| Dance
Sport Worthing Congress 2004
This
years DanceSport Worthing Congress was held on Saturday 24th,
Sunday 25th and Monday 26th July 2004 at the Assembly Hall
in Worthing.
Read
reports from:
•
Saturday 24th July
•
Sunday 25th July
• Happy Birthday to the ISTD!
• Evening Buffet Dance and Cabaret
•
Monday 26th July
Saturday 24th July
‘Country
to Funk’
Rachel Wadey and Paul Streatfield
To
open the Congress Rachel Wadey and Paul Streatfield gave us
‘Country to Funk’. Rachel introduced us to ‘Shore
Shuffle’, a partner dance with a Country and Western
flavour. This could be very adaptable with a change of music
for the coming seasons parties. A line dance was shown by
Paul, danced to ‘Out of my Mind’ by Will Young.
Well explained by two popular lecturers.
‘Lindy
Hop’
Richard Marcel, assisted by Julie Oram
Presented by the Alternative Rhythms Committee, this was an
informal lecture which was a follow on from previous lectures.
They danced to exciting and very rhythmic music showing us
the swing out Lindy turn and Lindy circle.
 |
 |
‘Country
to Funk’,
Paul Streatfield |
‘Lindy
Hop’, Richard Marcel assisted by Julie Oram |
‘Fun
Sequence - Blue Mambo’
Kären Byron assisted by Lee Williams
‘Blue Mambo’, a prize winning dance, was taught
by Kären Byron. This dance with exciting Latin music
was popular with teachers who were all enthusiastic to take
the floor and learn it. The second dance was the contrasting
rhythms of Stardust Saunter, a championship dance, again a
popular choice and ably taught by Kären.
 |
‘Fun
Sequence - Blue Mambo’,
Kären Byron assisted by Lee Williams |
‘Bridging
the Gap’
Sue Hammond assisted by Nigel Kirk
An interesting concept to keep the business rolling in at
holiday time. One routine with two adaptations and different
music. One for Adults (big kids), one for Juniors (little
kids). No babysitters to pay! Two classes alongside each other,
offering super routines.
 |
| ‘Bridging
the Gap’, Sue Hammond assisted by Nigel Kirk |
‘Let’s
Rock and Roll’
Anne Lingard
It was nice to see Anne presenting this lecture, many teachers
will remember all her work from the Discorama days at the
Hammersmith Palais. Three short danceable groups were shown
by Jonathan Reed and Vanessa Miller. Compound and basic steps
were used with interesting choreography and shaping plus the
music of Jools Holland. There was an enthusiastic participation
from the attending teachers.
 |
‘Let’s
Rock and Roll’
demonstrated by Jonathan Reed & Vanessa Miller |
‘Sequence
with a Difference’
Jill Bush
Two figures of the Lancers were ably taught to the teachers.
What a wonderful way to finish the afternoon, everyone left
with a smile on their faces after half an hour of fun dancing.
It was easy to imagine the elegance of the ballroom with dancers
in costumes in the early 1900’s.
 |
| ‘Sequence
with a Difference’ |
Mayor’s Reception
The Mayor of Worthing welcomed guests of the ISTD at the Annual
Reception held on the Saturday evening. The Chairman of the
Society, Robert Grover responded with a speech on behalf of
the ISTD. Despite a particularly busy weekend in Worthing
due to the Seafront Festival, they also joined us for the
Buffet Dance on the Sunday evening. Their attendance on both
nights was most appreciated.
 |
Robert
Grover (R) with the Mayor of Worthing and dignitaries |
Sunday
25th July
‘Easy
Variations in
Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep’
Heidi Cruwys
Sunday's lectures were opened by Heidi Cruwys who gave us
Easy Variations in Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep. Elegantly demonstrated
by Heidi and her brother Simon, the Foxtrot contained several
interesting groupings which could be used separately, including
a reverse turn into a second reverse turn, this time dancing
opposite roles. I also liked the more challenging Heel Pull
and Cross Swivel to a type of Hinge.
Heidi
then showed us an attractive variation in Quickstep which
moved well and will give class members a good sense of achievement
without too much difficulty. Both groups were very carefully
taught and were danced with obvious enjoyment by the large
class.
‘Samba
and Jive’
Nicola Nordin assisted by Goran Nordin
Nicola, partnered by husband Goran gave a wonderful workshop
on Samba and Jive variations. Nicola, as always, gave us creative
choreography based on Syllabus figures.
Amalgamations
that are equally good for general social classes and advanced
medallists, and developments ofrhythm,
shape and style were superbly demonstrated by Nicola and Goran.
Her teaching methods and manner give understanding, confidence
and inspiration to all, enabling the teachers present to take
more than just steps back to their classes.
 |
 |
| ‘Easy
Variations in Slow Foxtrot & Quickstep’,
Heidi Cruwys & her brother Simon |
‘Samba
& Jive’, Nicola Nordin assisted by
her husband Goran |
‘Salsa’
Richard Marcel assisted by Mary Deville
Sunday morning and after coffee it was back to the Alternative
Rhythms committee who presented an interesting group using
basic movements with a variety of intricate arm patterns and
turns.
‘Rumba
and Cha Cha Cha’
Paul Richardson and Olga Rodionova
Paul and Olga gave two good advanced variations, one in Cha
Cha Cha and one in Rumba. Paul taught his class the Cha Cha
Cha competently. The work was all about line, body rhythm
and style. The moves are primarily based on basic actions,
danced in a ‘cool’ way. The steps could quite
easily be adapted to a more basic form, if that is what suits
your needs.
Paul
and Olga demonstrated and paced through the Rumba variations
which included beautiful basic hip rocks. They ‘played’
with the rhythms in
their feet and especially in their body actions. Their dancing
is sensuous and strong and they were well received with good
applause.
 |
 |
| ‘Salsa’,
Richard Marcel assisted by Mary Deville
|
‘Rumba
& Cha Cha Cha’, Paul Richardson & Olga Rodionova |
‘Gold
Star 1 Waltz and Quickstep’
Raymond Miles
We recommenced after lunch with a lecture by a most experienced
teacher and lecturer, Raymond Miles, who gave us Gold Star
I Variations in Waltz and Quickstep. Demonstrated by his son
Richard Miles and partner Lorraine Vickers, the Waltz group
was just right for this grade, showing attractive shapes and
lines, each movement flowing very easily into the next.
Raymond went on to suggest alternatives for more advanced
dancers, such as the addition of pivots or timing changes.
The quickstep variation was very cleverly taught, starting
with a basic V6 and gradually developing and adding highlights
to form the variation, and to increase the complexity for
higher level dancers. So many teaching hints and tips were
given here. A most valuable lecture with 'something for everyone'.
 |
‘Gold
Star 1 Waltz and Quickstep’.
Lecturer Raymond Miles, demonstrated by Richard Miles
& Lorraine Vickers |
‘The
Lady’s Role’
Nicole Cutler
A former World and International Champion, Nicole began by
saying ‘everyone knows the woman’s role is paramount
to a partnership’. She then spoke of a few key points,
involving the head, body, legs and feet.
Because dance is all about ‘feeling’, discovering
and experiencing for oneself, Nicole invited her audience
to the floor to dance the New York but not as a step, something
more, much more. The class members danced, at first hesitantly,
but gradually as confidence grew, the differing character
of Rumba, Cha Cha Cha and Paso Doble could be seen, as could
the growing personality of the dancers.
Our
role as a woman, said Nicole, is to portray the story of dance
for ourselves, our partners and our audience. The woman’s
most important asset is to have knowledge and understanding
about how she is able to use her body to convey a different
role in each dance, to express herself as an individual within
each dance and the partnerships. Her role in it then becomes
a compliment to the dance and the partnership. Her role is
no less or no more than a man’s, just different.
In
thanking Nicole, Lorna Lee, Chairman of the Latin American
Faculty said ‘it helps to stand back to gain a clear
picture of what you want to achieve’. That is so true.
Nicole gave an absolute wealth of information in her lecture
that asks us as women to take responsibility for our role.
To be the best we can. To be informed, emotional and not afraid
to find ourselves in dance. I found this lecture to be invaluable.
‘Viennese
Waltz - Master the Fleckerls’
Geoffrey Hearn
Our next subject, the Viennese Waltz, was presented by that
most experienced lecturer and technician, Geoffrey Hearn,
who was making a welcome return to our lecture floor.
Geoffrey
started his lecture by explaining the origins of the Viennese
Waltz which was derived from Folk dance, often danced in beer
gardens, in small spaces and sometimes on tables. As Geoffrey
commented, perhaps the first 'Table Dancing'!
Assisted
by Anton du Beke and Erin Boag, he went on to spell out the
'do's and dont’s' of this lovely dance. He stressed
that it needs to be very compact and that the lady should
be careful not to over extend 'at the top'. Moving on to the
fleckerl, he first explained how to tighten the turn in order
to dance reverse turns successfully round a corner, and then
applied the same principle along the side of the room as a
preparation for the fleckerl.
He stressed that the fleckerl must start with the preceding
step, and gave many valuable teaching hints and tips. I particularly
liked his idea of introducing the figure as one samba volta
and a samba whisk, and his advice to think of keeping the
weight over the left foot for one bar of music and over the
right foot for the next bar in order to stay centered.
Geoffrey
ended his lecture by demonstrating the fleckerls with Erin,
showing excellent mastery and control. A first class lecture
which was very well received by the audience.
 |
 |
| ‘The
Lady’s Role’, Nicole Cutler |
‘Viennese
Waltz - Master the Fleckerls’ |
‘Champions
Choice’
Paul Killick assisted by Daria Razinakova
Paul said ‘You have 30 minutes inside Paul Killick’s
brain and my little world of Latin’. My oh my, what
a world of passion for dance. The emotion of dance seeps from
every pore of Paul’s body. His belief in the fundamentals
of Latin dance are obvious for everyone to see.
Paul
and Daria demonstrated an open hip twist into an Alemana the
‘Killick’ way, with swirling, rotational movement.
Every move of the woman is suggested by the man. Daria rotated
out before in with really flowing movement that filled every
semi-quaver of music as they ‘played’ with the
music through their bodies, bringing the dance and each other
truly alive. ‘Because we love to dance’ said Paul,
we ‘let it go, have some fun!’ Because Paul and
Daria have bodies that are toned, well centred and trained,
they can ‘let go’ with good effect.
When
Paul invited the class to the floor they were at first a little
hesitant but very soon his class were having fun, filling
out the music, overturning left to hip twist right. Speeding
the 2, 3 count to give beautiful time to ‘melt’
into the fantastic fan position. All about encouraging, sit
there and relax is Paul’s way. Relax through the hips
and from the partner.
Paul
showed passion, fun and the love of dance and he thanked Peggy
Spencer MBE for instilling these qualities in him from day
one, when as a child he attended her classes.
 |
‘Champions
Choice’,
Paul Killick assisted by Daria Razinakova |
'Wheelchair
Dancing'
Corrie van Hugten assisted by Sandra Kuipers and Ed van der
Vall
Sunday 25th July 2004 was a special day for the Imperial Society
of Teachers of Dancing. Not only was it the actual 100th birthday,
but it was also the first time we had experienced a lecture
on Wheelchair Dancing.
Mr Robert Grover introduced Corrie van Hugten to take us into
the world of Wheelchair Dancing. Corrie, who is the Officer
for the International Paralympic Association, travelled from
the Netherlands to be with us and told us that everyone is
born to dance.
She
introduced her demonstrators, Sandra Kuipers and Ed van der
Vall, five times National Champions, twice European Champions
and once World Champions in Ballroom dances.
 |
| Corrie
van Hugten (R) wheelchair dancing demonstrated by Sandra
Kuipers & Ed van der Vall |
The
room was silent as a captivated audience listened to her explain
how she came to be in a wheelchair, but wanted to teach dancing
to all wheelchair users including Ballroom, Latin American
and Rock ‘n’ Roll to name just a few.
She
started to teach teachers in the Netherlands in 1981 and then
later progressed to organising competitions. She said most
teachers only think of steps, but added that the music heard
on the inside of her body was the same as on the inside of
ours.
Corrie
told us of four forms of dance:
• Solo dance
• Duo dancing with both people in a wheelchair
• Combi dancing where one is a wheelchair user and the
other is able bodied
• Formation dancing
She
dealt with duo dancing first and gave us an insight of how
she choreographes a routine; first giving us the golden rule
that hands and wheels go together in time to music.
Combi
dancing is styled more like a Ballroom hold, but we still
need connection and tone through the arms to gain correct
technique and avoid shoulder injury.
 |
Sandra
& Ed demonstrating Combi dancing |
Sandra
and Ed who have danced together for over 20 years gave us
a beautifully controlled performance of a Rumba routine but
without music. The figures were very clearly seen including
Basic Movement, Alemana Turn, New York and Spot Turn.
Corrie
went on to tell us that there are 150 groups in the Netherlands
dancing for at least an hour a week. There are 21 countries
participating in Wheelchair Dancing worldwide, and these are
divided into 2 continents who all belong to the Handicap Sports
Association. Corrie hopes to be able to add the United Kingdom
to that list very soon.
To
end her lecture, Sandra and Ed gave us a demonstration of
a slow Waltz Combi style.
Their
dancing was beautiful to watch, combining perfect lines and
complicated turns and spins. You could see why they had won
the world title. At the end of their dance, they received
a standing ovation, and I noticed quite a few emotional faces.
Their
evening cabaret performance was just as special. Giving us
a double show along with Paul Richardson and Olga Rodinonova,
they gave us a tour into their Ballroom routines of Waltz,
Quickstep, Foxtrot, Tango and their freestyle exhibition routine.
With
Sandra dressed in a purple gown and Ed in tails they took
us along on their journey through four of the Ballroom dances.
The character of each dance was portrayed as if they were
dancing together - you didn’t see the wheels of the
chair.
The
Waltz was smooth and fluid, the Quickstep was bouncy and full
of energy, the Foxtrot had beautiful line and the Tango was
sharp and accented.
When
Sandra and Ed returned to give us their freestyle routine,
they had changed into Latin outfits with a black and white
colour combination. Their routine was breathtaking to watch,
with Ed performing movements that required much skill and
co-ordination. He held onto the wheels of the chair and rolled
along, he pulled himself under Sandra’s chair and then
was carried along with the momentum he created.
Another
standing ovation was received and Lorna Lee and Barbara Grover
presented flowers to both couples.
I
am sure that through Corrie, Sandra and Ed our thoughts and
ideas of
dance have been radically changed whether we are able bodied
or not.
We now realise that, yes, everybody is born to dance.
Nigel
Kirk
Happy
Birthday!
Sunday
25th July
By happy coincidence the Sunday of the Worthing Congress this
year fell on the 100th birthday of the Society, so it seemed
only fitting that the birthday was celebrated in style with
a special cake to mark the occasion.
The new President of the Society, Peggy Spencer MBE, was on
hand to cut the cake in the presence of all the committee
members and teachers attending that day.
Once
photographs had been taken the cake was cut into individual
pieces so that everyone could enjoy a slice during the afternoon
tea break.
 |
| New
ISTD President, Peggy Spencer MBE cuts the ISTD Centenary
cake |
Evening
Buffet Dance and Cabaret
Those
who attend Worthing Congress look forward to a welcome break
from concentrating on daytime lectures, and the Sunday night
Buffet Dance provides an enjoyable change of pace.
After
the downpour of last year we were lucky to see a return to
the weather that regular attendees have become accustomed
to in Worthing, namely blue skies and sunshine!
Praise
must go to the staff of the Assembly Hall, who managed to
transform the venue from its functional daytime layout into
something altogether more sophisticated for this occasion.
Quite an achievement when there is minimal time between the
last lecture of the afternoon and the first guests arriving
in the evening, but as always an impressive job was done.
The
Buffet Dance gives everyone the opportunity to dine and dance
the
night away, but as it is the Centenary Year of the Society
this evening was a particularly memorable one. It was, in
fact, one hundred years to the day since the ISTD was formed
at the Hotel Cecil in Covent Garden, London, and it was wonderful
to see members as committed and enthusiastic as ever. Following
the superb meal, our host and compere for the evening, Nicky
Miles, called upon the Chairman of the Society, Robert Grover,
to raise a toast to the Society on reaching its 100th birthday,
and all gladly joined him.
 |
 |
| Paul
Richardson and Olga Rodinova |
Sandra
& Ed demonstrating Combi dancing |
Attendees
of the Buffet Dance took the opportunity to take to the floor
themselves as the evening continued, and we were later treated
to our traditional raffle, a great opportunity to raise money
for the ISTD Benevolent Fund and worth it alone for Nicky
Miles’ entertaining commentary! However, I think all
those who attended will remember this Buffet Dance for one
of the most remarkable Cabaret performances they will have
seen.
Not
only were we treated to a high energy performance by the world
renowned Latin American dancers Paul Richardson and Olga Rodinova,
but we also were lucky enough to have with us from Holland
the former World Wheelchair Dancing Champions Sandra Kuipers
and Ed van der Vall.
The audience was spellbound as the two couples alternated
dances to provide a performance that almost defies description,
although Nigel Kirk provides an excellent summary of the performance
above.
Some
might point to the differences between the performances of
these two excellent couples but surely it was what they had
in common which made it so enthralling for those watching.
For those guests who had attended the lecture earlier that
day given by Corrie van Hugten (and demonstrated by Sandra
and Ed) the question raised by Corrie ‘Is really everybody
Born to Dance?’ was well and truly answered by the performances
that night. A standing ovation let both pairs of dancers know
what the audience felt.
What
a wonderful evening, a fitting way to celebrate 100 years.
Jon
Singleton
Monday
26th July
‘Easy
Variations in Waltz and Tango’
Anna Cullum assisted by Neil Dewar
Monday morning started brightly with an excellent lecture
by Anna Cullum,
a young but already experienced teacher and lecturer who demonstrated
and taught with confidence, style and clarity. Both groups
were well constructed and had attractive highlights to add
interest and a little challenge.
In
the Waltz I particularly liked the Turning Lock, lowering
into a Ronde and Slip Pivot, and in the Tango the 'Argentine
Cradles' to rocks and pivot were enjoyable to dance. A most
professional presentation.
‘Gold
Star Variations for Juniors’
Simon Cruwys assisted by Lawrence James and Primina Hurst
Simon’s attractive choreography was developed from Syllabus
figures and is very suitable for Junior Gold Stars. Bar? Three
of the Three Threes? In Rumba was demonstrated by Primera
as a low ‘sit’ wrap around, which is possible
more suitable for adult competitors but as Simon pointed out,
could equally be danced with slight or with no lowering action
at all.
Very quickly the floor was full of teachers eager to learn
the choreography for their Juniors and I suspect for their
Adults as well.
Simon
has a natural unassuming charm, coupled with a relaxed, quietly
confident approach. This style leaves his class informed,
confident
and happy.
Everyone
was very happy to have such good choreography that is suitable
and interesting for advanced medallists or competitive couples
and could equally be taught in ‘snippets’ at a
social class.
 |
 |
| ‘Easy
Variations in Waltz & Tango’,
Anna Cullum partnered by Neil Dewar |
‘Gold
Star Variations for Juniors’, demonstrated by Lawrence
James & Primina Hurst |
‘Partnering
& Presentation’
Mark Willemite
Mark presented a young pupil, Stevie, who was the epitome
of the immaculate appearance we always see in all Mark's dancers.
As he danced with her, he pointed out that, in order to show
the candidate/competitor to advantage, the teacher/partner's
dress should be subtle and never overpowering, and that the
partner should dance in a controlled way which will present
the pupil to best advantage. To illustrate ‘how not
to do it’, Mark introduced a ‘new teacher’
who looked suspiciously like Nicky Miles, whose poor grooming,
loud casual shirt and chewing gum certainly didn't project
the professional, subtle image that Mark had described - neither
did his overdancing as he hauled poor Stevie round the floor.
A
most entertaining lecture, lightly presented with humour,
but really getting an important message across. I wish that
it had gone on longer. Well done Mark.
 |
‘Partnering
& Presentation’,
Mark Willemite with young pupil Stevie |
‘Don't
Waste Your Voice’
Shirley Roche
Shirley Roche's lecture 'Don't Waste Your Voice' covered a
subject important to all of us as dance teachers. Shirley
chose not to use a microphone and in the short time available
proceeded to explain the important 'Do's and Dont's' of public
speaking.
PPVP
was demonstrated (variation of pitch, pace, volume and use
of
the pause) and detailed requirements of both voice production
and good speech were clearly explained with just the right
amount of humour. Congratulations Shirley.
This
report by Vernon Kemp
‘Graded
Examinations Level 4-6’
Marion Lane assisted by Lorraine Kuznik
With superb clarity of presentation and an enthralled audience
from the start, Marion began by stating that a few weeks ago
the very first Grade examinations took place with candidates
taking Grades 1 and 2 in Latin American dancing.
She
hoped that those teachers who regularly enter pupils for examinations
will consider the Grades as a valuable teaching tool and will
for all types of classes find these practice groups helpful.
Marion
posed a question she is often asked - ‘what do we mean
by preparatory dance exercises?’ It is to provide ‘targeted’
practice to a specific area for the pupil to be able to concentrate
on a specific aim. The work therefore should be simple in
design.
Marion
and Lorraine demonstrated all the preparatory dance exercises
for Grades 4-6. Such interesting well thought out work, demonstrated
with immaculate style and appeal. The teachers present instantly
came to the floor to learn the work.
These
PDE’s (Preparatory Dance Exercises) are an integral
part of graded examination but more than that they are invaluable,
interesting groups that will enthuse the pupil and improve
their level of performance whilst giving fun for all. A first
class lecture.
‘Gold
Amalgamation in Tango’
Martin Bishop
Our last lecture before lunch was a Gold Amalgamation in Tango
presented by Martin Bishop. In fact Martin gave us three groups,
all starting with a Reverse Promenade Link, which used nearly
all the specified figures for Gold and offered us several
new ideas for their amalgamation. Partnered by Katie Gleefon,
he taught his large class with his customary efficiency. An
experienced and thorough teacher who presented his lecture
with clarity.
 |
 |
| ‘Graded
Examinations Level 4-6’, Marion Lane assisted
by Lorraine Kuznik |
‘Gold
Amalgamation in Tango’, Martin Bishop partnered
by Katie Gleefon |
‘Classical
Sequence’
Vernon Kemp assisted by Diana Wykes
Vernon started his lecture by talking about how Classical
Sequence originated in the French Court, as the social dance
of the era. After explaining the technical terms and their
origins, he taught two short sequences a Waltz and a Gavotte,
using everyday teaching language and music with a difference.
‘Fun
From Start to Finish’
Harm Jan Schadenberg
At just 24 hours notice Holland’s Harm Jan Schadenberg
(who was on holiday at the time!) stepped in to present this
lecture. He was asked to give a party dance, which he expertly
did, dancing in a Latin style, with a bit of John Travolta
and as Harm Jan put it, some ‘girlie stuff’.
This
man has so much energy and style, he and his dance created
fantastic fun. The class were laughing as they learned and
didn’t want to stop.
Thank
you Harm Jan, your spontaneous lecture proves there is no
rehearsal for the real thing.
 |
 |
| ‘Classical
Sequence’,
Vernon Kemp assisted by Diana Wykes |
‘Fun
From Start to Finish’, Harm Jan Schadenberg |
‘Professional
Examinations’
Anne Lingard
Our penultimate lecture of the Congress was a presentation
of an outline of the structure of the new Professional examinations
by Miss Anne Lingard. An unenviable task, but one which she
completed with her customary calm approach and clear explanations
of forthcoming changes.
‘Cha
Cha Cha and Jive’
Ian Waite
Superbly assisted by Anna Cullum, Ian taught his two excellent
variations with an easy confidence giving good teaching points
as he went. The Jive Variation is lively and very attractive
and the Cha Cha Cha is good to dance.
Even
at the end of the three days of lectures, the class was attentive
and responsive to Ian’s teaching. Lorna Lee said in
thanking Ian ‘what better way to end the Congress, lovely
dancing’.
 |
‘Cha
Cha Cha and Jive’,
Ian Waite |
Alternative
Rhythms, DFR & Sequence reports: Betty Bouston
Latin American reports: Janet Clark
Ballroom reports: Margaret Connon
Photographs:
Ron Self
Date
for your diary
Next years Worthing Congress will be held on:
Saturday 23rd - Monday 25th July 2005
Assembly Hall, Worthing
Congress Video
Don’t forget if you would like a copy of this years
Worthing Congress video contact Dereck Brown Videos Services
Ltd on:
Tel: 01733 264112
Fax: 01733 332055
|
