Cecchetti
Day 2007
A celebration of the Cecchetti Society Ballet
method and a performance to remember on Cecchetti Day
2007 at The Royal Ballet School
As
our Chairman so rightly said in her annual report "a
very special day in a prestigious venue" and what
a day it was, there was something for everyone! After
such dreadful weather over the days before many struggled
with their journeys, eager not to miss this exciting
day, but on the whole I think most of us made it, even
if a few moments late. Many guests had been invited
and how honoured we were to have Peter Kyle and Jon
Singleton, ISTD Chairman and Chief Executive respectively,
enjoying this day with us. We were also delighted to
be joined by the Chairman of the Theatre Faculties Board,
Paddy Hurlings.
The
day began with the little people. Victoria Collinson
gave us, and of course the children in front of her,
some ideas and exercises for warming up before going
to the barre. Their little faces beamed as they were
put through a fun and energetic set of movements to
warm everything up from their toes to their brains!
This was followed by the Junior Scholars in a character
class with Maria Vasilou. She gave them some Polish
steps and as she talked about their posture and how
to hold their backs I felt myself and those around me
all trying to position our backs too. It was definitely
another class where they looked as if they were having
fun.
For those who are interested in history, and especially
how the Cecchetti method evolved, Richard Glasstone
gave a very interesting lecture on the link between
Blasis and Cecchetti. He even managed to link the boys
at White Lodge to Louis XIV! It sounds too incredible
but, going through the list of teachers, true. Having
talked about the beautiful lines and shapes and how
we move from one to another in the Cecchetti method,
what better than to have two students, from the Kate
Simmons school (introduced by Gillian Hurst), show us
some of the Major work.
Already it was lunch time and we were again treated
to having it all provided, something which I know goes
down well with all of us. We were able to catch up with
those we rarely see and prepare ourselves for the afternoon.
Although there was not a lot to discuss at the Annual
Meeting two Long Service Awards were made to retiring
teachers, Hazel Turner and Richard Slaughter. Hazel,
unfortunately, was unable to be with us but it was collected
on her behalf. There was also another award made, the
Enrico Cecchetti Medal to Victoria Chappell. Her services
to the Society have been never ending over the last
25 years and she has taught many of the young teachers
of today. She is a very worthy recipient and with all
her recent travels, is sadly missed.
The lovely Winners’ Performances were followed
by a truly exquisite Scholars’ Performance. The
juniors who danced ‘La Grande Valse’ choreographed
by Julia Ellis, waltzed and floated in pastel pink and
with their heart shaped headdresses at times looked
like beautiful angels. Then came the seniors. Little
did we know that our emotions were going to go from
laughter to tears all in one piece.
They
performed ‘For Linda’ a number that had
been choreographed for Linda Davies by Susan Handy.
Starting with their backs to the audience doing a grande
plié, how surprised we were when later the mood
changed and the ballroom began. The girls' faces said
it all. They had such fun and the humour exuded from
them. Then it was back to the classical, each girl dancing
with a single rose before movingly presenting them to
Linda, seated in the front row. By now the tears, which
had already welled up, were running down my face! I
am sure I wasn't the only one. The applause said it
all. Two beautiful pieces!
Christopher Saunders then coached the two students,
who earlier had demonstrated the major work, in the
Pas de deux from Swan Lake. They began looking rather
nervous but he managed to put them at their ease with
his humour. It was interesting to see how well these
two students coped and, in a short time, how gradually
the style and quality was created.
It is the Cecchetti Associates’ tenth anniversary
this year and to celebrate this a demonstration of ballet,
and many of the other subjects that are taught over
the year, was given. It was beautifully put together
by the teachers (too many to list here) and a lovely
insight into what goes on three times a term. The popularity
of the Associates is ever increasing and I know it gives
many children much enjoyment to be part of them.
This was the finale of what had been an extraordinary
day in the most fantastic venue. I think I heard Elizabeth
mention that it might be held there next year. Yes please,
and I think that is reiterated by all!
Diana
Thwaites |
