasion.
The
performance was introduced by Linda Davies who had herself been one
of the first Scholars. She was a wonderful commére who, with
great warmth and humour, gave her audience lots of reminders and insights
into the early days of Scholars.
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Monica
Mason with Linda Davies who organised the event. Linda was herself
one of the first Scholars |
The
Cecchetti port de bras presented by the current Junior and Senior Scholars
as a dedication to Barbara Geoghegan was a fitting start to the programme.
They also had a further part to play during the afternoon when the Junior
Scholars presented two very different and delightful ballets, Viva Vivaldi
(choreographed by Sandra Powell) and A Bit of Fun (choreographed by
Gillian Toogood). The Senior Scholars' contribution to the programme
was the stylish and very well danced Shades of Black and White (choreographed
by Susan Handy). All three choreographers had been Cecchetti Scholars.
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| 'Les
petits rats', National Youth Ballet |
Interspersed
with these ballet were items presented by former Scholars which certainly
demonstrated a wide diversity of talent. On the more contemporary side,
Patricia Liggett and Anne Went presented an interesting piece on Stability
in Action, and Suzanne and Helen Baker gave a show-stopping rendering
of Macavity - The Mystery Cat from the musical Cats (choreographed by
Gillian Lynne). Abigail Kessel, with her partner Peter Baldock, took
us into the world of Ballroom with the intricate Takes Two to Tango.
The
classical side was well represented by Les petits rats, choreographed
by Janet Kinson for the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain. Janet
Kinson was herself a former Scholar and some of the dancers in this
charming and beautifully danced ballet were current Scholars. There
were also two contrasting and well danced solos from Siobhan Walker
and Sarah Wilkinson, and a pas de deux from Cinderella presented by
Emily Anderson and her partner Andrew Barker.
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'Macavity
- The Mystery Cat', Suzanne & Helen Baker |
The
end of this section of the programme was completed when all former Scholars
in the audience came on to the floor to take their révérence
with the present Scholars. What a sense of comradeship there was in
that moment of fun!
The
final part of the programme was the UK premiere of Le Voyage, choreographed
by Christopher Wheeldon and danced by graduate students of the Royal
Ballet School. This was a tremendous finish to the performance and one
which showed all the young dancers watching the goal to which they could
aspire.
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'Cinderella'
pas de deux,
Emily Anderson & Andrew Barker |
After
the performance everyone gathered in the Amphitheatre bar for wine and
refreshments, where Monica Mason cut the cake celebrating 50 years.
The opportunity to catch up with friends not seen for many years was
fully taken and enjoyed. The helpful name badges for ex Scholars often
proved to be an advantage here.
The
occasion will be remembered by all those who were present, evoking as
it did so many fond memories of past times. An enormous vote of thanks
must go to Linda Davies for masterminding it, and to her team for helping
to bring it to such a happy and memorable conclusion.
Photographs
by Geoff Wheatley
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