I arrived at ISTD2 Dance Studios early on Sunday 26th July 2009 filled with anticipation for the day ahead. Having been teaching the revised primary and Grade 1 syllabi, I was eager to see where the revised work would take us next. We launched into Grade 2, introducing shuffles round the side – a fantastic exercise for correct placement and core stability, and rhythmic response, encouraging the children to think for themselves. A great development from Grade 1. The pace continued after lunch with Grade 3 offering up some challenging closework, a technically demanding turning step and an overall more mature approach to style, eyeline and tone; I was not disappointed.
The enthusiasm Tracey Lee had for the work was very clear and the day flew by, leaving us with memorable teaching points and laughable anecdotes.
The revised work has been very well thought out and I am very impressed with the influence taken from the American style and how it has been amalgamated in to the ISTD format. The use of such a wide variety of global musical influences, the earlier introduction of more challenging rhythms and the visual complexity of much of the revised work has left my mind contemplating choreography for dances for these two grades and eagerly awaiting the amalgamations, yet to come!!
Miranda Burton |
