Musical Theatre CONGRESS 2014 DIANA WASHBOURNE REPORTS ON: BOOT CAMP ROUTINE Lecturer: Ashley Nottingham

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1 DIANA WASHBOURNE REPORTS ON: Musical Theatre BOOT CAMP ROUTINE Lecturer: Ashley Nottingham Ashley Nottingham is an experienced West End performer, and a regular, and very popular lecturer at London Area Theatrical meetings. We were delighted that he was able to take part in this very exciting weekend. Students were put through a shortened and simplified version of the Boot Camp that all cast members of A Chorus Line participated in before each performance. Ashley carefully explained the purpose of each exercise, whether it be to strengthen, loosen, condition or build up specific muscle groups. The whole reasoning behind the Boot Camp was to ensure that cast members had the strength, stamina and mental discipline necessary to perform the eight shows required each week. With what energy they had left, the students were then taught part of the disco/jazz routine that featured in A Chorus Line! The lecture certainly gave students and teachers some insight into the preparation that takes place, backstage, in a West End theatre before the house lights dim. Thank you, Ashley, for a most stimulating hour. Special thanks must also go to Helena Waite-Roberts who, with only a few minutes notice, got the whole weekend off to a fantastic start with an incredible warm-up, when one of the lecturers was unavoidably delayed. Diana Washbourne

ANNETTE HUFTON REPORTS ON: C O N T E M P O R A R Y ADVANCED NON-SYLLABUS CONTEMPORARY Lecturer: Alice Vale Alice presented a dynamic and inspirational workshop with the support of her very talented

2 ANNETTE HUFTON REPORTS ON: C O N T E M P O R A R Y ADVANCED NON-SYLLABUS CONTEMPORARY Lecturer: Alice Vale Alice presented a dynamic and inspirational workshop with the support of her very talented dancers that form Adaire to Dance the contemporary performance group. She presents her subject with authority and a sense of humour. Her clarity of instruction and ability to motivate anyone on the floor, was a delight for the audience as it was enjoyable for the participants, especially when the students were challenged to keep up with the dancers. Congratulations to Adaire to Dance on their stunning cabaret performance at the NATD dinner dance. Annette Hufton

3 YVONNE CREBER REPORTS ON: TAP Lecturer: Joseph Hall The final theatrical session on Saturday was a lecture given by Joseph Hall. After giving us some background information and history of Black American dance and the fusion he has created with modern dance movements, he proceeded to demonstrate and teach a "soft shoe shuffle". His infectious energy and enthusiasm soon had willing participants taking to the floor eager to learn his routines. He not only focused on the technical detail but instilled a strong sense of the joy in performance. During the last ten minutes, and to complete his lecture, he insisted everyone should form a circle around the room. Then he invited (or coerced!!) individuals to perform "centre stage" in an impromptu interpretation of the music! A fun and inspirational finale to a most enjoyable Joseph Hall experience. Yvonne Creber

4 MARY RICHARDSON REPORTS ON: QUICKSTEP & WALTZ CLASS TEACHING VARIATION QUICKSTEP & WALTZ Lecturers: Richard Still & Morgan Hemphill Richard and Morgan opened the afternoon s lectures. They swept across the beautiful ballroom with a simple combination of Gold medal Waltz figures with an extra Check and Ronde action suitable for use in the higher grades. Richard then broke the figures down and invited the enthusiastic audience onto the floor. He taught the steps clearly with attention to detail, everyone was quickly dancing the group. The Quickstep group was a little harder, but there were lots of different and attractive actions for the teachers to use. It was a treat to watch Richard and Morgan dancing the figures for us. Mary Richardson

PHIL MEACHAM REPORTS ON: BALLROOM THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IN BALLROOM DANCE Lecturer: Steven Verrall I was enormously proud to be able to introduce ballroom guru Steven Verrall to the attendees of

5 PHIL MEACHAM REPORTS ON: BALLROOM THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IN BALLROOM DANCE Lecturer: Steven Verrall I was enormously proud to be able to introduce ballroom guru Steven Verrall to the attendees of the National Congress 2014 at Cheltenham in August of this year. My word, what an amazing lecture. As usual this giant of Ballroom technique delivered in simple and understandable terms exactly how to obtain the very best from a ballroom dancer. His unique take on style and elegance within basic movements was an absolute joy to take part in, and everyone that attended would have gone away with at least half a dozen golden nuggets of invaluable information that would be just as appropriate to teach beginners as well as top ranking couples. We are so lucky to have such an amazing talent in Steven within the National Association of teachers of dancing, and we were enormously privileged to tease him away from Malta to deliver such a superb lecture for us. Steven was ably assisted by young and upcoming professionals Denzel and Rossella Scerri De Carlo from Malta. Phil Meacham

6 FRANCES DAWSON REPORTS ON: FOXTROT & TANGO CLASS TEACHING VARIATIONS FOXTROT & TANGO Lecturers: Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe This was a well attended lecture, which contained very teachable groups in both Foxtrot and Tango. The Foxtrot started with beautiful basics, and then developed with clever ideas in timing. The Tango again developed basics with interesting ¼ beats, in true tango character. This lecture was very clearly taught, and gave the audience lots of ideas to make basics appealing to pupils. Thank you so much Ian and Natalie. Frances Dawson

7 MARY RICHARDSON REPORTS ON: CHA CHA CHA CLASS TEACHING VARIATIONS IN CHA CHA CHA & JIVE Lecturers: Alex Ivanets & Lisa Bellinger-Ivanets These two talented lecturers run a school near Southampton. Lisa is the daughter of our NATD examiner Robert Bellinger, so has been brought up through the medallist system. Alex & Lisa opened the Congress, and what a great way to start to the day. The room was packed but they were not deterred. They gave us two variations, one in Cha Cha Cha and the other in Jive. Alex broke both groups down showing how the basic figures which he used throughout were given a competitive twist whilst still being useful for all teachers. Their demonstration of the figures showed their ability as performers as well as teachers. Everyone in the audience had a smile upon their faces. Very enjoyable, giving us all some excellent work. Mary Richardson

STEVEN VERRALL REPORTS ON: LATIN AMERICAN CLASS TEACHING VARIATION: PASO DOBLE Lecturers: Jaime & Anna Dieguez A beautifully presented lecture showing how our basic & standard figures can be

8 STEVEN VERRALL REPORTS ON: LATIN AMERICAN CLASS TEACHING VARIATION: PASO DOBLE Lecturers: Jaime & Anna Dieguez A beautifully presented lecture showing how our basic & standard figures can be developed to maximum effect. The amalgamation was carefully broken down to enable the audience to not only learn the steps but to be able to actually dance it! I am sure the figures will prove very useful to all our above Gold pupils. Steven Verrall

9 MICHELLE WEBSTER REPORTS ON: FREESTYLE RAINBOW GRADES Lecturer: Jill Kemp Jill never fails to deliver quality work for young children. The construction of her routines was excellent, developing co-ordinated movements and body rhythm. She cleverly used one of the routines and showed how simply it could be made into a slow dance routine, incorporating fluid arm movements and basic extension. I can see why Jill's classes are in such demand, and why she has waiting lists of children wishing to join!! Michelle Webster

10 DIANNE CORBETT REPORTS ON: FREESTYLE BRONZE, SILVER & GOLD Lecturer: Beverley Harris A good lecture clearly reflecting on development from one simple routine to a high medallist standard or the start of competitive work. Something for everyone to take back to their schools, again based on simple steps and movement from the Freestyle Technique book. Dianne Corbett

GEOFF SHELDON REPORTS ON: FREESTYLE GOLD AND ABOVE Lecturer: Hannah Knight Hannah Knight, ably assisted by her two demonstrators, presented the final exciting freestyle lecture of the day: gold and

11 GEOFF SHELDON REPORTS ON: FREESTYLE GOLD AND ABOVE Lecturer: Hannah Knight Hannah Knight, ably assisted by her two demonstrators, presented the final exciting freestyle lecture of the day: gold and above grade. We were treated to a very energetic lecture, which included steps and movements suitable for gold and above. The routine included advanced runs, jumps, leaps, kicks and spins. The correct execution of these was excellently presented by Hannah including the awareness of correct balance, posture, poise, deportment, timing and rhythm. The creative movements, ideas, energy, use of modern trends and music shown the routine will be of great assistance to NATD dance teachers in creating a clear development path for their medallists and competitors. Geoff Sheldon

MICHELLE WEBSTER REPORTS ON: FREESTYLE SLOW DANCE Lecturer: Daniel Heald Daniel Heald, assisted by Emily, gave us the essence of what Slow Dance should be.

12 MICHELLE WEBSTER REPORTS ON: FREESTYLE SLOW DANCE Lecturer: Daniel Heald Daniel Heald, assisted by Emily, gave us the essence of what Slow Dance should be. It incorporated light and shade with mixes of contemporary and ballet type movements. It was beautifully performed, and his experience in this dance form was apparent in the quality of the routine, along with his teaching methods and style. Michelle Webster

13 MICHELLE WEBSTER REPORTS ON: Street dance Breaking: top rocks & drops Lecturer: Jemma Prescott The words inspirational and enthusiastic immediately spring to mind with Jemma's Street Dance lecture. Her choreography and ideas were current, and her delivery was excellent and well received by all who participated. Everyone that attended had great fun, and were all drawn in by her total "joy" of this dance form. Michelle Webster

KEVIN PAGE REPORTS ON: FREESTYLE Update Lecturer: Frances Dawson - President Senior Examiner of the Freestyle Branch Frances Dawson, Freestyle Senior Examiner came at the end of a very long and

14 KEVIN PAGE REPORTS ON: FREESTYLE Update Lecturer: Frances Dawson - President Senior Examiner of the Freestyle Branch Frances Dawson, Freestyle Senior Examiner came at the end of a very long and exciting day for all Freestyle enthusiasts. Frances highlighted all the changes that have been necessary to bring the NATD syllabus up to date and into the 21 st Century. This was something that was long overdue, and I thank Frances and the Freestyle Committee for all the hard work that has gone into updating this syllabus. Kevin Page

KAREN CHEVALIER REPORTS ON: VARIATIONS IN ARGENTINE TANGO VARIATIONS IN ARGENTINE TANGO & INTRODUCING THE MILONGA Lecturer: Elaine Bottomer (Potter) Sunday morning started at 10am in the Pillar Room

15 KAREN CHEVALIER REPORTS ON: VARIATIONS IN ARGENTINE TANGO VARIATIONS IN ARGENTINE TANGO & INTRODUCING THE MILONGA Lecturer: Elaine Bottomer (Potter) Sunday morning started at 10am in the Pillar Room with Elaine Bottomer - who has recently married and now wishes to be known by her married name of Potter ably assisted by Karen Chevalier. A good turnout of students saw them being treated to a delightfully easy grouping of figures encompassing the American Start, Salida, ronde turn using a latigazo and parada zig zag. This work was all very suitable to take home and use. Next followed the teaching of the basics of the Milonga with an added variation attached of the El Saltito (little jump). Most present hadn t ever danced any Milonga before, but Elaine soon got everybody enjoying it and dancing it with ease, and wanting more. Karen Chevalier

ANNETTE HUFTON REPORTS ON: PILATES Lecturer: Victoria Westall-Eyre Pilates taught by a dancer made so much sense was a comment on this super lecture.

16 ANNETTE HUFTON REPORTS ON: PILATES Lecturer: Victoria Westall-Eyre Pilates taught by a dancer made so much sense was a comment on this super lecture. Vicki has an extensive background in performing with many companies including English National Ballet and is currently working at Northern Ballet School. She has promoted the benefits of Pilates for adults and children for many years. Because of her enthusiasm and speaking the language of dancers, the students were thoroughly engaged with the content of the lecture. This was most enjoyable and informative and the NATD is proud to have Vicki as one of its new patrons. Annette Hufton

17 AUDREY BROMAGE REPORTS ON: CHILDREN S CLASSES INTRODUCING SEQUENCE INTO CHILDREN S CLASSES Lecturers: Louise & Robert Aldred It was a great pleasure to welcome Robert and Louise Aldred in the Pillar Room for their lecture on introducing Sequence into Children's Classes. This was a very informative lecture showing how to develop style and presentation with children in this form of dance. Robert and Louise brought along their young pupil who showed beautiful technique. Robert encouraged audience participation which was well received. I feel sure that this work will be very useful to all teachers who wish to include Classical Sequence in their classes and will also further inspire those of us that already do. Audrey Bromage

18 VALERIE LAWS REPORTS ON: SALSA MODERN TRENDS & MOVES Lecturer: Richard Marcel Every lecture over the Congress weekend was exceptional in standard, but late Sunday morning we were treated to a real "gem"! Mr Richard Marcel, accompanied by his partner Marina Gogeanu, took the Pillar Room by storm! Oozing passion and excitement they soon had everyone up and dancing an excellent ' warm up'. This quickly covered the basic movements and prepared us for the partner dance routine. Richard's expertise and detailed technical knowledge took us through a very slick sequence of turns, arm shapes and combinations. "Fun" was never far away and the explanation " up like a rocket, down like a petal " will stay in my mind for a very long time!! Thank you Richard for providing us, the " every day teacher ", with excellent, exciting but very useable work for our classes. Valerie Laws

19 DIANNE CORBETT REPORTS ON: Rock n Roll PROGRESSION IN MEDAL TESTS Lecturer: Beverley Harris Beverley gave a very informative lecture clearly explaining the required steps & movements from the new Rock & Roll syllabus book, now available from the office. Dianne Corbett

SHARON POTTER REPORTS ON: LINDY HOP Lecturers: Helena Waite-Roberts & Oliver Wheeler Helena Waite-Roberts and Oliver Wheeler presented an excellent Lindy Hop routine, with cleverly balanced

20 SHARON POTTER REPORTS ON: LINDY HOP Lecturers: Helena Waite-Roberts & Oliver Wheeler Helena Waite-Roberts and Oliver Wheeler presented an excellent Lindy Hop routine, with cleverly balanced choreography suited to both Ballroom and Theatre branches alike. This dynamic couple taught with clarity and tremendous personality, giving us 45 minutes of fun and a useful routine to take back to our studios. Look out for them in the future - they are a credit to the NATD. Sharon Potter

KEVIN PAGE REPORTS ON: BALLROOM & LATIN Update Lecturers: Mary Richardson - Senior Examiner of the Ballroom Latin American Branch Assisted by Neil Dewar Mary Richardson, Senior Examiner ably assisted

21 KEVIN PAGE REPORTS ON: BALLROOM & LATIN Update Lecturers: Mary Richardson - Senior Examiner of the Ballroom Latin American Branch Assisted by Neil Dewar Mary Richardson, Senior Examiner ably assisted by Neil Dewar delivered the Ballroom and Latin American updates very clearly so that everyone could understand why the changes were necessary. We now have a new and updated syllabus together with our own Technique Book, the syllabus taking immediate effect and the use of the Ballroom Technique Book from the 1 st January I am sure that all those that attended this lecture will have found it both informative and interesting. Thank you Mary & Neil (Note from the CEO: thank you to all teachers who have ed me with a list of amendments that will need to be put right in the new technique book. I am sorry that they are there, however you must agree that the NATD have delivered something new that is long overdue. The amount of work that has gone into this has been tremendous. I remain very positive and passionate about our own book - all amendments will be corrected ready for January 1 st 2015) Kevin Page

ANNETTE HUFTON REPORTS ON: New Intermediate Foundation Intermediate Syllabus Contemporary Dance Examiner Lecturer: Harita Stavrou One of our own examiners, whose lectures are always a mixture of

22 ANNETTE HUFTON REPORTS ON: New Intermediate Foundation Intermediate Syllabus Contemporary Dance Examiner Lecturer: Harita Stavrou One of our own examiners, whose lectures are always a mixture of information and fun. The preview of the new Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate Contemporary Syllabus was extremely well received. The content was demanding and beautifully demonstrated by the 4 students who worked so hard. There was often applause from the assembled teachers and examiners after the individual exercises as the quality of the work was evident from the performance. A big thank you to Harita for the significant time and effort that has been put into the preparation of this work which will be taught in the new year at various workshops. Annette Hufton

December 2014 The Craig Revel Horwood Award 2015

December 2014 The Craig Revel Horwood Award 2015 Wishing all Our Members a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year www.ivorbakerawards.co.uk For all your trophy & engraving requirements. Family run business,