The
Disco Freestyle Vocational Grade, Intermediate was held at ISTD2
in London on Sunday 22nd January 2006. ‘The content of
this examination is beautiful, exciting and challenging.’
These are not my words, but words of teachers attending the
day, with which I wholeheartedly concur.
In an historical context, I was part of the original team who
constructed and put in place the Disco Freestyle and Rock ‘n’
Roll medallist professional examinations, so many years ago,
working closely with Jean Cantell. It gives us both great joy
to see this wonderful work produced today.
Paul Streatfield, DFR Faculty Vice-Chairman, welcomed the teachers
and introduced Yvonne Taylor-Hill, Chairman, to the floor, to
present and teach the work.
Yvonne began by explaining that this is a performance examination
open to everyone. It could for instance be taken by a gifted
13 year old or by young adults heading for a performance career.
All aspiring teachers will take it, as it is a pre-requisite
to the Foundation in Dance Instruction examination. Yvonne made
it clear that this performance examination does not preclude
the mature candidate.
The class was then taken through the work, section by section.
Jo Wood, a student of Yvonne’s, demonstrated all aspects
of the work superbly. Yvonne, as always, taught with clarity,
bubbly enthusiasm and an authority that comes only from deep
knowledge and love of the subject. She had her class captivated.
The teachers concentrated so hard and were completely at one
with Yvonne. I could see by the look on their faces that they
loved every minute of it! Whilst demonstrations and teaching
took place, you could have heard a pin drop, for sure. The minute
each section was complete there was excited chatter, sure confirmation
that all was well; the work well received.
As with all performance examinations, the Intermediate requires
quality of placement, emotional expression and musical empathy
in the performances of dance and in the performance of the exercises.
This examination also includes simple questions relating to
basic dance performance. It offers challenge enough to allow
the young dancer with talent to shine with the vigour of youth
and to gain marks accordingly. In her teaching Yvonne showed
clearly how the mature dancer who may be less flexible and have
less capacity for elevation, could still be worthy of gaining
a pass in this examination.
Congratulations to everyone who made this a truly wonderful
day. Firstly, the eighteen teachers in attendance, who learnt
the work so well and looked great performing it. I am sure you
will continue to enjoy the work as you carry it forward to your
own pupils.
Congratulations to Jo, who not only performed every aspect of
the work with beauty and immaculate style but whose demeanour
shows dedication and aptitude of the highest calibre.
Congratulations to Amanda Hughes, Nigel Kirk, Paul Streatfield
and Yvonne Taylor-Hill. This is the team responsible for creating
this fabulous examination. Present and future generations will
benefit and take pleasure from your gifted work. Thank you.
