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The
Imperial Disco Freestyle Open Championships
The
Imperial Disco Freestyle Open Championships were held at Spelthorne
Leisure Centre on Sunday 3rd March 2002. This year proved to be an even
more action packed day with the inclusion of workshops by guest lecturers,
Nigel Kirk and Tony Palmer.
'Wake
Up, Warm Up and Stretch', given by Nina Manning, created a lively start
to the day, an excellent choice of mobility, isolation and stretches,
ensuring every dancer was fully prepared in mind and body for the two
lectures which were to follow.
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'Wake
Up and Warm Up' with
Nina Manning
All photographs: Alan Blackholly |
Nigel
Kirk presented a very lively and energetic twelve bar Freestyle routine,
which could also be adapted for a solo spot. Nigel's enthusiasm was
soaked up and thoroughly enjoyed by dancers of all age levels.
The
second lecture was presented by Tony Palmer, a young man who started
his dancing career on the Disco Freestyle competition floor. After attending
full time dance college, he is now in great demand having appeared in
several West End shows and on television. We were extremely delighted
that Tony could slot us into his very busy work schedule. Tony choreographed
his routine stating that he wanted to get 'some soul, depth and emotion'
back into dancing. Reminding us that feeling comes from within, he then
proceeded to teach a slow soul routine, very challenging and more suitable
to the over fourteen age group, beautifully choreographed to the music.
I watched enthralled, recalling the image of him as a dynamic young
juvenile dancer who, even at that young age, clearly had the determination
and spirit to aspire to international success. Finally, much to everyone's
delight, including the spectators, we persuaded Tony to perform his
own routine.
The
applause that both Nigel and Tony received at the end of their lectures
said it all and showed the gratitude and appreciation of the performers
and spectators alike.
A
half hour break with practice music, provided by Royston Shepherd, gave
competitors a chance to change into costumes and switch to competition
mode before the first event, which was the Solos. Competition organiser,
compere and committee member, Paul Streatfield introduced the five independent
Championship adjudicators, Tony Palmer, Nina Manning, Debbie Bellinger,
Nigel Kirk and David Huntingford.
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| The
Imperial Championships Adjudicators (L-R): Tony Palmer, Nina Manning,
Debbie Bellinger, Nigel Kirk & David Huntingford |
The
standard of the Solos was, as we have come to expect at this event,
extremely high. I was personally impressed with the quality of dance
produced by the Beginner sections. It was very encouraging to see good
technique and understanding of floor craft developing at this level.
I am glad I did not have the adjudicator's pen in my hand. How difficult
it must have been to make the selections with every competitor dancing
their personal best to try and make the final in their own individual
event, the winner of which would have the opportunity of dancing in
the 'Imperial Dancer of the Year'.
The
busy and important task of collating all the marks and recalls was the
responsibility of scrutineers, Jilly Harris and June Green.
This
done, we then came to the highlight of the day, which was 'The Imperial
Dancer 2002'. It is very hard for me to describe the electric atmosphere
and obvious emotion felt by the spectators, teachers and those competing.
Winners dancing against winners gave 101%, spurred on by a standing
ovation from the whole arena. What an unenviable task for the adjudicators
to select just one winner in each section, but the marks were eventually
collated and the ultimate winners announced.
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| The
Imperial Dancers 2002 with Yvonne Taylor-Hill, Chairman of the DFR
Faculty |
The
winner in the Beginner section was Kirsty Goodwin, who gave a confident
solo demonstration for this age and level, showing good projection and
developing flexibility. The Starter winner was Lisa Bird, a focussed
performance showing well placed technique and centring, demonstrating
a good control of Freestyle choreography. Intermediate winner was Emily
Wallace. This dancer was beautifully groomed from her toes to the tip
of her high pony-tail and gave a very animated performance showing great
strength and flexibility. The winner of the Championship level was Sarah
Shakespeare. I have watched this young lady progress and improve from
strength to strength. She exudes energy and uses every part of her body
rhythmically. Sarah shows a wonderful sense of joy and pleasure when
she dances.
As
expected, the Teams section provided good visual entertainment. Congratulations
must be extended to all team trainers for excellent choreography, which
interpreted the music so well and was presented with some very innovative
costumes.
And now to the last section of the day, which was the Pairs event. With
the hall still buzzing with energy and enthusiasm, dancers took the
floor to demonstrate their Pairs choreography. I was particularly impressed
to see good rotation and partner awareness. Well chosen choreography
showed co-ordinated moves and well matched lines and the dancers used
each other cleverly to assist the balance and effect.
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| 'Freestyle
Pairs' |
Yet
another full and exciting day, run by the DFR Faculty Committee, came
to an end. My personal thanks to Paul Streatfield for organising another
fantastic event and to the DFR Faculty Committee members in attendance,
Betty Bouston, Rachel Wadey and Debbie Mitchell. On behalf of the Committee
I would like to congratulate and thank all the schools that attended
and look forward to seeing you at future ISTD events.
Yvonne
Taylor-Hill
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