London College

The closure of the College at Linden Road, Bedford at the end of June, came with an unbelievable sense of sadness and loss to both old students and staff who had spent time together at many different venues over the years, dispensing and gaining a knowledge of artistic appreciation, a sense of performance, attention to detail, and above all, a love and enthusiasm for dance in all its forms.

I count myself fortunate to have been a student of the 'early years', and thankful for the fulfilment and pleasure I have had from my dance connections ever since.

In December of last year, Alexandra Barnes and I visited the College library at Linden Road to make a list of the books we thought would be most useful to add to the ISTD stock. This of course was an impossible task for one visit, but a time consuming amount of work by Deborah Bennett, the London College librarian, has resulted in a delivery of 1,266 extra volumes for our shelves. It has taken some time over five weeks to unpack, list, repack and label for storing, until such time as extra shelving is available to display them for research.

There are also pictures, photographs, programmes of performances and sixteen annual awards which could form the basis of an archive to commemorate the distinctive and very special ethos of London College.

New Books

You could feel the excitement and expectation running along the packed rows of the Royal Opera House auditorium. A first night was always special, but the first night of The Sleeping Beauty revival in February 1946 also reopened the Opera House after six years of war.

The curtains parted to reveal an acreage of stage and one small figure walking downstage, in complete command of all he surveyed, the essence of noble authority and pride (before a fall) and looking magnificent in his green Master of Ceremonies costume. Catalabutte was just one of the smaller roles that Leslie Edwards filled with great distinction during his sixty years of performances with the Royal Ballet.

His autobiography is a wonderful glimpse behind the scenes of the development of the company and the part played by this 'remarkable and much loved man'.

In Good Company, by Leslie Edwards, published by Dance Books Ltd at £18.00.

The library has been asked many times to provide the background to Tap dancing. Until now, it has been a case of looking up many different sources, which unfortunately do not usually appear on the shelves of our public libraries. Now we have one book, Tap Dancing - Rhythm in their Feet by Heather Rees, which is going a long way to answering your questions.

I am sure Heather Rees needs no introduction to ISTD members. An examiner and teacher whose classes are filled with enthusiasm and enjoyment, she has now written this extremely informative book covering history, floors, shoes and costumes, music, rhythm, technique, choreography, traditional steps, a class plan and great sequences to try out.

Published by Crowood Press Ltd, Marlborough, Wilts at £14.99.

In the preface of Dance and Music by Harriet Cavalli, the author says, "There were four reasons for writing this book: to encourage more musicians to explore the field of dance accompaniment; to offer helpful suggestions to those already in the field; to provide musical assistance to dance teachers; and to promote clear and productive communication between dance teachers and accompanists"

Dance and Music by Harriet Cavalli

Donations

Donations of books and sheet music have been received from Mary Vaughan and from June Wilson. Also Betty Bouston has brought in some useful archive material. Early Dancing Times, covering issues from 1930's to 1970's, kindly given by Grace Smith, provide anyone wanting to research all forms of early dance a wonderful place to begin. Very many thanks to all.