Classical Sequence in Japan
	Sequence Faculty Congress & Inventive Dance Competition
	Grand Medallist Festival
	Reminder

Classical Sequence in Japan

One of the problems besetting the development of Sequence Dancing in the 21st century is that it is little known outside of the UK and Australia/New Zealand. It was therefore with great pleasure that I accepted an invitation to Toyko to give a demonstration of Classical Sequence. As far as I know this is the first time a professional demonstration in this style has been given in Japan.

It is well known that Dance Sport is very popular throughout the Far East and that this trend probably started in Japan. Mr & Mrs Iwamatsu, my hosts, run a very successful Ballroom and Latin American studio, teaching both styles at all levels. Over the past couple of years, interest in Classical Sequence (Old Time) has begun to develop in Japan and so after having some training in London they decided to introduce it to their pupils. I am please to say that it proved very popular.

Vernon Kemp & Dianna Wykes demonstrating in Toyko, Japan

For the main part of the demonstration, Dianna Wykes and myself decided to give a medly of the Championships dances in each rhythms: Old Time Waltz, Tango, Gavotte and Two Step. Throughout the demonstration I gave a short history of the development of both the style itself and the various dances involved. For an encore we danced a Ragtime/Charleston number including such golden oldies as Ragtime Swing, Mayfair Quickstep, Manhattan Blues and Dinky One Step.

The organisation, venue, lightening and music for the event was of a highly professional standard which has become synonymous with these events in Japan. Guest from the Dance Sport world were in attendance including Takashi Takemura ex Manager of the famous Toho Dance Hall in Toyko and a regular at the Blackpool Festivals, including the Sequence Festival. Mr Takemura now runs a popular Sequence class attended by teachers and dancers from all over Japan, once a month. If this interest is developed then perhaps we will be lucky to see some competitors coming over in the future.

Vernon Kemp

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Sequence Faculty Congress & Inventive Dance Competition

Sunday 25th February 2001
Dacorum Pavilion, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

PLEASE NOTE: A slight change of timings has been necessary with regard to the programme for Congress next year. The three mini lectures have been extended to twenty minutes duration each and consequently, this will mean that all other lectures listed, will begin a quarter of an hour later than stated in the last edition of Dance. The revised times are as follows:

Programme

Entries for the Inventive Dance Competition must be sent to Mrs Julie Earnshaw, Croft Lodge, 6 Croft Road, Bedworth, Nuneaton, Warks CV12 OAS, to arrive on or before 11th February 2001. Dances should be entered under their respective rhythm and, at this point, not by title. Typed scripts of each dance should be presented on the day.

Admission to Congress & Inventive Dance Competition:
Members £10.00
Student Teachers and Non-Members must apply to Mrs B McDermott at Headquarters and will be charged fees of £11.50 and £19.50 respectively.
Tickets for Inventive Dance Competition only, are available in advance or on the day at £7.00. For further details please contact Mrs Julie Earnshaw (02476) 314413 or Miss Jill Bush (01702) 295476.

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Grand Medallist Festival

Incorporating Juvenile/Junior & Adult events featuring a demonstration by

CRAIG BEDWELL & ANGELA PAINTING

Sunday 17th June 2001
Egham Sports Centre, Vicarage Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 8NL
12.00 noon - 6.00pm • Tickets £6.00

A full day of interest for all, offering a wide variety of competitions together with general dancing. Two 'high-lights' in particular are the Juvenile & Junior Medallist of the Year events and, of course, the cabaret by Craig Bedwell & Angela Painting - current British Amateur Old Time Champions.

This year the Sequence Faculty is offering a special incentive to all teachers bringing a school party of fifty or more pupils - this will consist of £100.00 towards coach/travel expenses etc. In addition, the normal discount given on all ticket sales will remain in being. All in all, a great opportunity to attract more pupils to 'join the party' and have a really good day out!

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Reminder

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