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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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