Marjorie
Davies Tap Awards 2005
A
cold frosty morning on 20th November 2005 at Queen
Mary's and Westfield College was the start of
the new format of the Marjorie Davies Tap Awards.
This
year the sections were divided into Junior, Senior
and Premier. The Juniors were first to dance,
their class taken by Janet Williams and adjudicated
by Pat Ellis, Tracey Lee and Deborah Capon. It
was inspiring to see so many young students showing
a good understanding of line and technical ability,
their grasp of the lovely rhythmical patterns
in their freework encouraging.
No
stop for lunch and straight onto the Senior Section
the class taken by Jason Di Mascio and adjudicated
by Sue Stephens, Graeme Henderson and Carol Ball.
After a steady warm up and free work the students
sprang to life in the free amalgamation, a tricky
little funky number with rhythms to test even
the most accomplished tapper!
Straight
onto the Premier section the class taken by Jacqui
Tapsell and adjudicated by Gaynor Owen, Phil Thomas
and Gavin Lee. A lovely class which the students
found both fun and challenging. Miss Tapsell's
manner was lively, animated and encouraging. The
students showed an instant rapport and understanding
with both the teacher and the work.
It
was so stimulating to see throughout the day such
a diverse array of styles, choice of music and
ideas in the students own arrangements, all of
which were just right for the individual.
Congratulations
to Nick French and Caroline Lavelle for all their
hard work organising the event, the day ran smoothly
and efficiently. The new venue with its lovely
big stage was a 'hit' with the students who felt
at home and not intimidated to be surrounded by
the audience.
It
was a joy to see Miss Ashcroft, Miss Peterson,
Miss Butler and Mrs Parry in the audience, without
these figureheads our extremely high tap standard
wouldn't be what it is today. What a pleasure
also to see Sheila Lucas not behind the piano
in her normal role but purely to support the competitors
and view the spectacle. I'm sure I'm not alone
in saying I did miss her beautiful and sympathetic
accompaniment, which she has constantly achieved
for more years than I can remember.
Also
refreshing alterations to the format were that
all participating students were awarded a certificate
for their involvement in the awards and all three
section winners/runner-ups etc. were concluded
in one day, thus not leaving the majority of students
feeling they had underachieved in not reaching
a final selection.
All
the competitors I spoke to afterwards said how
they all great fun and can't wait to do it again
next year if given the opportunity, a sure sign
of a successful day. Well done everyone. Next
year can't come soon enough!
Sarah
Watson |
