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Spring
Congress 2002
Ballroom
Lectures
The
first lecture of the day was Ballroom Class Variations entitled PG
Tips Part I. This was a beautifully timed lecture given by Pat Goode,
assisted by Simon and Heidi Cruwys.
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| Pat
Goode (left) |
Using
standard figures in the Waltz, with a change of timing on the Weave,
a Lock with a slow head turn for the lady and a Swivel ending to
the Chair. The Slow Foxtrot featured a Fallaway Slip pivot into the
corner and again the very popular Swivel and extended Weave. Tango
was short and sharp using a Contra Check against the LOD a Swivel
and Zig Zag - very useable. The Quickstep group was fast, short and
suitable for class teaching with a Tipple Chasse possibly being substituted
for a Tipsy.
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| Simon
& Heidi Cruwys |
To
quote the words of our Chairman, Robert Grover, 'Express steps -
so much material in such a short time'.
The
second half of PG Tips 2002 was given by Paula Goodyear, assisted
by John Taylor. In the Waltz, there was a four bar group with a change
of role on the popular Double Natural Spin. The Tango used a leg
lift for the lady, left side moves and the ever popular Swivel and
Wing. The Slow Foxtrot introduced a Rumba cross from a heel pull.
The Quickstep gave us a Stutter Chasse, Tipple and Fishtail. All
interesting work which would no doubt appeal to the class pupil.
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Paula
Goodyear &
John Taylor |
Another
Ballroom lecture given with clarity and perfect timing for a half
hour slot - so much material.
I
heard many good comments about the usability of short groupings used
by the two PG Tips lecturers.
Developing
syllabus work for Gold Star 1 was the title of the lecture given
by Vernon Kemp, ably assisted by Gillian Cook. On reaching this standard
many of our pupils feel that they can now dance every step in the
book and much, much more. In the words of wisdom from Vernon Kemp,
it is important to choose the right variations for a Gold Star. Don't
throw out all the movements that have been worked upon in previous
grades, but develop them and add on e.g. add extra steps, change
the timing or reverse the roles, just enough to give a challenge
and produce quality work. Start the exam routine with familiar work,
on side one, this is always a good confidence booster.
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Vernon
Kemp &
Gillian Cook |
Vernon,
assisted by Gillian Cook, showed us two groups in Slow Foxtrot and
Quickstep making use of the points illustrated above.
This
lecture gave us much food for thought about the suitability of variations
used in the Gold Star Grades.
Betty
Bouston
Sequence,
Alternative Rhythms and DFR Lectures
Following
out the experimental format of a 'Mixed Faculty' Spring Congress,
our second lecture was devoted to two Social Sequence dances, The
Anfield Swing and Mambo Magic.
Presented
in his customary relaxed and apparently effortless manner by Nicky
Miles, these dances were a great success with the audience. The floor
was packed as everyone tried to find a space to learn first of all
The Anfield Swing, a sequence which rolls along easily, and which
is most enjoyable to dance.
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Nicky
Miles &
Edita Doncakova
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Thanks
to Nicky's excellent and amusing teaching 'jingles' and the catchy
music, the large company of dancers thoroughly enjoyed themselves,
a fact made evident by the smiling faces and the happy hubbub of
conversation as they made their way off the floor. They weren't allowed
to relax for long though as Nicky quickly had them all back on the
floor to tackle Mambo Magic. This dance was rather more challenging
as it was quite a test of memory, and there was much laughter as
dancers, including me, struggled to remember what came next! Again,
great fun to dance, and both sequences will be tremendously useful
in our schools.
A
first class lecture presented by Nicky Miles with warmth and humour
and in inimitable style.
We
returned from the coffee break to an Alternative Rhythms lecture
in which Ralph Schiller and Kele Baker presented the Milonga, a dance
which Ralph explained originated in Argentina and which was the forerunner
of the Tango. The similarities in the basic steps of the two dances
were apparent as the two lecturers took it in turn to explain and
teach the figures. Demonstrating several syncopated movements, Kele
warned the gentlemen that as there was no set step order or timing,
they were 'in charge' and that it was up to them to lead. Judging
by the hilarity that ensued when the large class tried to put this
into practise, this was not always happening, and much happy confusion
ensued.
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Ralph
Schiller &
Kele Baker |
Again,
a most enjoyable and informative lecture.
Our
third 'other Faculties' lecture was presented by the DFR Committee,
and introduced by the Chairman, Yvonne Taylor-Hill. Paul Streatfield,
the only gentleman on this committee, then presented his lady colleagues,
'The Girls', and the entire committee demonstrated three first class
social line dances. There was an immediate buzz of enthusiastic anticipation
as dancers flocked on to the floor to join in. Great music, a wonderful,
lively atmosphere and, of course, skilful teaching from Yvonne Taylor-Hill
and Betty Bouston.
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| Yvonne
Taylor-Hill & DFR Committee |
Excellent
routines, well choreographed, and exactly right for any social class
or party. A fitting finale to our 'other Faculties' lectures at this
Congress.
This
year's mixed Faculty programme was arranged after members had been
asked to choose from a selection of proposed new Spring Congress
formats. Judging by the enthusiasm with which each of the lectures
was received, and the packed floor throughout the day, the experiment
was a tremendous success. I'm already looking forward to next year.
Margaret
Connon
Latin American Lectures
The
first Latin American lecture of the day was provided by Lorraine
Kuznik, assisted by her partner Neil Dewer.
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Lorraine
Kuznik &
Neil Dewer |
Lorraine's
expertise in putting together and presenting teachable class variations
was very evident as she demonstrated and taught one variation in
the Rumba and Samba. Both were developments from our existing basic
figures with interesting use of arms, which goes to show that complexity
is not required to produce interesting choreography. With this type
of work it is possible to see the development of rhythmical expression.
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| Simon
& Heidi Cruwys |
The
second of the Latin lectures came from Simon Cruwys, assisted by
sister and partner, Heidi. Their task was to show Gold Star 1 variations,
which they did admirably. The groups given were in Samba and Jive.
Simon incorporated his sense of humour to show how much fun can be
derived from our form of dancing. This was Simon's debut lecturing
in the Latin idiom, and from this there is no doubt that we will
see him lecture many more times in the future.
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Marion
Lane &
Mark Willemite |
The
last Latin lecture and in fact the last lecture of the day, and also
a debut for the Latin branch, was Marion Lane, assisted by the debonair
Mark Willemite. Marion gave us a group in Cha Cha Cha and Paso Doble
eminently suitable for class teaching. Her charming personality is
a lesson to us all on how to enthuse your class pupils. I particularly
liked the Paso Doble that maintained hold throughout, thereby providing
the opportunity to use the shaping as described in the new Paso Doble
technique.
Graham
Oswick
All Photographs: Ron Self
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