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Centenary
Theatre Congress & Dinner
Dance
Date
for your diary
Next years Congresses and Dinner Dance will be held
on Sunday 13th March 2005 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
Don’t
forget you can order a copy of the Centenary Spring Congress
video from Dereck Brown Video Services Ltd on 01733 332055.
Centenary
Theatre Congress
Sunday 14th March 2004
Westbourne Suite
Royal Lancaster Hotel
London
The
Centenary Congress was a fantastic display showing the versatility
and excellence of the ISTD. Congress is an opportunity to
catch up with other teachers and see some breathtaking work
by all the Faculties.
After
an introduction from our Chairman, Patricia Prime, the day
started with a trip back in time with an elegant performance
by students from the Masters College. Coached by Jill Bush,
the students demonstrated dances in vogue when the ISTD was
formed in 1904.
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| Dancers
from Masters Performing Arts College, demonstrating the
Lancers on behalf of the Sequence Faculty |
Exploding
onto the floor were students from Laine Theatre Arts and Bird
College. They presented a unique fusion of the new Grade 5
& 6 and the Advanced 2 Modern with an artistic slant.
Arranged by Barbara Evans, Sue Brice, Justine Murray, Tereza
Theodoulou and Sarah Wilson, this gave a wonderful insight
into how past and present syllabi are so valuable when training
today’s dancer.
‘A
Quest for Quality’ introduced us to the delights of
the Imperial Classical Ballet Faculty. This was arranged by
Heather Fish and Lorraine Swain with pupils from Joanne Bond,
Corraine Collins, Janet Marshall Dance Studios, Performers
College and Rosemary Woodd. It was evident that each child
and student enjoyed every minute of this beautiful demonstration
based upon the Imperial Ballet syllabus.
In
complete contrast the South Asian Dance Faculty gave us an
imaginative display of their work with an abstract piece by
Pali Chandra and Nina Rajarani. For anyone who has not yet
seen the work of this Faculty it is one of pure expression
and freedom of interpretation.
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| Modern
Theatre demonstration |
Imperial
Classical Ballet demonstration |
Nina
Rajarani & Pali Chandra in ‘Sound of Silence’
from the South Asian Faculty |
The
Classical Greek Dance Association Faculty presented a display
entitled ‘A Journey Through Life’. An interesting
arrangement showing the many styles and movement of the Greek
syllabus with a modern approach.
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| Classical
Greek Trio, pupils of Karen Collings |
Robert
Harrold introduced us to the National Dance Faculty and to
a charming performance choreographed by Helen Gray of ‘Lancashire
Mill Holiday’, highlights of which were a traditional
Maypole Dance and a great clogging section. In complete contrast
Judith Hockaday transported us to a ‘Romanian Harvest
Time’ complete with fantastic costumes and intricate
patterns that were a sheer delight.
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| ‘Romanian’
students of Judith Hockaday. National Dance Faculty |
Jeremy
Kerridge represented the Cecchetti Society Classical Ballet
Society with a tribute to the Cecchetti method. A breathtaking
arrangement of all ages and standards demonstrated by students
from Kate Simmons. Applause reigned when one of the students
presented an outstanding display of fouette turns and the
professional choreography here was a pure joy.
Dynamic
Tap was next on the menu of delights with Jacqui Tapsell and
pupils from Performers College demonstrating the new Grade
6 Tap. This syllabus propels Tap into a new dimension and
the students gave a slick demonstration that had been expertly
arranged.
Our
Chairman, Patrica Prime, then gave us a treat by introducing
two dancers from America and Poland. Derek and Anetta gave
a stunning display of Latin American style dancing complete
with a cabaret style delivery that was hugely entertaining.
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| Cecchetti
Ballet demonstration |
Micheal
Gunn, Grade 6 Tap demonstration |
Derek
& Anetta, Latin American style dancing |
The
afternoon brought an incredible opportunity to learn part
of a routine from the West End musical ‘Thoroughly Modern
Millie’. Dance Captain Chris Bailey assisted by Hayley
Newton led teachers and students through this complex number
in the unique style of the 1920’s. Their attention to
detail gave anyone wishing to audition for this fantastic
show a head start and coaxed into action we were treated to
a demonstration by Chris and Hayley of the number we had just
learnt. Both of these dancers are ISTD trained and they exuded
dance ability and performance skills.
The
finale of the day was a showcase of ISTD winners who were
inspirational and whose love of dance shone through every
moment they were performing. This Congress marked 100 years
of ISTD excellence yet laid the foundations for many more
years of excellence
to come.
All
I can say is if you did not attend this fantastic event you
missed a moment in the history of dance.
Angela
Harris
Photographs: Elaine Mayson
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| Showcase
participants |
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Centenary
Dinner Dance
Sunday
14th March 2004
Nine Kings Suite
Royal Lancaster Hotel
London
With
the Society celebrating its Centenary this year I think everyone
attending the Dinner Dance at the Royal Lancaster Hotel was
hoping for a memorable evening.
Judging
from the looks on the faces of the guests throughout the evening,
and the countless letters and messages received since, they
were not disappointed as the Society celebrated its Centenary
in style.
With
more than 500 guests in attendance there was a wonderful atmosphere
as representatives from both the Dance Sport and Theatre Faculties
turned out in force along with numerous invited guests, members
and their family and friends. With a record crowd the decision
to commence the evening at a slightly earlier time proved
to be a prudent one as Robert Grover, Chairman of the ISTD
and the Vice Chairman Patricia Prime took the time to greet
every guest personally.
After
having had the opportunity to mingle with colleagues and friends
at the reception it was time for the Dinner to commence in
the Nine Kings Suite. It is a testament to the management
and the staff of the Royal Lancaster Hotel that despite record
numbers this year the high standards in catering and service
did not waiver and a wonderful Dinner was served with the
professionalism that we have come to expect.
It
was now time for the Chairman, Robert Grover to officially
welcome the invited guests, members and friends. The Honorary
President of World Dance and Dance Sport Council, Robin Short
made the response on behalf of the guests. With this being
the Society’s Centenary year both Robert Grover and
Robin Short in their speeches reflected on the Society’s
achievements both in the past and more recent times. Robert
Grover also gave guests an insight into his experiences of
taking his first ever examinations with the Society!
Anyone
who has attended an ISTD Dinner Dance will know that the Society
uses the occasion to recognise the contribution and achievements
of individuals within the organisation. It was felt that in
this very special year the Society should pay tribute to those
individuals who had help shape the organisation we see today.
With that in mind it was decided to grant for the first time
ever ISTD Lifetime Achievement Awards to four very special
people.
It
was an honour for all those present to see these Awards presented
by Robert Grover to Life President Dame Beryl Grey DBE, President
Bill Irvine MBE, Vice President Miss Joyce Percy and Vice
President Peggy Spencer MBE. Both Bill Irvine and Peggy Spencer
were able to accept their Awards in person and gave wonderful
acceptance speeches. Unfortunately due to ill health Dame
Beryl Grey was unable to attend, as was Joyce Percy, who has
sadly since passed away. However, thanks to the speeches given
by Patricia Prime and June Rycroft the evening did not pass
without them both being remembered by all present.
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| June
Rycroft receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf
of Joyce Percy from the ISTD Chairman, Robert Grover |
Robert
Grover, Peggy Spencer MBE, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement
Award & Lorna Lee |
Patricia
Prime receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf
of Dame Beryl Grey DBE from the ISTD Chairman, Robert
Grover |
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Bill
Irvine MBE accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award
from Robert Grover & Anne Lingard |
Guest
speaker, Honourary President of World Dance and Dance
Sport Council, Robin Short |
Any
award ceremony is just as reliant upon the presenters as the
recipients so we were fortunate to have both Anne Lingard
and Lorna Lee introducing Bill Irvine and Peggy Spencer respectively
with very poignant speeches. Ensuring the Ceremony ran smoothly
was its host Vernon Kemp.
The
evening also presented an opportunity for the President of
the USISTD Phillip Stephens to present an Award to the Society
on behalf of the USISTD in recognition of its Centenary.
With
the Award Ceremony concluded the dance floor filled as guests
took the opportunity to dance to the excellent music provided
by Ross Mitchell, his Band and Singers. With such a large
number of guests it was no surprise the floor was packed throughout
the evening.
The
Society has always been successful in attracting world class
dancers to perform at the Dinner Dance. However, bearing in
mind the significance of the evening, this year’s guests
were treated to a cabaret by not one set of World Champions
but two! Not only Modern Ballroom Champions, Christopher Hawkins
and Hazel Newberry but Latin American Champions, Bryan Watson
and Carmen as well. To say the audience lapped up this most
amazing Cabaret performance would be an understatement. An
electric atmosphere was created by a show that had everyone
enthralled thanks to the performances laid on by these excellent
dancers.
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| Latin
American Champions, Bryan Watson & Carmen |
Modern
Ballroom Champions, Christopher Hawkins & Hazel Newberry.
Photograph: Ron Self |
It
is hard to imagine anyone being able to follow an evening
such as the one guests had been treated to so far but of course
the Society is lucky to have Nicky Miles, not only to compere
the Cabaret performance but host the Raffle! Thanks to an
army of volunteers selling tickets throughout the day, the
raffle raised £1,030 for the ISTD Benevolent Fund.
With
the Raffle over the dance floor once again filled with eager
dancers wishing to enjoy what was left of a memorable evening.
The ISTD Centenary Dinner Dance certainly lived up to expectations.
All of those involved in organising the event can feel rightly
proud.
Jon
Singleton
Head of Marketing and Publicity
Photographs: Elaine Mayson, unless otherwise stated
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