Moving Naturally
An international symposium at Surrey University
This unique event on 31st October 2009, was held to explore the different ways movement and dance developed during the early 1900s and involved a variety of lectures and demonstrations. The work of Madge Atkinson, Ruby Ginner, Isadora Duncan, Helen Tamaris, Doris Humphrey and Margaret Morris were explored, giving a fascinating insight into the creative momentum of this period.
Above: Dancers with Susan Mitchell-Smith
The Classical Greek Dance lecture was presented by Mrs Susan Mitchell-Smith. Susan was Chairman of the faculty for many years and is still a senior examiner. She also looks after the faculty’s many archives and has a particular interest in the history and development of Classical Greek Dance. She was joined by a number of young dancers who gave up their time to demonstrate five contrasting dances to show the versatility of this genre.
Susan began her lecture by insisting on audience participation, resulting in everybody joining in some of the basic Classical Greek Dance exercises for the hands, wrists, shoulders and heads whilst still sitting in their seats. Ruby Ginner’s link with the natural world, as in the title of the Symposium, was emphasised by the continued requirements of a study from nature in all graded examinations, which are designed to encourage the student’s own creative use of the movement. Susan went on to explain how musical interpretation is an integral part of Classical Greek Dance and how the connection with Ancient Greece was developed, drawing on Ginner’s own experience of taking part in training members of the Chorus in the Ancient Greek plays.
The lecture was practical, focused and informative. The development of Classical Greek Dance was shown from its roots up to the present day, stressing the value this genre has in dance training and performance.
Sonia Bond and Lucy Pohl
Below: Blade Runner, Dupont Dance Stage School
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