| Day
of Dance
Sunday 21st November
2004
How time flies! Two years have passed since the last London
Ballet Group Day of Dance. Yet again this proved to be a very
successful event with an attendance of ninety five very eager
students ranging from Grade 3 to Advanced level.
The
morning started extremely early for many of the students who
had travelled from various counties to arrive at The Centre
Performing Arts College by 9.30am, only to be confronted by
the never-ending staircase (approximately 100 steps). However,
this did not deter the youngsters’ enthusiasm in any
shape or form.
Francesca Filpi of the Royal Ballet Company took the Classical
classes, the students were in awe of her demonstration and
rose to the challenge of the classes that she conducted with
great enthusiasm, inspired by pianist James Draisey.
Jeanette Smith encouraged students to use their imagination
within her Natural Movement classes, each class depicting
a different theme i.e. fire, sea. Rosemary Sarjeant accompanied
this class and the combination of the talents of both lecturer
and pianist were mesmerising.
The Jazz classes held by the energetic, never-tiring Elaine
Mansfield proved to be a great success with all age groups.
By popular request, Patricia Linton returned to take the Repertoire
Classes, giving the students a chance
to explore a different dance form and learn the history behind
those chosen sequences.
These classes were accompanied by the renowned skills of Pat
Linehan and during the final performance she was joined by
James Draisey in a piano duet, totally unrehearsed. Oh boy,
what a performance all round!
As onlookers, not only did we have a very enjoyable day, spying
through the windows eagerly awaiting the final performances,
but it was quite evident that the participants were loving
every minute and were extremely focused throughout the entire
day.
For this we must thank the guest teachers, pianists and the
hard work of Vivien Batchelder and Pamela Sheen for organising
an exciting and smooth running day. We would also like to
thank Karen King for her kind hospitality and exclusive use
of the studios.
As teachers we are well aware that the talent displayed by
the tutors was the crowning glory.
Andrea Pridham &
Jenny Hill
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