ISTD Dinner Dance & Congresses Report

• Theatre
• Dance Sport
• Dinner Dance

Theatre Congress 2006 – ‘Changing Rhythms’

Sunday 12th March
Royal Lancaster Hotel, London

The Theatre Congress 2006 was a great and new experience for me. Not knowing what to expect, I walked into the Westbourne Suite at the Royal Lancaster Hotel to find everyone, from ISTD faculty members to private and vocational school dance teachers.

Feeling fairly nervous we sat down ready to watch the Modern Theatre workshop lead by Sarah Wilson. The two sections, which included both the older and younger age range, focused on the experimentation of rhythms. One very interesting factor demonstrated was the way in which a simple combination step changed rhythmically as well as dynamically when performed to various styles of music. This theme and idea was portrayed throughout all the ISTD genres shown during the day.

In the Classical Greek Dance lecture and demonstration led by Carol Vasko and Karen Collings the main emphasis was on the qualities and dynamics used in the different styles. These are influenced by the historical context and origins of Greek dancing.

The South Asian Dance genre taught by Sonia Sabri and Sarvar Sabri playing the Tabla expressed an unusual manner of counting dance. The most frequent and natural counts used are one through to eight. However, the simplest form of counting in Indian dancing is the cycle that starts with one through to 16 and finishing on count one again. This brought in the concept of musical phrasing.

Next was the demonstration of the Imperial Classical Ballet scholars. Francesca Filpi, First Artist with the Royal Ballet, and Vanessa Palmer, Soloist with the Royal Ballet, taught this section. Seeing such professional dancers teaching talented students was definitely an inspiration. Continuing the theme of musical phrasing, Vanessa Palmer spoke about a step being born, how it grows and the manner in which it finishes and leads into the birth of the following step.

Above left: Imperial Classical Ballet Scholars - Francesca Filpi and Vanessa Palmer; above right: Classical Greek performers in the Theatre Showcase

After lunch the Congress continued with a demonstration of National Spanish Dance by Sherrill Wexler and students of various standards. The demonstration showed challenging rhythms, using both their hands, the castanets and the balls and heels of their feet. Although the steps were basic the rhythm and dynamics were clearly shown to flow through the whole body.

All teachers tell their students that the art to performing a good pirouette is using the rhythm and musicality of the music to your advantage (along with all the other placement issues of course). This however, was acknowledged greatly in the Cecchetti Classical Ballet Master -class taught by Bruce Sansom, where the students were required to perform a pirouette from 4th without the use of the arms. This encouraged the students to use the relaxation in the plié, the staccato footwork as well as in the use of the back, which surprisingly all indicate the rhythm and phrasing of the music.

Above left: Spanish Dance Demonstration Class - Sherrill Wexler; above right: Tap Time and Tap Talent - Chris Baldock

An exciting feature used within many Tap Dance performances is the ‘Question and Answer’ sequence, which was creatively demonstrated by Chris Baldock in a workshop scenario, requiring you to clearly portray the rhythms in order for the collaboration of one whole piece. This was followed by the Theatre Showcase, which included enthusiastic performances by the winners of the Faculty Competitions. The participating students were definitely a credit to the teachers’ training and a demonstration of great quality and very talented individuals.

As a new participant of the event, it was thoroughly enjoyed. The Congress has made everyone aware of the significance of rhythms, phrasing and dynamics as part of expanding a dancer's performance to the maximum, regardless of which dance genre is being studied.

Jacqueline Ketting
Photography: Elaine Mayson
www.elainemaysonphotography.co.uk

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Dance Sport Spring Congress 2006

Sunday 12th March,
Royal Lancaster Hotel, London

Above left: DFR Trilogy; above right: Lindy Hoppin' Mad

Easy Variations in Waltz & Tango
The first Lecture of the day, Easy Variations in Waltz & Tango was presented by Bruce Lait, assisted by Crystal Main, and it was good to see them back on the floor. In his first dance, the Waltz, he showed an interesting use of the Reverse Pivot, first from a Turning Lock to Right and then from an Outside Swivel. The Tango group consisted of Stalking Walks, co-ordinated Chasses and Stylish Lines. Both groups were confidently taught and most enjoyable to observe. An excellent lecture to start the day.

Easy Variations in Cha Cha Cha & Jive
The second lecture from the Latin American branch was Easy Variations in Cha Cha Cha & Jive by young professionals Ryan Hammond assisted by Lindsey Muckle.

The Cha Cha Cha group showed interesting timings with skillful developments of the Alemana, Toe Heel Swivels and Cucurachas. A rhythmical Jive routine was then shown using slick hand and arm movements, combined with clever developments of the syllabus figures. The groups will be very teachable, were superbly demonstrated and brought an excellent response from the members. I am sure they will be invited to lecture for us again.

Introducing Children to Classical Sequence
To present this lecture we had one of the new Sequence examiners Kären Byron. Kären has a natural ability to communicate and motivate children to dance at all levels. She started with five verses of a rhyme to teach the basic foot positions to her younger pupils, Declan Dickinson, Emma Birch and five-year-old Megan Harris. The children easily followed Kären’s natural and understandable teaching methods which included low grade examination work. The steps were perfectly demonstrated with style and technical awareness. A very good lecture Kären. Well done!

A Private Lesson
(Lecturer, Barbara Grover)
This daunting type of lecture that Barbara gave is one of the most difficult to present. Her ‘pupils’ were Michael O’Leary and Bianca Dillery who are currently dancing at Silver/Gold standard. The Foxtrot was the chosen dance to teach and Barbara immediately explained to them the basic fundamentals of the forward and backward movements and how to maintain the correct poise. She also explained and demonstrated the correct use of how the feet and legs work combined with how important carriage of the body is in relation to the leg action. The lecture was skilfully and expertly presented. It’s a pity it wasn’t two hours long!

DFR Trilogy
In half an hour members of the DFR committee gave us three excellent lectures in Country and Western, Rock ‘n’ Roll and a Party dance. Rachel Wadey started with a two-wall line dance that had four sections of lively steps and movements. Confidently taught with good voice projection. Paul Streatfield assisted by Yvonne Taylor-Hill followed with an interesting and enjoyable Rock ‘n’ Roll routine showing a developed use of the syllabus figures combined with clever hand and arm positions. Then we had Suzanne Hammond teaching a progressive party dance for sets of two or more couples.

This work was ideal for the social pupils and would be plenty of fun to learn. All the lecturers from this faculty presented their work with fun, humour, style and technique and all in half an hour - three excellent lectures.

Lindy Hoppin’ Mad
The first lecture after lunch was by Richard Marcel assisted by Suzanne Hammond, Charles Richman and Edita Doncacova.

Richard excels in this style of dance and today was no exception. The routine showed various Charleston movements combined with stylish and intricate foot and leg actions. Brilliantly taught and demonstrated using an inspired choice of music, this work would be ideal for teachers of this style of dance. A marvellous lecture.

The Intermediate Explained
(Lecturer Marion Lane assisted by Claire Thompson and Terry Collard)
This informative lecture on a new and important subject by Marion was presented as a mock examiniation. Using the Rumba in two parts, first with dance related work and the candidate’s own choreography along with set amalgamations. Marion explored the depth of knowledge needed for this work and gave us all a detailed account of the requirements through the various figures that would be suitable for the examination. This difficult and in-depth lecture was excellently presented from start to finish.

Choreographing the New Non-Syllabus Figures in Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango
(Lecturer Richard Hunt assisted by Craig Bedwell and Angela Painting)
Technically the Ballroom Committee is currently formulating the new non-syllabus figures and today Richard presented several of these figures in three dances, which would be ideal for Gold Star work.

Waltz - This variation showed an interesting use of the Reverse Impetus, Outside Spin, Running Promenade and Rudolph Fallaway. It moved nicely along the floor and looked a joy to teach and dance.

Foxtrot - The theme of this group was Left Side work. Exiting the Hover Cross on the left side along the side of the room into a Weave, Quick Left Side Back Feather, Cross Swivel, this would be a challenging group for the Gold Star class.

Tango - The shortest of the three groups the Tango showed a Side Lock from Promenade, Outside Swivel closing with weight into a Lunge and ending with a Double Promenade and Contra Point.

The lecture was professionally presented throughout and the content would be ideal for the advanced intermediate and Gold Star class.

Easy and Attractive Rumba and Samba
(Lecturer Samantha Harris assisted by Thomas Persson)

Rumba - This was the last lecture of the day and started with an exciting Rumba variation showing developments of the Develope into a Ronde. Clever foot changes combined with matching arm and body lines added ‘spice’ to this attractive variation.

Samba - A stylish and rhythmical variation using two Promenade Runs developed with under arm turns and spins. Syllabus figures were well used with interesting timings and attractive arm shapes. Both variations were very well taught by Samantha and demonstrated with an excellent Latin style and again, more very useful work for the Gold Star and above student.

The demonstration in the evening was beautifully presented by Riccardo Cocchi and Joanne Wilkinson, expertly combining the basic elements of the Latin dances with scintillating showmanship.

John Taylor
Photography: Ron Self

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Dinner Dance

Sunday 12th March 2006 Nine Kings Suite, Royal Lancaster Hotel, London Another year, another wonderful evening during the Spring Congress weekend - the annual Dinner Dance. Possibly in need of some light relief after plenty of concentration for those who had attended congress, this year we welcomed hundreds of guests to the luxurious Nine Kings Suite in the Royal Lancaster Hotel.

As guests arrived at the suite they were all welcomed by the Chairman of the Society, Robert Grover and the Vice Chairman, Patricia Prime, and then had the opportunity to chat over a drink. No doubt all those who had participated in the day’s classes had worked up a hunger, so soon it was time to adjourn to the dining room for one of the many highlights of the evening - dinner!

A wonderful four course meal was served by the able Royal Lancaster staff, and complimentary comments about both the food and the service abounded. After dinner guests relaxed while they gave their full attention to Robert Grover, Chairman of the Society, as he welcomed all those members, guests and friends who were in attendance. Responding on behalf of the guests, Vanessa Palmer, Soloist with the Royal Ballet, thanked Mr Grover for his words, and her speech emphasised how the new teaching qualifications really play their part in the positive future the Society faces, a topic mutually interesting to everyone who was attending.

It was then time for the presentation of the Imperial Awards, which as anyone who has previously attended the Dinner Dance knows, are one of the ISTD’s highest commendations for achievement and dedication to the society.

The Imperial Dance Sport Award was presented by Yvonne Taylor-Hill to Betty Bouston, and the Imperial Theatre Award by Patricia Prime to Paddy Hurlings. The applause they both received upon accepting their awards indicated that everybody thought them extremely worthy recipients!

Once the speeches and presentations had been completed it was time for the band to strike up, and once again this year we were lucky enough to have Ross Mitchell, his band and singers on hand to entertain us, and the dance floor filled rapidly. Many must havebeen glad of the respite provided by the break to watch the cabaret performance! Riccardo Cocchi and Joanne Wilkinson put on a fabulous energetic and entertaining show, with some great costume changes.

It was then time for Nicky Miles to compere the raffle draw in aid of the ISTD Benevolent Fund, with prizes generously donated by, among others, DSI Ltd, Exquisite Designs Ltd, Holbrooks Dance Shoes, and WRD Music. Hamlet Computer Group Ltd donated the star prize - a digital camera - and there were plenty of crossed fingers!

Many thanks must go to all involved in organising this wonderful event and if you were unable to attend we hope to see you there in 2007!

Jon Singleton & Victoria Blackburn
Photography: Elaine Mayson
www.elainemaysonphotography.co.uk

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