| History
Founded by Ruby Ginner in 1923 as the Association of Teachers
of the Revived Greek Dance, it became affiliated to the ISTD
in 1951, combining with the ISTD Greek Branch.
The
history and development of Classical Greek Dance (Ruby Ginner
Method) can be explored through archive material which includes
original programmes from early performances, photographs,
and newsletters from 1926-1955 with articles written by Dame
Ninette de Valois, Ruth St Denis, Irene Mawer, Ruby Ginner
and her brother Charles Ginner (a painter) etc. These demonstrate
the link with drama, mime, music and painting and provide
a fascinating insight into the cultural scene of that time.
Other links are with education and the medical world, coupled
with the inherent background of Ancient Greece.
Aims
This form of movement provides immense enjoyment and an opportunity
for creativity. The student also acquires balance and control,
relaxation, elevation, clarity of line, grace and ease of
movement and the development of musical understanding. The
more advanced work allows for a greater study of the visual
arts, literature and mythology and develops the various different
aspects of this work which includes not only lyrical dance
but also athletic, pyrrhic, bacchic, choric, ritual and tragic,
all of which can be applied to the world of today. It is undoubtedly
one of the best methods of teaching stage movement and dramatic
expression in dance form.
Activities
Every two years a Classical Greek Dance Festival is held for
dancers ranging from children of seven years to students and
adults. There are also awards for original choreography and
improvisation. The Ruby Ginner Awards (for solo dancers) are
held annually for all standards. Holiday courses and refresher
courses are arranged each year.
The
Daphne Hawkesworth Cup is awarded annually to someone who
the Faculty committee feel has made an outstanding contribution
to Classical Greek Dance.
RUBY
GINNER MBE(1886-1978)
A
pioneer of a freer movement in dance, Ruby Ginner's deep and
continuous study of Ancient Greece was initiated by her introduction
to the great Greek dramas. The necessity to develop her own
form of dance movement came through her success when dancing
in professional productions from 1904. In this she was later
helped by Effie Williams, who added her anatomical expertise,
Irene Mawer, with her knowledge of drama and mime, and Nancy
Sherwood through her understanding of Greek Art and her outstanding
ability to create technical movements.
THE
VALUE OF CLASSICAL GREEK DANCE
"Classical Greek Dance, Ruby Ginner method, is a dance
technique based on fundamental movement which is structured
to encourage further creativity by both teacher and pupil.
It is based on the aims and ideals of Ancient Greece, particularly
the necessity for the balance and harmony of the body, mind
and spirit. This is achieved through a carefully graded syllabus
enhanced by the background knowledge of Ancient Greek civilisation
and its myths and legends. Important links are also made with
the sister arts of Music, Drama, Sculpture and Painting."
Dame
Merle Park DBE,
Former Director Royal Ballet School, Patron
|
