History
The
Sequence Faculty was formed in 1947 as the Victorian
and Sequence Branch. Its aim was to encourage the dances
which were popular prior to the First World War and
which are now generally referred to as Old Time dances.
At
this time there was a great revival in this form of
dancing and the ISTD Council invited three Fellows of
the Ballroom Branch who specialised in Old Time Dancing
to form a committee: Cecil Ruault, Netta Brooke and
Margaret Cadman. Miss Ruault was appointed Chairman,
a position she held until 1980. Today Sequence dancing
includes not only the authentic Old Time style, but
many dances and sequences based upon Ballroom and Latin
American techniques. It is probably the most popular
form of social dance today, as Sequence Clubs are to
be found in nearly every village and town. Two of the
great attractions of this form of dance as a pastime
are the friendly atmosphere which prevails and its appeal
to all age groups. For those who wish to improve their
standard the examination system and Medallist Competitions
provide the necessary goals for which to aim.
Activities
The Faculty committee arranges workshops at which
leading teachers lecture on a variety of subjects, frequently
encouraging participation by the members present in
practical sessions.
Medallist
competitions are organised for adults and children and
the popularity of these events has shown most encouraging
growth in the past few years. The trophies at the annual
Adult Day, which are held by the winners of each event
for one year, are by far the best to be seen for this
type of competition.
An
annual Inventive Dance Competition is usually held in
the early part of the year. The actual competition covers
two of the three Sequence dance styles (Old Time, Modern
and Latin), chosen on a rotational basis. Any qualified
professional may take part and amateur spectators are
always welcome to attend.
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