Congresses
& Dinner Dance 2003
|
 |
|
Theatre
Congress
Sunday
9th March 2003 • Westbourne Suite • Royal Lancaster Hotel
• London
Due
to a reduced underground service I decided on the comfort of a taxi
from Kings Cross to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, just time for coffee
and to say a quick 'hello' to fellow teachers and examiners as I
really did want to see the demonstration of the new Junior Tap Medals.
Tap
Dance
Now
that Tap is a Faculty in its own right, much ground has been covered
under the direction of Chairman Paddy Hurlings and her extremely
talented team, Deborah Capon, Tracey Lee and Teresa Theodoulou.
 |
| New
Tap Medals. (L-R): Chairman Paddy Hurlings and her extremely talented
team, Teresa Theodoulou, Deborah Capon and Tracey Lee |
These
new Tap Medals are what we have all been hoping for, and what a breath
of new life they bring. There surely can be no substitute for seeing
this work other than from the source. Superbly demonstrated at Bronze
and Silver levels by pupils from Miss Hurlings and Miss Capon, then
came the Gold, immaculately danced and styled by students from Bird
College.
This
style of today's commercial theatre is surely a must for every teacher
who wants to move with the times. Enormous thanks must go to everybody
involved in creating these fantastic syllabi, children and students
will love it! The specially written toe-tapping music will be available
on CD.
National
Dance
From
'tee ya ti tee tar' of Tap to National Dance and the newly restructured
children's Grades.
 |
National
Dance |
The
interweaving floor patterns created by the use of group and partner
work are valuable in developing co-ordination and spatial awareness
in the dancer. Uninhibited by the demands of a classical technique
any student is free to enjoy the music and develop the style of that
country. It was clear to see from the children's faces the enjoyment
they experienced here and the rapport created one to the other. Credit
must go to Judith Hockaday, Rebecca Sarrafan and Robina Smith whose
pupils they were.
Classical
Greek
The
entirely new Grade 6 embraces original movements which brings the
work into the 21st century. Congratulations to Cynthia Carr for creating
such a superb syllabus and to Roz Jennings for composing the music.
 |
| Classical
Greek Dance group performing in the Showcase |
Students
who are fortunate enough to study Classical Greek will most certainly
strengthen footwork and elevation whilst developing musical sensitivity
and quality within their movements, all a tremendous asset to other
dance genre. The pupils of Karen Collings, Dupont School, Kathleen
West and Amanda Wilkins worked tirelessly and with maturity. Well
done!
South
Asian Dance
Pushkala Gopal and Gauri Sharma
I
have to say I sat completely fascinated and would hope more informed
by the end of this lecture. If only there had been more time.
 |
South
Asian Dance demonstration |
The
expressive hand movements, the use of the eyes and the complexity
of the foot rhythms are indeed a learning curve. The artistry in
this style of dance coupled with the charm of the little demonstrator
were almost spellbinding.
It
is no surprise that, though newly embraced by the ISTD, this Faculty
has grown considerably and this year again is the recipient of the
Abbey Life Cup, this being awarded to the Faculty which shows the
largest growth in examination entries throughout the year.
Imperial
and Cecchetti Ballet
From
the social scene of lunch to the calm and composure of classical
repertoire class.
Our two guest artists were from the Royal Ballet, Vanessa Palmer
and Francesca Filpi, in the past both demonstrators and performers
for Congress and the Showcase.
Vanessa
with quiet command encouraged and inspired her class of invited students,
imparting her own secret tips that would help achieve the required
technique, control and simplistic quality so necessary for this excerpt
from Coppélia.
 |
Vanessa
Palmer |
Francesca,
contrasting greatly with her vibrance, guided her students through
a Swan solo from Swan Lake.
Then,
by special request from Mrs Prime, the two young dancers each performed
their chosen work. Without theatre, orchestra or costume we were
privileged to experience one of those magical moments in performance
when dancer and audience become as one. This surely must be the mark
of a true professional and artiste. Thank you Francesca for your
exuberance and to Vanessa for giving so generously of your serenity
and quality.
How
fortunate for all who were there to share this special performance
and what a great loss for those who were not. I sat quietly and somewhat
moved by what I had just seen.
Modern
Theatre
From the quiet came the storm as teachers and students jostled for
front line on the dance floor. Yes, the Barbara Jazz Experience was
about to being - 5ft of dynamite. Pure energy, rhythm and innovative
isolation, should you blink you will miss it.
This
lady moves like lightning and with absolute precision. As intricacy
and pace of the combination developed there was a tremendous feeling
of exhilaration, and yet the highlight of the day was still to come!
Showcase
Extra
seating was put in place for members of the Dance Sport Faculty,
some of whom came especially to join with us to watch.
In
a glorious hour of pure entertainment we saw presentations from each
Theatre Faculty, bringing together the winners from some of the most
prestigious dance events of the year.
 |
South
Asian Showcase performer |
This
was indeed a product of the ISTD - a Society leading the way in dance
today. One couldn't
help but feel more than proud, the standard was pure excellence.
Is
this not reason enough to come to Congress? Part of me felt a little
sad because so many more could have benefited from what this superb
day offered. Most importantly, my feelings are re-enforced that to
be a teacher of dance is not only a worthwhile but also a privileged
profession.
Gillian
Farr
Theatre
Congress 2003, once again at the excellent Royal Lancaster Hotel
venue, provided a rich spectacle that exemplified the wide variety
of dance styles catered for by the Society.
The
day began with a demonstration of the new Bronze and Silver Tap Awards.
These exhilarating additions to the Tap examination syllabus bring
Tap bang up to date, exhibiting a wide range of stylistic and rhythmic
diversity ranging from swing to rap. There is something here for
all children to really get their teeth into and enjoy. The Award
amalgamations were beautifully and professionally presented by pupils
provided by Paddy Hurlings (Bronze) and Deborah Capon (Silver), however
my overriding impression was of how much the children were obviously
enjoying dancing them. Members of the audience were then given the
opportunity to learn a little of the Bronze Medal. Tracey Lee, who
has been involved in creating the new work, took teachers through
their paces and gave us an insight into how much fun this new work
will be to teach our pupils.
 |
Cecchetti
Showcase performers, Tyrone Singleton & Carrie Johnson |
By
contrast, we were next treated to a National Dance display with as
many as 40 young students taking to the floor to help demonstrate
some of the new work. Marion Roberts explained that the syllabus
has been restructured and the format slightly simplified. Whilst
retaining much of the old work it introduces some lovely new dances.
Watching the children perform Priborak, a Czech group dance, it is
easy to see how these new dances will emphasise both the fun to be
had exploring and performing works reflecting styles typical of other
countries and the enjoyment of working in groups.
New
work was very much a flavour of this year's Congress and the Classical
Greek demonstration continued this theme with a performance of the
new Grade 6 work. The work has been updated but remains very much
in the tradition of Ruby Ginner. I was struck by the excellent footwork,
lightness and elevation of the students (something that would benefit
students in all dance disciplines) and by the performers' musicality
and expressive feeling. To cap off the demonstration the dancers
were brave enough to perform a dance with balls. They showed extraordinary
skill and co-ordination. We all held our breath. I know if I had
been in that situation I would have dropped a ball, but despite a
near miss not a single ball dropped! Well done.
The
traditional dance genre continued with a change of continent to South
Asia and a Kathak demonstration and teachers workshop. Asian dance
exemplifies the all-embracing nature of the ISTD and the South Asian
Faculty is the most rapidly expanding Faculty of the Society. We
were fortunate to be given an insight into this dance genre by Gauri
Sharma, who has performed to critical acclaim throughout India and
in many other countries. Everything was clearly explained and admirably
performed and her young demonstrator showed great confidence and
composure. Those in the audience who were brave enough to take the
floor and have a go soon discovered the intricacies of the eye movements
and the rhythms made by the feet. Somehow it is never as easy to
do as it is to watch.
 |
Tap
Dance demonstrator |
After
lunch we were treated to a repertoire class by the Imperial and Cecchetti
Ballet Faculties. We were fortunate indeed to benefit from the knowledge
and experience of Francesca Filpi and Vanessa Palmer, both members
of the Royal Ballet. Invited students were taught two repertory pieces.
Francesca, who has had a long association with the ISTD, had intended
on doing the clog dance from La Fille Mal Gardée, but unfortunately
the clogs did not arrive! Undeterred, she chose to teach a short
section from Swan Lake, which proved a considerable challenge for
the students. Vanessa, a soloist with the company, taught the Prayer
solo from Coppélia, and had wonderful words of advice to pass
on to the students. This part of the day culminated with a performance
by her of the Prayer solo. This performance was of great serenity
and displayed a quality that is hard to describe in words. It brought
a hush to the room. I can only encourage teachers from far and wide
to make sure their diary is clear for next year's Congress in order
to experience moments such as this.
We
changed pace and style once more with an Open Jazz class representing
the activities of the Modern Theatre Faculty. Barbara Evans, who
has helped to develop the Modern syllabi, was as ever a bundle of
energy and dynamism. She has a unique style that represents a real
challenge for the students, a challenge to which they rose, urged
on by Barbara's boundless enthusiasm.
 |
| Participants
in Barbara Evans' Open Jazz class |
Finally,
to round off the day, we were treated to the Theatre Showcase. A
superb array of performers from all Faculties of the Society demonstrated
not only the calibre of the new generation of performers but also
the calibre of the teaching and choreography that takes place within
the ISTD.
So,
the 2003 Theatre Congress ended on a high note and left all who attended
in no doubt at all that they would be back again next year. After
all, where else can teachers working within the ISTD experience in
one day such a variety of dance to such a high standard? I am positive
we all left not only inspired but bursting to pass our new knowledge
and inspiration on to our pupils.
Irela
Strachan
Photos: Elaine Mayson
Back
to top
Spring
Congress
Sunday
9th March 2003 • Nine Kings Suite • Royal Lancaster Hotel
• London
Class Variations
Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep
John Wayne
Starting
with Quickstep, John noted that this group was constructed from syllabus
figures with little changes, especially suitable for classes which
include very mixed standards of pupils. An interesting construction
of figures, and John gave alternatives to accommodate use in smaller
spaces as he went through the teaching section.
Foxtrot
next - a flowing, easy-moving group, as before on standard figures,
but with 'modern' overtones.
As
always, John taught with the clarity and relaxed manner of a master
teacher.
All
this was beautifully demonstrated, as we now take for granted, by
Simon and Heidi Cruwys.
Anne
Lingard
Variations
Rumba and Samba
Andreas and Kelly Kainz
The
first of the Latin lectures was by Andreas and Kelly Kainz, taught
with clarity and demonstrated beautifully.
The
Samba came first, an eight bar variation which included Promenade
Runs, Voltas in the form of a box moving around each other and a
combination of turning Voltas and three step turns.
 |
Andreas
& Kelly Kainz.
Variations - Rumba and Samba |
The
Rumba variation included effective yet simple ways of achieving Fan
incorporating Spot Turns and Cuban Rocks.
Both
variations were a joy to learn and the audience showed their appreciation.
I have no doubt we will be seeing them again.
Simon
Cruwys
Sequence
Syllabus Dances
Jill Bush
This
lecture, most ably presented by Jill Bush, was stylishly partnered
by Mark Willemite.
Two
dances had been selected for their pleasing construction and their
usefulness in the Medal system. The Ballroom choice was the Quando
Quickstep, which moves well using mostly low level syllabus figures.
 |
Jill
Bush partnered by Mark Willemite.
Sequence - Syllabus Dances |
This
was followed by the Paso Petite, a well constructed dance, very useful
particularly for Silver/Gold level pupils, which offers excellent
opportunities for stylish shaping.
A
well presented lecture, the dances being so clearly taught in Jill's
extremely professional manner.
Margaret
Connon
'Ballroom
Bits'
Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep
John Taylor
Again,
we were treated to the attractive dancing of Simon and Heidi Cruwys
during the 'other' John's lecture, rather 'gems' than 'bits' - so
useful when choreographing Gold Star level work.
 |
John
Taylor. 'Ballroom Bits' - Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep Demonstrated
by Simon and Heidi Cruwys |
Again
based on standard figures, John highlighted 'line' and 'shape' developments
which had obviously been very carefully thought out and were eagerly
learned by the members.
One
has to use the term 'inimitable' when talking about John's teaching
style! Always the humourist, we were treated to a 'David Beckham
penalty kick' in the Waltz and various quips as John taught these
four groups.
Anne
Lingard
Social
Salsa
Richard Marcel
A
change of rhythm now as Richard Marcel presented this lecture on
Social Salsa in his inimitable style. A huge class of teachers came
to the floor, eager to learn the new figures, which looked difficult
but carefully taught by Richard were quickly mastered. Several intricate
arm changes added interest and challenge and would be fun to teach.
 |
Richard
Marcel. Social Salsa - Alternative Rhythms Committee |
Richard
managed to create a warm 'club' atmosphere, not easy to do in a large
ballroom. A popular and well presented lecture.
Margaret
Connon
Variations
Cha Cha Cha and Jive
Nicola Nordin
Next
up for Latin was Nicola Nordin partnered by a man who is always in
demand by the ladies, Graham Oswick. Nicola, as always, showed her
wealth of knowledge and experience in the choreography chosen and
the manner in which it was taught.
 |
Nicola
Nordin partnered by Graham Oswick.
Variations - Cha Cha Cha and Jive |
The
Jive had something for everyone, a super development of the Hip Bumps
with body turns and a hesitation Ball Change as well as a demanding
underarm turn for the man, which kept them on their toes!
The
Cha Cha Cha was equally as exciting using a combination of Locks
and Chasses in varying rhythms. Well done again, Nicola!
Simon
Cruwys
Class
Variations
Waltz and Tango
Robert
and Louise Aldred
Robert
and Louise showed the Waltz group, first with a simple construction,
then with a more advanced approach, including an easy ending to the
usually difficult 'overspin' following Double Reverse Spin.
 |
Robert
and Louise Aldred.
Class Variations - Waltz and Tango |
Robert
noted that some of the features used in the Waltz also appeared in
his choice of Tango steps. Useful work, using a selection of methods
of moving into Promenade position.
Robert
taught with clarity, assessing the needs of his 'class' with ease.
Two very useful groups, either in whole or in part, for teachers
to take backs to their schools.
Anne
Lingard
Variations
Cha Cha Cha and Paso Doble
Antony Irving
The
last, but no means least, of the day's Latin lectures was by Antony
Irving. Assisting him, at short notice, was our very own lady of
Latin, Lorna Lee.
The
Cha Cha Cha consisted of many Bronze syllabus figures adapted in
a way that was both slick and stylish. The Paso Doble contained a
very good arrangement of Twists, Locks and Chasses, ending in Grande
Circle with the lady dancing a type of Grapevine, very suitable routines
for all ages.
 |
Antony
Irving partnered by Lorna Lee.
Variations - Cha Cha Cha and Paso Doble |
The
audience participated with much enthusiasm as Antony guided them
through the steps in a confident and light hearted way. Lorna obviously
enjoyed herself too, adding her own little touches.
Congratulations
to all the Latin lecturers who helped to make the day a very informative
and enjoyable one.
Simon
Cruwys
DFR
Trilogy
DFR Faculty
The
last lecture of the day was presented by the DFR Trilogy of Yvonne
Taylor-Hill, Jean Cantell and Paul Streatfield.
To
start the lecture Yvonne gave us a 12 bar routine in Rock 'n' Roll.
Very interesting shaping and arm changes kept the class on their
toes. The fact that she only had 10 minutes to teach the variation
was no problem for Yvonne who had the class performing the group
with confidence and enjoyment with time to spare.
 |
Paul
Streatfield and Yvonne Taylor-Hill.
DFR Trilogy |
The
second segment of the lecture was a funky street style routine presented
by Paul Streatfield, assisted by Nigel Kirk and Amanda Hughes. Again,
very useful work, quickly and efficiently taught.
The
last part of the lecture was a fitting finale to the day as Jean
Cantell, assisted by Charles Richman and Rachel Wadey, presented
a very easy Country Western/Meringue mixer dance. The floor was packed
with dancers enjoying this last lecture of the day.
Again,
a varied, informative and thoroughly enjoyable day.
Margaret Connon
Photos: Ron Self
Back
to top
Dinner
Dance
Sunday
9th March 2003 • Nine Kings Suite • Royal Lancaster Hotel
• London
Fresh
from the exciting day of lectures at both the Spring and Theatre
Congresses, guests came together for the annual Dinner Dance in the
Nine Kings Suite of the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
 |
Michael
Browne, ISTD Chief Executive & Anna Jones, President of the IDTA
Photographs: Elaine Mayson unless otherwise indicated |
Invited
guests, members and their friends from across the globe were welcomed
by the Chairman of the Society, Robert Grover and the Vice Chairman,
Patricia Prime. Having had the chance to mingle at the pre-dinner
reception guests were then invited to take their seats in the dining
room. Upon entering the room it soon became clear that another full
house was expected as the sea of tables stretched into the distance.
There literally wasn't a spare seat.
 |
| Robert
Grover |
As
guests sat down to dinner the excellent staff of the Royal Lancaster
Hotel moved into action to ensure all guests had a wonderful evening.
Meanwhile the infamous ISTD Benevolent Fund raffle ticket sellers
were soon ensuring that all guests had a chance to help raise funds
for the Fund whilst at the same having the opportunity to win one
of the many excellent prizes, including a television and DVD player
that had kindly been donated by Evans & Witt.
 |
| Peter
Kyle |
After
a wonderful dinner the Chairman, Robert Grover officially welcomed
the invited guests, members and friends. Peter Kyle, General Director
of The Globe Theatre and a member of the ISTD Council, made the response
on behalf of the guests.
Each
year the Society honours individuals with the Imperial Award. This
year the Imperial Dance Sport Award was awarded to Nicky Miles and
the Imperial Theatre Award to Linda Pilkington in recognition of
the valuable work they had undertaken on behalf of the Society. In
addition, Agnes Ang Boo Lat, who was unfortunately unable to attend
the Dinner, was awarded the International Award for her work for
the society in Singapore.
 |
 |
| Patricia
Prime presents the Imperial Theatre Award to Linda Pilkington.
Photograph: Ron Self |
Robert
Grover presents the Dance Sport Award to Nicky Miles. Photograph:
Ron Self |
With
the official ceremonies completed guests had the chance to dance
to the music of Ross Mitchell, His Band and Singers. Before long
it was cabaret time and guests returned to their seat to watch a
wonderful performance by Ralf Müller and Olga Müller-Omeltchenko.
Their varied show was very much appreciated by the audience judging
by the enthusiastic response it received.
 |
| Ralf
Müller and Olga Müller Omeltchenko |
The
dance floor filled again as guests took the opportunity to enjoy
the rest of the evening before it had to come to an enjoyable end.
Jon
Singleton
Head of Marketing & Publicity
Back
to top
|
