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A
Wider View
Janet Clark shares her views on the progression
of ISTD teacher training from the past to the present
and beyond
Past,
Present and Future. These three aspects make the whole,
so that the whole becomes greater than the sum of the
individual parts.
Past
The history of Dance Sport is comparatively recent but
rich, diverse and colourful. The dedication, perseverance
and passion, with which past leaders of our profession
established the syllabi, is something to be valued.
They worked for the greater good of dance and ISTD members.
The ‘great’ teachers all had an innate sense
of the ‘whole’! They knew instinctively
that dance is more than physical and intellectual knowledge,
emotional and sensory also forms an integral part. All
four aspects are therefore essential components of any
form of effective teaching. They knew as well, that
each age of man is different in its learning speed and
potential and they taught accordingly.
Alex Moore, Phyllis Haylor and Gwenethe Walshe, to name
but a few, would revel in today’s truly holistic
approach to their beloved art, the teaching of dance.
I know for certain that Gwenethe would be fascinated
to learn of the knowledge at our disposal today. I think
Phyllis and Alex would share this fascination.
We are enormously indebted to the wonderful ladies and
gentlemen of the past who brought such style and integrity
to the teaching of dance. We have them to thanks for
the high standards they instilled. These high standards
have been upheld to this day, carried forward by conscientious
work of the faculty committees to develop, maintain
and raise standards for its members.
Present
How proud I feel of ISTD teachers when I look in DANCE
magazine and read page upon page of names of teachers
who have gained the FDI and CDE. The quality of these
comparatively new examinations lies in the opportunity
for a breadth and depth of learning and understanding,
which they bring.
Genre specific; the art of dance is top of requirements
and will always remain so. It is the beauty, fun and
exhilaration experience in this social art, dance, that
inspires others to want to learn and touches the heart
so profoundly. It is therefore incumbent upon us all
to develop our own dance performance to the very best
of our ability. Know also the significant benefit to
be gained for pupils when choreography and teaching
are informed from a technique that has understanding
of kinesiology, life stage development and health &
safety.
In teaching practice, we look for methods that enable
both teachers and pupils alike to become good learners
and to continue to learn throughout life. Belief in
these various aspects of teaching gives an added dimension
and strength to the craft of teaching dance and should
not be underestimated. Opportunity for learning and
understanding has never been better than it is today.
There is such scope within the ISTD examination system
that all dancers with true vocation can find a pathway
that is right for them.
The real strength of our society is in its membership.
You, the men and women who spend every day doing the
best you can, with what you have, are just great. It
may be that you train champions, or grade and medal
candidates. You may be teaching children, whereby the
childrens’ involvement with dance keeps them ‘off
the streets’ and doing something worthwhile. This
very much ensures that ‘every child matters’
(DfES 2003*). Your forte may be giving wedding couples
real romance and added pleasure on their wedding day
by choreographing especially for them. You may even
run a class for grannies and the few grandads you can
muster. Whatever your personal situation, do it well
and you bring happiness and added dimension to people’s
lives. Minds are kept alert, poise and coordination
improve and confidence grows as social skills develop
naturally along the way.
Learning to dance means different things to different
people and you our members, somehow manage to give it
all. You are our strength; you are the future.
Future
As true professionals we always strive to better ourselves.
No art form stands still and neither must we. Understand
the many facets that make a dance teacher of quality.
Study the various training pathways that only the ISTD
offers. The future is in true professionalism and in
professionals who continue to lead the way.
A Wider View; I see with sparkling clarity one vast
horizon that embraces past, present and future. There
is a sense, a feeling of continuity, loyalty, care and
commitment from the membership worldwide. This will
carry us with humility, passion and professionalism
to the future. Making the whole greater than the sum
of parts. Fellow members of the ISTD, I respect and
admire you greatly.
Janet Clark
(Reference DfES 2003 ‘Every Child Matters’)
Above:
Janet Clark, Latin American Committee member and examiner
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