| The
First General Grade Examination Session
Saturday
the 26th of June 2004, the first day of our end of term examinations.
Not an unusual day at this time of year perhaps, but today
was to be special; our very first pupils were about to take
their Latin American Grade examinations.
The
work had of course, begun many months before, with meetings
to discuss the concept of graded examinations and more meetings
to talk about their contents. During the August of 2003, I
had worked at home, pushing both cares and furniture aside
to begin the new exercises, sharing ideas by email and telephone
with colleagues of the working group. We thought, and then
had second thoughts, all the while shaping and refining this
very special project.
There
were late night telephone calls to discuss ideas and then
other, more solitary times in the early hours of the morning,
quietly tapping away on the keyboard to put the ideas onto
paper.
Finally,
we introduced the work into our classes and I knew then that
all the long months of work were proved worthwhile. As a teacher
I was able to see at first hand the real benefit to the pupils.
Now,
our first candidates were ready. There were eight candidates
taking Grade 1, and within this group there were two juveniles,
four juniors and two adults, one of whom was a senior. There
were also two juniors who were entered for Grade 2 examinations.
Our Examiner for the session was Mrs Pat Goode, who has since
passed away, who was looking forward with as much anticipation
as the candidates themselves. For my own part I felt a mix
of emotions, I was excited yes, but there was no chance now
to add a word or change a line. I probably went into the examination
room with more trepidation than anyone!
At
the end of the day I asked Pat if she would be kind enough
to do a write up for DANCE magazine. “I would be thrilled,”
she said, “but I won’t hurry it, I want to be
sure that I get it just right. I’ve enjoyed examining
this work so much and I just know how valuable it will be
to the teachers. I want to be sure I get that across to them”
Sadly,
Pat was never able to give us that write up, but I do know
that she was so pleased to be our examiner on that special
day. I also know from talking to our pupils that they felt
that everything they gained from taking these new examinations
was enriched by Pat’s presence, her enthusiasm and encouragement
shone through to everyone.
An
obituary for Pat Goode can be found here>>
Marion
Lane
My
Grade One Examination
Our
training started earlier in the year after Marion Lane, our
teacher, had explained to us about these new exams and had
shown us some of the exercises.
We
were all excited about the grades and couldn’t wait
to start preparing for them. Learning warm up and preparatory
dance exercises, stretches, and the names and details of the
many steps was an interesting experience that became a regular
feature in both group classes and my personal lessons.
On
the Saturday 26th June, the examiner, Mrs Pat Goode, arrived
ready to examine the first ever Latin American grades in the
country. With us all waiting in anticipation everything was
set up ready. Weeks of planning, and it was finally time for
us to take our grade exams. I was nervous as I entered the
room but soon became very involved in the exam and the 20
minutes went very quickly. The exam started with our warm
up exercises and stretches. Mrs Goode then asked us to clap
to the Rumba music, then it was time to dance the steps we
were asked for. Closed Basic Movement, Hand to Hand to my
right side… and so the list went on. Next we moved onto
the Jive. Finally the exam was over and with an acknowledgement
to Mrs Goode, we left the room feeling pleased with ourselves,
now waiting for the results!
I
feel that I have gained a great deal from taking Grade 1.
Not only did I enjoy all the preparation; I have a deeper
understanding and knowledge of the technical details of steps,
and the way in which the body is prepared for dance through
warming up and stretching. I enjoyed taking my Latin American
Grade 1, and can’t wait to start training for the Grade
2.
Harriet
Walmesley
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