DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION [view this story]
NORFOLK DANCE ASSOCIATION SCHOLARS’ NEWS [view this story]
LOCAL TEACHER HONOURED [view this story]
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED! [view this story]
CONGRATULATIONS! [view this story]
SUMMER SCHOOL 2006 - A REVIEW [view this story]
SUMMER SCHOOL 2006 AWARDS [view this story]
DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION
There was a trip down memory lane for many former pupils of the Guildhall School of Dancing at the beginning of September as the school celebrated 60 years of continuous teaching. In fact, the school started in 1942 but had to close for a short time during the Second World War in order that its principal at that time, Miss Beryl Manthorp, could complete her National Service. It re-opened in 1946.
The school held two open days and pupils, past and present were invited to come and view the school and a display of photographs and memorabilia collected over the years. Memories were jogged and much reminiscing took place. Current students at the school performed for the visitors.
To mark the Diamond Jubilee the school is to award an annual bursary to a student who has worked hard and made the greatest contribution to their class and the school. The first winner of this award is Sarah Spooner.
NORFOLK DANCE ASSOCIATION SCHOLARS’ NEWS
Rachel Hunt of London Studio Centre and our resident ballet teacher at Scholars’ classes put 117 boys and girls through their paces at auditions held at Norwich’s Hewett School on 24 th September. They were observed by Royal Ballet Senior School teacher Jackie Barrett who selected 71 students to receive monthly tuition from Rachel.
Jackie has devised a series of exercises for the students to practise on a regular basis in order to develop their core strength and stability, which is a great weakness in the majority of children attending auditions these days. When these exercises are done on a regular basis the improvement in posture and balance is clearly apparent and it is hoped that this year’s Scholars will be conscientious with their practice.
The Scholars will also receive lessons in various other dance disciplines each month and the year started in October with a ‘Bollywood’ workshop.
LOCAL TEACHER HONOURED
Mrs June Glennie of the June Glennie School of Dance was recently wined and dined at the British Ballet Organisation’s annual dinner held at the Strand Palace Hotel, London where she was awarded a Fellowship of the BBO.
She was presented the award by Doris Barry who, now in her early nineties, has a lifetime’s experience in dance and musical theatre and is still a constant presence at London Studio Centre. Doris Barry was also “personal representative” for many years to her sister, Dame Alicia Markova.
John Travis, Director of the BBO spoke glowingly about June and her contribution to dance.
Amongst those present were John Travis, Brenda Last, Doreen Wells (Lady Londonderry), Agnes Oaks & Thomas Edur (World Championship Dancers) who were winners of the 2004 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance.
They were all profuse in their congratulations to June for her Fellowship. The Norfolk Dance Association add their congratulations too.
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED!
Next time you go to the theatre look out for these past Norfolk Dance Association members…
Josh Lacey of Lowestoft, former pupil of The Dancers School and a teacher’s assistant at last years NDA Summer School finished his professional training at Performers College in the summer and has joined the company of the newly opened West End musical ‘Wicked’.
Also, teacher’s assistants at our Summer Schools in 2004 and 2005, the Duniam twins, Polly and Sophie, from Cromer, graduated from Laine Theatre Arts and are now touring in ‘We will Rock You’.
Look out too for former Wymondham local and past pupil of the Judith Fox School, Lucy Boldero, who is appearing in the touring show of ‘Starlight Express’.
CONGRATULATIONS!
We send our congratulations to all of the following who have gained places at schools and colleges offering professional dance training this year.
Barnaby Rook-Bishop, pupil of the Jacqui Oakley School, has gained a full time place at White Lodge with the Royal Ballet School. Megan King, pupil at the Central School, Norwich has been accepted by Elmhurst Ballet School.
Gemma Knowles from Heather Millan School and Tom Partridge from The Dancer’s School have both started courses at the Doreen Bird College. Samantha Lock, of the June Glennie School of Dance, has headed off to London Studio Centre and Nicole Starling has begun her training at the Stella Mann School.
Well done to all of you. Keep up the good work!
SUMMER SCHOOL 2006
It keeps getting bigger and better! 148 students attended this year’s Summer School held at the Hewett School at the beginning of August. Another action-packed week produced some excellent work with a strong emphasis this year on Musical Theatre.
Lisa Aldridge, a popular choice last year, returned to teach the ballet classes and didn’t disappoint. The bubbly and effervescent Diane Hampstead also returned by popular demand to tap the week away with her usual energy. Sadly Thedi Joannou was unable to join us to teach Jazz this year but it was for a very good reason – she’s expecting a baby! Her place was taken by Nicki Pinto whose classes produced some good work and were very much enjoyed. We hope to see her again soon. The versatile Flik Swan spent her second NDA Summer School teaching a variety of dance disciplines plus some singing. Flik enjoys coming to Norwich as she has the opportunity to stay with her Mum near Yarmouth.
Musical Theatre and singing classes were taken by a trio of teachers from Mountview School. Paul Sabey, head of Mountview, led the singing whilst Sam Spencer-Lane (a veteran of our summer schools) and Cressida Carré staged the musical productions. Numbers from Les Miserables and Godspell were performed to a packed audience of parents and friends on the final day.
SUMMER SCHOOL 2006 AWARDS
Ballet – Ellie Cooper
Jazz – Katrice Copland
Tap – Daniel Waite
Musical Theatre – Jo Rackham
Overall Best Contributor - Kalli Cheatle
