Members - Royal Academy of Dance

Transcription

ROYAL ACADEMY OF
DANCE
Members
Focus on
New Zealand • Issue 1 • 2016
• International Summer School and Performance Course
• 14+ Dance Scholarship and Solo Seal
• Genée International Ballet Competition
CONTENTS
Focus on Members | Issue 1 2016
Contents
Postal Address:
Royal Academy of Dance
PO Box 11718 Manners Street
Wellington 6142
The RAD year began with the 2016 International
Summer School which was a wonderful
experience for all who attended. Thanks must
go to the dedicated and inspiring Faculty and
Pianists who made it all happen, in particular
to Artistic Director Lynn Wallis who once again
oversaw the event and ensured its success.
We are now looking forward to a number of
special events this year, especially the biennial
14+ Dance Scholarship in September, and the
Genée which is back in Sydney in December,
14 years after it was first held there.
Physical Address:
Level 11, 49 Boulcott Street
Wellington 6011
tel: 04 382 8924
email: [email protected]
web addresses:
www.rad.org.nz
www.rad.org.uk
www.radacadabra.org
www.radenterprises.co.uk
www.radeducation.org.uk
www.stepintodance.org
www.facebook.com/RoyalAcademyofDance
www.twitter.com/RADheadquarters
03 I News & Events
05 I Regional Focus
Editor: Janet Taylor
Design: LCdesignz
Printer: Thames Publications Ltd
17 I International Summer School
Front Cover: Green Group’s Contemporary
Performance Edward Scissorhands choreographed
by tutor Dale Pope.
“Working with contrasting dynamics – hard and linear/
soft and circular. Edward Scissorhands’ greatest desire
is to know the softness of human hands but inevitably
his strength and identity is in his blades.”
Photo: Photo: Amber Griffin Photography
24 I Education
ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE, RAD PRE-PRIMARY IN
DANCE and RAD PRIMARY IN DANCE are registered
trademarks® of the Royal Academy of Dance in NZ, the EU
and other countries. RAD is a registered trademark® of the
Royal Academy of Dance in the EU and other countries. RAD
INTERMEDIATE FOUNDATION, RAD INTERMEDIATE,
RAD ADVANCED FOUNDATION, RAD ADVANCED 1,
RAD ADVANCED 2, RAD CLASS AWARD, RAD SOLO
PERFORMANCE AWARD and CBTS are unregistered
trademarks™ of the Royal Academy of Dance. The use
or misuse of the trademarks or any other content of this
publication, without prior written permission from the Royal
Academy of Dance is strictly prohibited.
2
Janet Taylor
21 I UK News
27 I Other Dance News
30 I Membership
31 I Examinations – Information
32 I Examinations – Dates
33 I Examinations – Fees
34 I CPD
35 I Regional Contacts
Reproduction in whole or in part, without written permission, is
strictly prohibited. The Royal Academy of Dance® is a charity
registered in England and Wales no. 312826 and in New
Zealand No CC21861.
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Sunday 4 September 2016
The 14+ Dance Scholarship and Solo Seal will be held on Sunday 04 September 2016 in Wellington.
Closing date for both events is 2 June.
The 14+ Dance Scholarship has been changed to:
NEWS & EVENTS
2016 Scholarship and Solo Seal Day
An open class of 1.5 hours
Two Studies which have been taken from the original Bursary options
One Solo Variation which is to be chosen from the listed classical 19th Century repertoire
variations OR a ‘Dancer’s Own’ Variation choreographed by the candidate, or for the
candidate by someone else such as their teacher or a peer.
Further details and an application form are on www.rad.org.nz/events-awards/14plus-scholarship
2014 14+ Dance Scholarship Participants
2014 judges and winners
2016 Genée International Ballet Competition
The 2016 Genée will take place in Sydney in December. RAD Australia has put together a diverse
programme of Creative Spaces events running from now until May; and for those who wish to book
their Sydney trip early, inclusive Genée Experience Packages are now available for purchase.
www.rad.org.au/news/genee-2016.
Genée Key Dates
29 Feb–8 April
Apply for a Genée Bursary. Funded by donations from the 2014 QEII Coronation Award Gala, these bursaries support eligible students who, for financial reasons, might otherwise be unable to enter the Genée. www.rad.
org.uk/achieve/bursaries-and-scholarships/darcey-bussell-genee-bursary
11 March
Members’ priority booking opens for the Semi-finals and Final
11 May
Tickets go on sale for the general public
1 July–3 October Candidates apply to participate in the Genée
7–9 December
Semi-Finals at the Concourse in Sydney
11 December
Final at the Sydney Opera House
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NEWS & EVENTS
CPD Ambassador Role
Last year 28 teachers from 19 countries volunteered to act as Ambassadors for the RAD’s Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) scheme, bringing with them insight into exactly what it takes to commit
to CPD, alongside so many other commitments. The benefits are:
• Friendly, informal advice from one teacher to another
• Quick and easy clarification • Local knowledge & understanding
• A link back to the RAD to raise any local issues
Kristin Orr and students
We are fortunate that Kristin Orr of Ruakaka, Northland volunteered
to be a CPD Ambassador. She has been an RAD registered
teacher with her own ballet school for many years and is also an
Occupational Therapist with 20 years clinical experience, having
specialised in neurology and paediatrics. Kristin says: “Ongoing
learning has the ability to transform us and through efficient
communication we can make informed decisions and ultimately bring
positive change.” If you would like to contact Kristin about CPD
issues, please do so via www.rad.org.uk/forms/cpd-ambassadorcontact-forms/Kristin-Orr-contact
CPD Scheme Changes for 2016-17
All RAD Registered Teachers are required to complete Continuing Professional Development each
year, with the current CPD scheme now in its third year. Last year the RAD reviewed the scheme,
conducting a membership survey and a series of member focus groups followed by an independent
review. This has resulted in some changes which will come into effect for the 2016-17 CPD year
beginning 1 July 2016. Check out the details on www.rad.org.uk/news/changes-to-the-cpd-scheme
2016 Key Dates
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10 March
Closing date for the May RAV Examination sessions in Wellington & Auckland
02 April
NZSD event - High Tea with RAD President Darcey Bussell in Wellington
07 April
Closing date for the June AEC Examination session in Auckland-Northland
19–22 April
RNZB Dance Teachers’ Professional Development Sessions in Wellington
06 June
Patron’s Lunch – Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrated in Wellington
30 June
End of 2015–16 CPD Year – Declarations to be received by RAD NZ office
01 August
Closing date for Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies Applications
01 September
Start of 2016–17 Membership Year
14+ Dance Scholarship and Solo Seal in Wellington
04 September
30 September
Closing date for Creina Gee Memorial Awards
07–09 December 2016 Genée Semi-Finals at the Concourse in Sydney
11 December
2016 Genée Final at the Sydney Opera House
A very happy new year to you all. Auckland started 2016 with three very successful teachers’ courses –
G6–8 Syllabus Strategies, G1–3 and IF-I. Although we sweltered in unusually hot temperatures, all
involved kept their cool and enjoyed both a fun and educational time.
Auckland Academy of Dance’s end of year production,
Once Upon A Dream, was based on The Sleeping Beauty,
with Aurora the beautiful, and Maleficent the wicked. It
was very bold and colourful, involved all the dance genres
and even had sword fighting which provided much drama,
darkness and excitement! AAD co-directors, Nancy
Schroder and Penelope Dodd brought together the artistic
team of dance teachers/choreographers, a talented lighting
designer and an exceptionally experienced production
manager to bring the story to life.
The Fairies
Photo: Steve King
REGIONAL FOCUS
Auckland
During the summer holidays AAD offered a diverse range of tutors for a Summer School which all
the attendees really enjoyed and appreciated. The studio will again offer the highly popular Vocational
Seminars in April and July.
Sharon Barber’s Howick Dance School performed an end of year in house choreographic class
concert Dance on Elliot. Dancers and audience alike thoroughly enjoyed the event.
Photos: Gary Forsyth
Tutus, Tiaras and a Tango or Two
was performed by Devonport School
of Dance at the Bruce Mason Theatre
in November. This dance, Bluemoon,
was inspired by the music from Grade
4 Adage. Photo: Marcus Radich.
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REGIONAL FOCUS
In December, Northern Dance Academy performed the Nutcracker at the John Dalton Theatre in
Kerikeri. The ballet, which was supported by over 70 volunteers including many adults and young
boys on stage for their first time, was very well received by the local community, selling out four
performances. The school fund-raised and sought financial support to allow the performance to
happen. The set and many props were made by ex Xena Warrior princess sculptress Kate Lang.
176 costumes were made by Northern Dance Academy parents and some were hired in. Many
thanks to Margaret Shore for her stunning tutus and to the New Zealand School of Dance for
allowing their students Charlotte Gleeson & Luke Cooper to perform. Costumes and sets are for
hire. Contact Liz Russell.
Scenes from Nutcracker
Photo: Charlotte Ruby
Photography
The Philippa Campbell School of Ballet is once again saying goodbye to students who are
heading away for full time study. Louis Ramsay will be attending the Australian Ballet School and
Katherine Horner is attending Canterbury Ballet School in Christchurch. We wish them well for their
futures in dance. Three students were accepted into the RNZB Mentor Programme for 2016 – Jadyn
Bagayas, Isabel Bloomfield and Erin Meek – who are all looking forward to working with and
learning from their mentors. Congratulations to Lilly Maskery who will be dancing in the finals of the
Youth America Grand Prix. The school is gearing up for competitions and for exams which always
come around too soon!
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LEFT: Dorothy and Cast: Jadyn Bagayas (Dorothy); Chloe Bagayas (Lion); Louis Ramsay (Tin Man); Joanna
Li (Scarecrow); Josephine Li (Toto).
MIDDLE: Dorothy and Toto with Munchkins: Lilly Maskery (Dorothy); Priscilla Zhang (Toto)
RIGHT: Louis Ramsay and Daisy Hutchison
Photo: Navrang Productions
Deborah Morrison
A highlight for the pupils is the end of year show and once again our teachers outdid themselves with their
individual studios performances. The thrill of performing in front of an appreciative audience can only add
to that feeling. What a wonderful way to end another busy and successful year! Well done teachers!
We start the New Year with much enthusiasm but also on a slightly sad note. One of our much loved and
extremely dedicated teachers, Judith Ward, has decided, after much soul-searching, to hang up her well
used ballet shoes! After 42 years teaching in Hamilton, she will be greatly missed by all, especially her
pupils. But she has left a wonderful legacy that will continue in all the pupils who were lovingly taught
by her. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Judith and her husband Colin, many, many years of good
health and happy travels for their retirement. Your absence from the teaching platform will be sorely
missed, but we will definitely welcome your involvement for years to come.
REGIONAL FOCUS
Waikato
“ Judith Ward: After 42 years of teaching sadly the time has come to retire. There never seems
to be the best time to do so. I arrived in NZ from Rhodesia/Zimbabwe in July 1973, and the following
year opened my dance school, starting with 25 pupils. Over the years the numbers increased, the
pupils entered exams and we had our recitals which were lots of fun. I have had the privilege of
learning and teaching the latest changes in the syllabus and have found the work and music most
inspiring. It was a tearful goodbye to my family of pupils and parents but I look forward to following
their progress in the future. Thankyou to the RAD for their support and giving me the opportunity to
have a career in dance and to teach some wonderful work. ”
Judith with two granddaughters
she has taught since they
were four
Judith Ward School of Dance’s final concert
Valerie Lissette
School of Dance’s
annual production was
The Tale of the Tails,
in which Jeremy Fisher
leaps in the air.
Hamilton Teachers Kerry
Mills and Valerie Lissette
with RAD Artistic Director,
Lynn Wallis at the ISS in
Wellington, Jan 2016
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Sharon Dickinson
REGIONAL FOCUS
Bay of Plenty
Welcome to 2016. In this edition it is wonderful for us to be able to share with other members our photo
gallery, featuring talented local students. Teachers are so proud of their dancers’ achievements and their
love of dance. We look forward to welcoming teachers from the Bay and beyond to the CPD opportunity
in Tauranga in April.
One of Taupo Academy of Dance’s senior students, Taylor Downard, is, sadly for TAD, leaving this
year to pursue a career in architecture. TAD reports that she has been a wonderful pupil throughout
her dancing career with the studio, since she was 4 years old.
Lizzie Astwood, who was at Whitireia Performing Arts last year, is moving to Spectrum Performing
Arts in Melbourne this year.
Taylor Downard
The 2015 Babies Show
Performance by the Senior Troupe
Anne Samson School of Ballet. Former student Sophie Voss has secured a year’s contract at
Hillside Beach Resort Mulga, Turkey, beginning in February. Sophie has been under the tutelage
of Liz Harvey and Carl Myers for the last 2 years.
Saul
Newport
Sophie Voss
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16yr old Saul Newport
has been accepted into
fulltime dance training
as a Classical Major
with NZSD. Anne says
“A new door opens for
you Saul and we all
look forward to your
future years ahead
living your dream.”
Anne attended the International Summer School Teachers’ Course in Wellington in January and
found it inspirational – check out her report in the International Summer School section.
Sarah Maclean
REGIONAL FOCUS
Yvonne Edwards School of Dance. The YES Dance show Dance Dance Dance 2016 which was
presented at the Graham Young Youth Theatre, was wonderfully received and Yvonne bade farewell
to several students she had taught from a very young age. Though continuing their studies at
Universities, the girls will still be keeping up their dance training.
Yvonne’s senior student, student teacher Sarah Maclean, attended
the RAD International Summer School in Wellington in January. She
reports she loved every single minute of it and enjoyed Lynn Wallis,
Dale Pope and Adrian Burnett’s classes immensely. She says to start
with she was sore in places she didn’t know existed and soaked up
every bit of advice she was given. She is photographed in Wellington at
the Botanical Gardens.
Venice Harris, who was mentioned in the last edition of Focus, has been chosen for the Asian tour
of the professional Australian production of Les Miserables and now has the part of Cosette – a
wonderful achievement.
The Dale Boddy Academy of Dance, formerly owned by Dale Boddy who has retired after 30 years
of dance teaching in the Taupo area, is now called Dance Central and is under the ownership and
management of Carissa Yeoman. Carissa has been teaching with Dale for thirteen years and has been
very involved with the studio. She danced professionally overseas after completing her training at the
Brent St School of Performing Arts in Sydney, and is excited about stepping up into this new role.
“ Carissa Yeoman, Holly Finch and Dale
Boddy. Holly, one of Dale’s former
students, spent a year as a fulltime
student at Sydney’s Ettinghausen
Studio where she was given a 3 month
scholarship to attend Broadway Dance
Centre in New York. She has just left
to take up that scholarship.
Dale remembers and looks forward
I restarted teaching when
my husband and I purchased Orakei Korako Geyserland in 1982.
I taught in Reporoa as that was closer to home. Then when Vicki
Le Fleming-Whitmore moved to Rotorua from Taupo, I couldn’t
image there being no RAD in Taupo, so took on the studio. It
grew steadily over the years until I moved into new premises with
two studios. I have enjoyed the challenge of the high standard
of the RAD work and have had many students carry on dancing
professionally. In July of last year I sold the business to Carissa
Yeoman who hails from Australia. She moved to NZ with her
husband and started working for me shortly after the birth of her
first daughter, so it was ideal for all concerned when she wished
to purchase the studio. Although she has done up to Advanced
1 RAD, Carissa’s first passion is Jazz and Contemporary. The
classical side of the studio is in capable hands with Iggy Gloy
who is currently working towards her RAD Diploma in Dance
Teaching Studies which she will complete this year. ”
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REGIONAL FOCUS
Dance Education Centre
Moore sisters Olivia, Arabella and Lucia (pictured left) travelled to
Brussels to compete in the Petipa International Ballet Competition
in October 2015. Each girl won gold after performing a set piece
and a choreography which Debbie Gooch arranged for them. Olivia
competed in both the ballet and contemporary sections. “It was an
absolute highlight of my teaching career,” says Debbie.
The Dance Education Centre advises that their end of year show
Tutus and T’angles was a great end of 2015 for all the students and
everyone is excited about getting back into the new year. Associates of the New Zealand School of Dance
this year are Haley Pickett, Jake Gisby, Olivia
Moore, Olive Pearce and Matthew Karton.
DEC says farewell to Kennedy Crowther (NZSD
contemporary major), Tessa Gisby (Western
Australia Performing Arts) and Amelia Dawe
(The Australian Ballet School). Kennedy Crowther
Amelia Dawe
Sandra du Plat-Pearce died in Rotorua on 6 January, at the age of 105. Born in England, she moved
to Rotorua with her keen trout-fishing husband in the 1950’s, and opened the Du Plat School of Dancing
in 1960. The only ballet teacher in Rotorua at that time, Sandra taught the RAD syllabus through all the
grades and majors as well as the Dance Education Syllabus Levels 1-3, and character. Each year of her
25 or more years of teaching she produced her own show, creating the choreography and designing the
costumes and scenery. Family friend Elizabeth Miller described her as a wonderful teacher who went
to great lengths to help her students. “She was always a memorable person, a great hostess who was
strong and independent, and always a lady. A stylish woman and a great conversationalist who was
interested in everybody and what they were up to.” Former students treated her to a dance and song for
her 105th birthday last year.
Angela Guernier
Hawkes Bay
10
The last weekend in January saw teachers attend a G4&5 Focus on Character course tutored by Alison
Pond. This was enjoyed by all, but I did hear that there were a few sore muscles the next day! I managed
to attend most of the recitals at the end of last year and once again congratulate teachers and students
on their efforts – plus of course the Mother helpers.
Mili Kitiona from K Studio has been accepted into the NZSD Scholars programme for 2016. Taylor
Ferguson from Diana Shand Studio attended the ISS in Wellington and thoroughly enjoyed the
experience. Taylor has been accepted on both the Scholars and the Associates programmes at the NZSD
for this year. Congratulations to both girls.
Corps de ballet and lead characters
REGIONAL FOCUS
Eighty-five students from the Nadine Antoinette School of Dance performed the 3-act ballet of
Coppelia in the newly reopened War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne in November. With amazing
new facilities, students were delighted to be part of a real theatre experience which received
wonderful feedback from the community.
Village children looking at the Coppelia doll
Nadine reported that students from her school attended both the graded and vocational levels
of the RAD International Summer School in Wellington in January, and all enjoyed the classes
immensely. Nadine attended the teachers’ course and came away with lots of new ideas for class as
well as refreshing the technical aspects of syllabus work. The sessions taken by Lisa Howells were
especially very informative in relation to students obtaining strength and flexibility safely. It was also
wonderful to catch up with other teachers from around the country.
Austin Rice was accepted for a second year into the NZSD Classical Associates Programme for
2016 – well done Austin.
All of the students from the Briar Horrocks Studio of Dance danced in
Hansel and Gretel with senior girls also dancing excerpts from Swan Lake.
Hansel and Gretel – Little Rabbits
Hansel and Gretel
Swan Lake – Jaimee
Mossman as Odile
Congratulations to Laura Beanland-Stephens who has graduated from NZSD. Laura is dancing
in the Wellington Fringe Festival in a company called House of Sand – performing Knitting while
Sleeping – sounds interesting! Briar also reports that Estelle Taylor is finally starting tuition at “The
Edge” in Melbourne after winning a scholarship. Exciting times!
11
REGIONAL FOCUS
Marilyn Swan Academy of Dance students presented The Selfish Giant at the Tabard Theatre.
This Oscar Wilde story lent itself to a combination of both classical and contemporary dance very
well with versions of Vivaldi’s music.
Butterflies Katie Bela,
Anahera Puketapu
and Karlie Morrison
Frost Painters
Leigh Jones
Manawatu – Wanganui – Taranaki
What an exciting time everyone in our area has had over the last few months with end of year
performances, holiday programmes, and enrolments of new and excited students all full of hope and
wonderment of what will lie ahead of them .
Congratulations to everyone for all their hard work and dedication put into bringing together such
wonderful end of year productions like Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty and The Lion King to name but a few.
Maureen Ax School of Dance student
Meg Morrison (pictured) was a finalist in the
PACANZ Young Performer of the Year, while
Louise Baker has returned to teach at the
school after spending 2 years dancing and
teaching in England. Maureen attended the
Teachers’ Course at the RAD International
Summer School and reports that she found it
very valuable.
12
Maximum Dance Zone had
a wonderful recital Peter Pan
at the end of 2015. They are
looking forward to an awesome
year ahead.
Jazz and ballet dance showcase
concerts in the later
part of the year
I wish you all a very happy and successful year ahead.
Marion Davenport
A great start to the year with Wellington hosting the very successful International Summer School in
January. It is good news to hear of several new RAD studios opening this year in Wellington – best
wishes to those extending or starting up their dance ventures.
The Teachers’ Christmas Lunch was held at the CQ Hotel in December and was a much
enjoyed occasion.
REGIONAL FOCUS
Wellington
Back: Sue Nicholls, Cindy Gordon,
Gina Reid, Fiona Arbuckle (office),
Nina Sowerbutts (office), Christine
Gunn, Kathiy Watson, Robyn
Charlton-Kelly, Helen Calman,
Lynne Harrison. Front: Janet Taylor
(office), Colleen Cox, Sue Tuck
(Area Organiser), Deirdre Tarrant
Dancers at Tarrant Dance Studios had a very busy end to 2015. The Scholars performed at the
opening it Wellington Museum’s new gallery ‘Attic’ celebrating Nesta Carwell-Cook dance designs
and the Giant from Jack and the Beanstalk. This danced version of a favourite fairy tale was also
danced at Te Rauparaha Stadium for the Special Children’s Christmas party.
The full studio took part in new ballet Choreographies of The Very VERY Hungry Caterpillar and
Degas Deconstructed at the Wellington Opera House.
2016 started with a new choreographic project Monkey
Business for the Chinese New Year Festival on 13 &14
February. Six dancers from The Little Egrets Company
from Xiamen, China worked together with eight senior
students to make a collaborative dance work directed
by Deirdre Tarrant. The TSB Arena was packed for the
Gala ‘East Meets West’ opening and on Festival Day
thousands came to watch and enjoy the performances
and food!
Deirdre reports “The new year begins in fully earthquake restrengthened studios. This has been a
mission but all set for a fabulous year of dance.
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REGIONAL FOCUS
On 30 January Extreme Dance held an Open Day at their brand new
studio premises in Paremata. Visitors were able to meet the teachers
and view the four soundproof studios with fully sprung floors (the largest
with Harlequin flooring), a large waiting area for dancers and parents,
separate girls and boys changing facilities, student kitchen area and a
large office & reception. They were also treated to short performances
from Extreme Dance students. A great day was had by all, with students
excited to begin classes in the new space. Extreme Dance is excited to
be introducing RAD Grades and Vocational classes this year.
Special guests Princesses Belle & Cinderella in attendance to meet and greet
on Open Day
En Pointe, Wellington’s newest dance academy, was launched in early
2016 by Cindy Gordon who describes it as modern and forward-looking,
where the traditions of the past meet the needs of today. The aim is
to provide a happy and nurturing environment where dedicated and
professional teachers encourage children to dance to the best of their
ability. Located in central Wellington, En Pointe has four large newly
fitted out ballet studios with specialised flooring, mirrors and barres. Class sizes are kept small, up to
a maximum of 10 to 12 students depending on age and level. All of the teachers are RAD registered
or are completing their registration, and all levels of the RAD syllabus are offered. Cindy advises that
these factors all contribute to ensuring the students receive the very best in their RAD training. In
addition to the syllabus class, specialist and preparatory sessions are offered such as pre-pointe and
workshops with international guest tutors throughout the year. Also provided are adult ballet classes
for beginners through to those who are returning to continue their RAD training.
Fiona Arbuckle and Sue Tuck
Nelson
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Louise Hawke reports another banner year for Academy of Ballet Arts.
Student Alexandra Lile is now a Classical Ballet Associate of the NZSD
and Amy Miles a Contemporary Associate. Alexandra spent her summer
at the RAD International Summer School, and thanks were expressed to
all concerned at the RAD who made this amazing experience possible. “I
loved dancing at the ISS Performance course. Over the two weeks I got the
opportunity to learn from some amazing teachers as well as meeting some
incredible friends who I will keep in contact with. This has definitely been a
time I will never forget.”
The Academy of Ballet Arts’ Christmas production of Aurora’s Wedding starred Jake
Chown and Leonora Voightlander with Tynan Wood of the RNZB, along with Katie
Hurst- Saxton formerly of the company and now principal with the Victorian State
Ballet Australia. Special guest was Sir Jon Trimmer as Carrabosse.
Louise reports: “All these dancers are so supportive with my young students, as you can see by the photo above! And
are great ambassadors for the Company and the profession. My special moment was seeing the company dancers in
the wings applauding my senior students as they took their curtain calls. Very touching indeed.”
Sue Tuck
Photo: Donna Head
Jacqui Tieleman School of Ballet’s student Samantha Doig was one of 50
dancers accepted into the World Class Dance Tours to travel to Los Angeles in
April 2016. The 12-day trip includes classes and workshops at some of the world’s
leading dance schools with world renowned choreographers, and the opportunity
to attend seminars with professional dancers who will share their tips, tricks and
secrets of how they are making a living doing what they love. Samantha has
been learning dances to perform on the main stage at Disneyland and Hollywood
Boulevard. She is ecstatic about receiving this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and
cannot wait to see what this trip will have to offer.
REGIONAL FOCUS
Christchurch
In December Avril Levings celebrated 40 years of teaching. Past students, including her first-ever
pupil from Dunedin, flew in from all round NZ to help her celebrate, and some even appeared in her
show’s finale. Avril said it was ‘truly a night to remember’.
Congratulations to Levings School of Dance students Juliette Ward (centre)
and Shelyse Wadley (right) who are pictured with adjudicator Anne Anderson
at the NZAMD Scholarship Awards in Wellington in November. Juliette won and
Shelyse came third, while Callahan Laird was a finalist. These three students
are again NZSD Junior Associates this year.
The 1975 photo is of Avril’s pupils
who entered the RAD ballet
examination in Dunedin that
year. Avril is centre back with her
assistant at the right and pianist at
the left of the photo.
Anneliese Gilberd Academy
finished 2015 with their graduation
performance of Paquita, Giselle
Act 2 and an original contemporary
work Huntress by Christchurch
choreographer Julia Harvey. Six
full time students were farewelled
– all having been accepted into
Professional Ballet schools NZSD, Queensland Ballet School,
Melbourne City Ballet and Allegria
Studios, Sydney. Also, Summer Penney has started full-time with the Australian Conservatoire of
Ballet in Melbourne and loves it. AGA has opened their 2nd studio and offices, and has welcomed
new AGA full time students from Wellington, Dunedin, Nelson and Christchurch. Jemma Grenfell has
joined the AGA Faculty as their Progressing Ballet Technique specialist, tutor and choreographer.
Anneliese reports that “we are thrilled this year to now offer all RAD classes starting with Pre Primary
onwards with our wonderful RAD Tutor Angie Longman.”
Photo: Richard Hansen
15
REGIONAL FOCUS
Southern Ballet Theatre celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2015 with a very special performance
of Cinderella at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch on 18 and 19 December. SBT reports
“Cinderella was our second major production, performed in 1976 with the Christchurch Symphony
Orchestra and the great Sir Jon Trimmer as the Prince and Gillian Francis as Cinderella, both
iconic New Zealand dancers.” Opening night started with a cocktail function for past and present
students, teachers and parents, and SBT were “delighted to have with us, from Australia, our
co-patron and world acknowledged ballerina, Fiona Tonkin and our Founder and Co-Patron Lorraine
Peters QSM.” It was a very successful evening with many past students having the opportunity to
share memories of their wonderful experiences as part of Southern Ballet.
Cinderella 2015: Senior students
Hailey Keelty (Cinderella) and
Liam Thomson (the Prince)
Cinderella 1976: Gillian Francis
(Cinderella) and George Williams &
David Peake (Ugly Sisters)
I would like to wish all dancers who are starting new full time training all the best and we would love to
hear from you from time to time.
Lynda Saxton
Otago
I recently attended two end of year concerts – the first as the proud great-aunt of a 5 year old from
the Annette Roselli Dance Academy in Brisbane, and the second as the Otago area organiser for the
only RAD school in my hometown, the Dunedin School of Ballet and Dance. Both concerts were well
organised and showcased the talent of the dancers, while also highlighting the amount of hard work that
is put in by the teachers and students, and the commitment of parents to make everything run smoothly.
Although more than 2000kms apart I did discover a Dunedin – Brisbane link. One of the teachers at the
Annette Roselli Dance Academy is former Dunedin dance teacher Patricia Meenan.
In Dunedin it was lovely to see Eli Gray-Smith on stage presenting the Dunedin School of Ballet and
Dance’s awards and obviously enjoying the concert. A particularly telling moment for me was when one of
the very young dancers became completely overwhelmed by the whole experience and “froze” in the middle
of the stage. No problem for “Miss Robyn” (principal Robyn Sinclair) who stepped on stage from the wings
(to great applause!) and then proceeded to hold the young girl’s hand and dance with her for the remainder
of the item.
16
Joy Pearson
“ The week I spent at the RAD International Summer School in early January was absolutely brilliant.
The days were jam packed with dance and fun activities. Classical, creative and hip hop dancing in the
mornings followed by circus and make up and mime is my idea of a perfect week! I also loved the trip
to the St James Theatre and the Royal NZ Ballet. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet lots of other
dancers from other studios and have expert tuition from some inspirational teachers. I just wish it could be
on every year!
These sentiments expressed by 11-year-old Anabel Jamieson were echoed by many of
the 92 Summer School students who attended one of the one-week Graded courses held in January.
”
“
“
The awesome work and knowledge of dance that the teachers showed us has
Rylee Haughey said
really inspired me – if you work hard and keep to it, the sky is your limit.
while Shelby Wells
Loved
to dance with all my friends and loved that I made new friends, I hope that I will see them again on the
dance floor. Friends for Life .
”
”
INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL
2016 International Summer School and Performance Course
“
Parents were also very appreciative of the opportunities afforded their children who attended the Summer
School and Performance Course. Heidi Rice reported that
Austin thoroughly enjoyed the 2-week
programme and has come home inspired by the wonderful tutors he was so lucky to work with. He also
made some fantastic friends along the way who share his passion for dance. As a mum of a male ballet
dancer it is fantastic to have these opportunities to maintain motivation and drive in what can sometimes
be a lonely journey for boys.
“
”
Janette Calvert said
I just wanted to thank you again both very much, on behalf of Emily and myself,
for such a fabulous and inspiring course. The smile on Emily’s face showed it all when we watched the
fantastic performance!!! Big thankyous !!!
”
17
2016
International Summer
Performance Course Faculty: Gina Andrews, Adrian Burnett, Braedyn Humphries, Jamie Knop, Caitlin
Peetz, Dale Pope, Turid Revfeim, Francesco Ventriglia
Grades Course Faculty: Pagan Dorgan, Braedyn Humphries, Jamie Knop, Sir Jon Trimmer, Wellington
Circus Trust.
Teachers’ Course Faculty: Lisa Howell, Paula Hunt, Sarah Fitzsimons, Dale Pope, Francesco Ventriglia,
Lynn Wallis
School and Performance Course
Photos: Amber Griffin Photography
INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL
2016 International Summer School and Performance Course
Teachers’ Course
Anne Samson sums up her experience at the International Summer School Teachers’ Course:
“
What a refreshing way to start the New Year. Our first class Creative Composition with Dale Pope was
very enlightening, an inspirational young tutor full of enthusiasm for us to learn and grow from trained
movement behaviour and discover unexpected and unexplained movement. The progress we made over
the week was quite amazing, lots of bending and twisting our bodies as fabulous creations evolved.
Thank you for the experience, I know I will certainly be taking this on board with my students. Always
good to go over difficult steps with Lynn Wallis, break them down and assess correct technique. I
particularly enjoyed our time with Paula Hunt assessing examination standards through the examiner’s
eye. Lisa Howell’s three days just made you hungry for more information from her – an amazing tutor
who is 100% committed to us dance teachers for better understanding and knowledge. It was just lovely
to see so many young teachers on the course, hungry for knowledge and for us also being able to share
our experiences with them.
“
”
Kristin Orr added:
To be embraced by intelligent stimulation on many levels from creative
choreography, syllabi analysis, kinaesthetic science of the body and creative stimulation over an
exhilarating six days was an epic experience for the privileged teachers who attended the International
Summer School in Wellington this January 2016. Thank you to the team who organised this prestigious
experience and the talented tutors who participated to empower us teachers for our future ballet
students.
”
20
David Jays interviews Lorraine Gregory who notated the new choreography by Charlotte Edmonds,
commissioned for Genée 2015 in London. Lorraine, who is shown on the left of the photo with Charlotte,
describes the creative process.

Charlotte and I were both working at the Royal Opera House, so we met
just before the Genée. I asked how she would like me to act in rehearsals.
Some choreographers want you to shut up and not interrupt their flow –
others value your input, and enjoy having an outside eye on the work. You
have to be intuitive and work out what different people want from you.
Charlotte is a very musical choreographer, and it was amazing to work with
a pianist in the studio. I had the scores in advance – 6/11/98 by Joby Talbot
and Sebastian by Adrian Johnson – which is really important, as notation
corresponds directly to the musical score. After that, it was a case of
listening to everything that Charlotte said. She had a lot of ideas, but all the
Photo: Elliott Franks
movement was made in the studio with the candidates.
UK NEWS
A crucial presence
As everyone will tell you, the atmosphere at the Genée is very friendly. It didn’t even feel like a competition
during the five days of creation; because Charlotte worked on the dancers, it was very collaborative. The
candidates were lovely, so eager to learn – though everyone was surprised that, at just 18, Charlotte was
younger than several of them!
Charlotte told us she had been thinking about the centenary of World War One. Her grandmother had
worked in the codebreaking centre at Bletchley Park during World War Two, and she was very interested
in war, and in some parallels with the competition: exploring a vulnerability that could become strength
through the choreography. The solos were emotionally challenging, but she marked out what the
candidates should be thinking about at different moments.
This kind of detail is brilliant for a notator. You try to get as much information as possible into the notation,
as it is a universal language. For a staged ballet, you’ll also include notes on costumes and lighting –
everything about the production should be in there. After the rehearsal period, you spend months writing
up the score – that’s the part of the job that everyone forgets!
I am currently completing the Certificate in Benesh Movement Notation. I trained at the Hammond School
in Chester, and danced professionally for a couple of years before doing a degree in art history at
Manchester University. But I missed the dance world – notation seemed like something that would
combine my dance knowledge and analytic background. You need to be able to read music, to have a
visual mind and to draw reasonably well. Many performers come to it later in their careers, but it felt like
the right time.
The notator is a crucial presence – we’re not just there to write, but to be actively helpful, especially with
things like timing and patterns. Notation should always communicate the choreographer’s true intention,
which is why it’s important to be in the studio as much as possible. Charlotte was eager that the
candidates each bring their own interpretation to the solos and show their personality to the judges. This,
for me, is the crux of notation – you’ll never get two dancers performing a piece in exactly the same way,
but you can include a lot of intangible, emotional information. In the girls’ solo, there were some crucial
movements of the upper body and head, which each dancer can interpret differently.
It has been lovely getting to know Charlotte, and we’ve become very close. We’re hoping to work together
again in the future.
21
Photo: courtesy of Paula Hunt
UK NEWS
Right honourable
Paula Hunt, Chair of the Panel of Examiners and Head of Syllabus
Development, was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last
year, becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her
services to dance. She shares highlights of her career with the RAD.
I’m a true blue Kiwi RAD girl! I was a baby ballerina at three. I went
through the RAD process with a brilliant and inspirational teacher: Joye
Lowe. I did everything up to what is now Advanced 1, Advanced 2 with
Honours and Solo Seal in the same exam session, as at that time New
Zealand only held Vocational Graded examinations every two years.
I didn’t think of dancing professionally. Instead, I thought I’d like to
teach. At that point I had no teaching qualifications, but advertised in the
paper – and got just one pupil. Then came qualifications and a school with over 400 pupils.
I’m pleased I took this path – I’m not sure I’d have had the same satisfaction from performing. Learning
dance has a huge effect on children – for some their ballet teacher is a fundamental and consistent
presence in their lives. It is easy to teach talented students but to teach all students, talented or not, the
valuable life skills gained from dance classes and examinations, along with the opportunity to share my
passion, gives me much pleasure.
I have learned so much from being an RAD Examiner; I used to always come back from any tour with a
new idea or aspect to work on in my own studio. Beijing was probably the most exciting place I taught and
examined. It was a long time ago now but I will always remember the huge contrasts between the old and
the new within the city.
I applied to become the Chair of the Panel of Examiners at the very last minute, knowing if I was
successful I would have to leave New Zealand. Fortunately they sensed my passion to stay in New
Zealand and agreed I could work from afar and commute when necessary.
The time zone difference means I have many very late nights and early mornings when in New Zealand.
Working at my end of the world though does give me space away from RAD headquarters and more time to
think outside the square.
I enjoy leading the Panel of Examiners but try hard to make sure I do not appear to dominate; I am one of
the team. We are all doing the same job, sharing and caring about the huge responsibility.
Choreography is my passion and to be involved in the development of the new work has been exciting,
especially the opportunity to create many of the variations. Nacho Duato is one of my favourite
choreographers: musical, unexpected and so inspiring. I am pleased that the syllabus renewal project
involves creativity and wonderful opportunities to experience the joy of movement.
22
The first moment I believed the revised syllabi would be a success was at the launch of the Intermediate
Foundation and Intermediate syllabi. I was terribly anxious, but at the end of the first half many stood to
applaud. Lynn Wallis and I knew we were doing something right.
As for the honour, I still feel there are many people who deserve it a lot more than I do. I did enjoy the
moment – but it is just a moment, life goes on. The only change I have noticed is my four year old grandson
does now call me the Queen!
Having gained professional dance experience in both Australia and the United
Kingdom, Michelle trained as a Labanotation practitioner and teacher with Ann
Hutchinson Guest in London. She joined the Faculty of Education in 2001 and held
a number of academic positions in the department before becoming Dean in 2012.
Michelle’s research interests are in teacher education and higher and professional
education. Her current research focus, through University College London’s Institute of
Education, is on the construction and development of professional identities of dance
teachers across sectors.
Photo: Benedict Johnson
Congratulations to Michelle Groves who has been appointed Director of Education
for the RAD.
UK NEWS
New Director of Education
The appointment follows the move of former Director of Education, Dr Anne Hogan, to Florida, USA, to
take up a new part-time role with the RAD as Senior Advisor: Global Education Partnerships.
New format for PDTD
From 2016 the Professional Dancers’ Teaching Diploma (PDTD) will be delivered in a new format. As
a result of student and graduate feedback, the programme will now incorporate a distance learning
module which looks at career development, in addition to an onsite module focusing on the principles
and practice of dance teaching. These changes enable the programme to be as flexible and accessible
as possible to the needs of professional dancers, whilst equipping students with the skills and expertise
needed to teach dance in a range of dance teaching contexts both in the UK and internationally.
Photo competition
By popular demand, the annual photo competition will return in 2016. The membership team have
suggested themes including: dancing with your friends, at the movies, dancing in the streets, model
your dancewear and dance across the generations. But can you do better? If you have any ideas for the
competition theme please let us know at [email protected]
New RAD eBooks
These eBooks replicate the content from the syllabus books, including Benesh notation, and have been
separated into each grade for individual purchase. They can be downloaded to your Apple, Android or
Windows device to view offline, easily navigate between exercises and bookmark pages to return to
later. Highlighting and annotating functions vary between some applications. Visit www.radenterprises.
co.uk to go digital.
Imperial College London
Awards Day
After many memorable years of holding RAD Awards Day at St
Mary’s Church in Battersea, the event is moving to an exciting
new venue. For the first time, Awards Day will bring together
undergraduate, postgraduate and RAD teaching awards into one
ceremony to be held at Imperial College London in South Kensington.
This year’s ceremony will take place on 20 July.
23
EDUCATION
Teacher Training Options
1 August is the closing date for the CBTS and DDTS. There are several options available for Royal
Academy of Dance teacher-training by distance learning. All lead to eligibility for RAD Registered Teacher
Status which in turn leads to opportunities to teach and enter students for RAD ballet examinations all
over the world.
Contact 04 382 8924 or [email protected] for further information about the programmes below.
Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies – 2 years part-time – distance learning
Apply by 1 August 2016 to start in January 2017
The CBTS provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required by ballet teachers
at the start of their careers. With a focus on RAD syllabi, you will explore the development and
progression of ballet technique alongside acquiring teaching skills appropriate for a private
dance school.
Entry requirement: RAD Intermediate or equivalent.
Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies – 2 years part-time – distance learning
Apply by 1 August 2016 to start in January 2017
The DDTS helps students use their current teaching skills in new contexts, and to enhance their
teaching skills through a range of optional modules such as music for teaching, ballet studies,
resources for teaching and community dance.
Entry requirement: Level 4 dance teaching qualification or equivalent
Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate – 1 year part-time – distance learning
Apply by 1 September 2016 to start in January 2017
The 1-year PDPTC is designed for professional dancers wishing to prepare for a new career
in teaching. It combines distance learning with a one-month intensive study period in Berlin, or
alternatively in Sarasota, USA. Applications are welcomed from dancers with significant professional
experience and advanced technical proficiency in ballet.
24
The most usual RAD teacher-training option for people in NZ is to complete the 2-year Certificate in Ballet
Teaching Studies, but there is an alternative option for people who have been professional dancers.
Fiona Hulands is the first person from NZ to undertake the one-year distance learning Professional
Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Diploma. In the Focus on Members Issue 1 2015, Fiona described her
one-week induction held in Berlin, and outlined the PDPTC course requirements. Below she describes her
experience completing the 5-week intensive study period (ISP) in Berlin, a 12 week practical placement in
Wellington, and what she is doing now that she has completed the training.
EDUCATION
Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Diploma
“
The ISP took place in July 2015 – a beautiful time to be in Berlin. Over the five weeks, the
foundations and progressions of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabi were taught alongside
holistic dance practices and music with pianist. We learned from some of the world’s finest dance
teachers such as Lynn Wallis who took us through the rhythm and reasoning for each step;
and Professor Martian Puttke and Claire Guss-West who demonstrated different approaches to
holistic movement in teaching dance. A highlight was learning about external imagery from Claire
who is a firm believer of creating fun and interactive ways for students to feel the movements
move through the space of the room. At the end of the ISP we had the chance to work with each
other when we taught at the Berlin RAD Summer School. Teaching with peers allowed us to share
the wonderful gems of information collected over our careers.
My 12-week practical placement took
place at the Whitirea Performing Arts Centre
in Wellington. I took the Level 2 commercial dance
dancers for a weekly ballet class. With
the help of my mentor, Natalie Woodhall,
I put into practise the information I had learnt
in the ISP while integrating my own ideas
and professional knowledge. Since completing the
PDPTC, I have continued my work as a teacher for
Love of Dance Studios and have started teaching
at the brand new En Pointe Dance Academy.
2015 PDPTC students Fiona Hulands, Nicole
Goodbrand from Canada and Bethan Smith
from England
I would highly recommend the Professional Dancers Postgraduate Teaching Certificate
for any professional dancer looking to transition into teaching. Whether you are looking
at teaching in private, community or public sectors, the PDPTC will empower you with the
knowledge and tools to start your career.
Fiona Hulands
”
25
Education
RNZB CLASS ON STAGE
SUPPORTING EDUCATION
Booking is essential.
See rnzb.org.nz/education
PHOTO: FRANK SIN
WELLINGTON 8 MAY
CHRISTCHURCH 14 MAY
AUCKLAND 5 JUNE
RNZB DANCER LUCY GREEN
A unique opportunity for dance teachers and
their students to watch and observe company
class with their national ballet company.
Driven by the vision of the RNZB’s Artistic Director Francesco Ventriglia,
Class on Stage is a new opportunity for dance teachers and their students to observe a company class
of their national ballet company. Offered on selected dates when the company is in your area, these
close-up encounters will be:
• a refresher and learning tool for teachers
• a source of inspiration and motivation for students
Wellington
Sunday 8 May, 12pm
St. James Theatre
Christchurch
Saturday 14 May, 11am
Isaac Theatre Royal
Auckland
Sunday 5 June, 12pm
ASB Theatre – Aotea Centre
OTHER DANCE NEWS
RNZB Class on Stage – new in 2016
Duration of class: 1hr 15mins / Cost: $10 per ticket
Suitable for all dance teachers and dance students aged 9 or older.
Doors open 15 minutes prior to the start of the class. Seating is allocated on a first come, first served basis.
To book: Booking is essential and places are limited, so register online via our website http://www.rnzb.
org.nz/education/for-dancers/. Book now so you don’t miss out on this unique opportunity! We encourage
you to spread the word about our new Class on Stage events through your school newsletter and dance
studio network.
RNZB Dance Teachers Professional Development Week
Following last year’s success, RNZB is offering a week of intensive
training for teachers. All New Zealand dance teachers are welcome to
seek the unique opportunity to observe an RNZB Company Class,
attend a talk from one of the artistic staff, and take part in open
discussions about best ballet teaching practice. All four-day sessions,
scheduled in the next first week of the school holidays from
9.30am – 1pm, will be held in RNZB Studios at the St. James Theatre,
Wellington.
Tuesday 19 April
Topic: Women’s Technique focussing on Pointe Work
Staff: Nadia Thompson – RNZB Ballet Mistress
Wednesday 20 April
Topic: Men’s Technique including Pirouette, Petit and Grand Allegro
Staff: Alberto Montesso – RNZB Ballet Master
Thursday 21 April
Topic: Pas de Deux
Staff: Francesco Ventiglia – RNZB Artistic Director
Friday 22 April
Topic: How to prepare senior students to audition for professional ballet schools and companies
Staff: Francesco Ventriglia – RNZB Artistic Director
Cost: $60 (including morning tea) per session. Our sessions are very popular and numbers are limited.
For all enquiries, please contact Pascale Parenteau, RNZB Education & Community Manager on
(04) 381 9001 e: [email protected]
27
OTHER DANCE NEWS
RNZB Training for Young Dancers
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is committed to help developing young
dancers through a range of exciting classes for students of all levels. These non-syllabus Ballet for Boys
and Open Classes will be led by our RNZB dancers. They will offer ballet students a valuable opportunity
to enhance their technique while engaging with your national ballet company.
Schedule of classes for The Wizard of Oz & Giselle seasons
Auckland Wellington Sat 4 June, 8am – 9am Junior
Sun 3 April, 9am – 10.30am Ballet for Boys
Sat 4 June, 9.15am – 10.45am Intermediate
Sun 10 April, 9am – 10am Junior
Sun 5 June, 8.30am – 10am Ballet for Boys
Sun 10 April, 10.15am – 11.45am Intermediate
Sun 5 June, 10.15am – 11.45am Advanced
Sun 10 April, 12pm – 1.30pm Advanced
Sat 3 Sept, 8am – 9am Junior
Sun 31 July, 9am – 10am Junior
Sat 3 Sept, 9.15am – 10.45am Advanced
Sun 31 July, 10:15am – 11.45am Intermediate
Sun 4 Sept, 8.30am – 10am Ballet for Boys
Sun 31 July, 12pm – 1.30pm Advanced
Sun 4 Sept, 10.15am – 11.45am Intermediate
Sun 7 Aug, 9am – 10.30am Ballet for Boys
DunedinChristchurch
Sat 21 May, 9am – 10am Junior
Sat 14 May, 8am – 9am Junior
Sat 21 May, 10.15am – 11.45am Senior Sat 14 May, 9.15am – 10.45am Senior
Sun 28 Aug, 9am – 10am Junior
Napier
Sun 28 Aug, 10.15am – 11.45am Senior
Sun 12 June, 9am – 10am Junior
RotoruaSun 12 June,
10.15am – 11.45am Senior
Sun 29 May, 8am – 9am Junior
Sat 20 Aug, 8am – 9am Junior
Sun 29 May, 9.15am – 10.45am Senior
Sat 20 Aug, 9.15am – 10.45am Senior
Cost: $25 (Young Friend of RNZB $20) Dates and times are subject to change.
Our classes are very popular and numbers are limited. Please encourage your students to register
and check the booking schedule on our website now! http://www.rnzb.org.nz/education/for-dancers/
For all enquiries, please contact RNZB Education & Community Manager Pascale Parenteau,
[email protected] / 04 381 9001
Learn Flamenco
28
Marilyn Swan is available to tutor Spanish Dance
Society Syllabus material to interested Ballet/
Dance Schools, in particular the Flamenco training
with castanet training. This could be through one
off workshops, or on a regular basis.
The structure of The Spanish Dance Society is
similar to RAD with seven junior levels and three
Vocational levels.
For information and discussion of possibilities please call Marilyn Swan on 06 8355491 or
0273365263 or email [email protected].
Darcey Bussell coaching
NZSD student Laura Saxon
Jones on her 2012 visit,
Laura is now with RNZB.
Photo: Stephen A’Court
Upcoming Events at the New Zealand School of Dance
14–15 April & 5–7 July at 6pm: Insight Studio
Performances. One hour of classical and contemporary
dance works by NZSD students.
20–28 May: Choreographic Season:
The choreographic talents of NZSD are showcased in this
annual performance season.
Find out more at www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz
In preparation for its 50th
anniversary in 2017 the
New Zealand School of Dance
(NZSD) is holding a high tea
with international dance
luminary Darcey Bussell on
2 April 2016, in Wellington.
Darcey Bussell is visiting
New Zealand exclusively
for the event, which will
mark the beginning of the
exciting lead-up to NZSD’s
anticipated celebrations. This
exclusive fundraiser includes
delicious food, auction,
dance performance by NZSD
students, live music and a tutu
display. In addition to the High
Tea there are a limited number
of seats available to watch
Darcey coach selected NZSD
students earlier in the day.
OTHER DANCE NEWS
High Tea with a dancing
legend – Darcey Bussell
Movitae
Movitae is an online dance teaching tool that helps dancers learn
faster and has the potential to enhance student engagement and
retention. It assists home practice and offers dance schools the
benefits of easy communication and collaboration with teachers and
students. It also has many free online dance resources which can
be shared directly with students, creating a wonderful online dance
environment for them. Former RAD student Angela Gendall spoke
to teachers at the January RAD International Summer School about
Movitae. She and her team can sort a package to suit a particular school, and will guide teachers
through implementation. Contact [email protected].
29
MEMBERSHIP
Membership
Membership Year
The Royal Academy of Dance Membership Year is from
1 September to the following 31 August.
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct for all members of the RAD and the Code
of Professional Practice for teachers registered with the RAD
set out the standards of conduct and professional practice that
the RAD expects and requires of all its members. All members
are required to uphold the Bye-Laws of the RAD, and to adhere
to the Code of Conduct.
Join Progress Excel
Membership Benefits
These include: UK Dance Gazette, UK Focus on Exams and
NZ Focus on Members publications 3 times a year; monthly
e-news bulletins; eligibility for a 10% discount on RAD
Products; access to the monthly JobSearch International™
(JSI); eligibility for members who are sitting Advanced
Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2 or Solo Seal to pay
reduced examination fees.
Life Members
From September 2016, the eligibility requirement for RAD Life
Membership will increase from 40 to 42 continuous years of
full or teaching membership. New Life Teaching Members are
required to pay an annual Teaching Registration fee of $120 in
order to retain their RAD Registered Teacher Status. People
who became Life Teaching or Life Full Members between 2011
and 2014 will continue to be required to pay $48 per year if
they wish to receive printed copies of the Dance Gazette and
Focus on Members. The RAD issues special certificates to
Life Members worldwide.
RAD Membership Fees for 2015–2016
30
Membership Category
Fee
Teaching Members
$290
New Life Teaching Members
$120
Full Members
$185
Full Members (reduced rate)
$120
Affiliate Members
$120
Friends of the Academy
$100
(from 2015)
www.rad.org.nz/membership
Sign up your students
RAD Membership is open to students
who have successfully passed Grade 6
upwards, in recognition of their hard work
and dedication. As a member, they will
benefit from regular information about
the RAD and the dance world, discounts
on RAD merchandise and selected
Vocational Graded exams, plus much
more! The RAD also welcomes students
or parents who do not qualify as a
member to join as a Friend of the RAD.
If you would like free membership
leaflets to display at your school,
email [email protected] or phone
04 382 8924 to let us know how many
leaflets you would like.
Target Date for Examination Results
Examination certificates and result forms should reach the teacher within 4 weeks of the end of the
examiner’s tour.
Reduction in Vocational Graded Examination Fees for Members
For those sitting examinations at Advanced Foundation level and higher there is a reduction in exam
fees which more than offsets the cost of the membership fee. The Member Exam Fee is available only to
candidates who are already Members before the exam closing date.
Special Examinations – Minimum 4 hours Examining Time
The closing date for a session requested outside the published dates is 2 months before the start of the
session. The fees are $400 plus $70 per day. Any request for a special examination session should be
sent to the NZ office with a $75 deposit which forms part of the fee.
EXAMINATIONS – INFORMATION
Examinations Information
Less than 3 hours’ Examining Time
Teachers who have less than 3 hours examination work may choose to hold their examinations in their
own studios by paying an additional charge on the total fee income from their examination and class or
solo performance awards or presentation class entries to bring it up to the minimum fee of $1764. This
surcharge will not apply if teachers combine with other teachers to ensure a total of more than 3 hours.
Replacement Certificates and Replacement Medals
A charge of $38 will be made to replace any certificates which are incorrect, except where errors have
been made by the Academy. The same fee will be charged to replace lost certificates. In all instances the
original certificate must be returned to the NZ office before a replacement certificate can be issued.
A charge of $15 will be made to replace any medals.
Results Enquiry Service
There are two levels of check for the Results Enquiry Service. The application form (available from
the RAD office or website) is required to be sent to the RAD office within 10 working days of the results
being received.
Level 1: Results Enquiry clerical check. This provides an additional data entry and monitoring check
to ensure that all procedures have been carried out appropriately and marks have been accurately
processed and reported. The fee is $25 per candidate.
Level 2: Result Enquiry Report. This service includes the clerical check and also a detailed Report which
provides the reasoning behind the result given. The fee is $80 per report.
Refund Policy
50% of any examination, presentation class, class award or solo performance award fee will be refunded
if a candidate is unable to take the examination due to illness or if the teacher has to cancel the
examination session due to illness. No refunds will normally be made for withdrawal for any other reason.
In the case of sickness a medical certificate must be sent, together with a candidate withdrawal form, to
the RAD office within a week of the conclusion of the examination tour. Alternatively the candidate may
carry forward the examination fee for one session. Check details with the RAD office.
Age Requirements
The date a candidate is required to have reached the minimum age by is 1 January for Term 2
examination sessions; and 1 September for Term 3 & 4 examination sessions.
Visit www.rad.org.nz to access the Examinations Information, Rules and Regulations for any
clarifications regarding exams.
31
Approved Examination Centre (AEC) Sessions are organised by a studio teacher
RAD Approved Venue (RAV) Sessions are organised by the RAD, with a pianist employed by the RAD
2nd Term 2016
AEC
RAV
AEC Area
Approx Dates
Closing Dates
Examiner
Auckland/Northland Term 2
13–18 Jun
07 Apr
Carryne Algie
RAV Venue Location & ID
Approx Dates
Closing Dates
Examiner
Wellington (1st) – 1142
Auckland (1st) – 1077
10–14 May
15–22 May
10 Mar
10 Mar
Debra Whitten
Debra Whitten
3rd Term 2016
AEC
RAV
AEC Area
Approx Dates
Closing Dates
Examiner
Auckland/Northland Term 3
Waikato
Hawkes Bay
Southland
ChCh/Canterbury
Manawatu/Wanganui/Taranaki
Bay of Plenty
Otago
Marlborough/Nelson
Wellington Term 3
27 July–31 Aug
26 July–06 Aug
03–18 Aug
03–09 Aug
10–16 Aug
23 Aug–13 Sep
25 Aug–11 Sep
02–13 Sep
13–17 Sep
17–23 Sep
12 May
19 May
26 May
26 May
26 May
09 Jun
09 Jun
23 Jun
30 Jun
30 Jun
Karen Macleod
Saori Ishimaru
Sharon Howells
Alison Pond
Alison Pond
Helen Calman
Carryne Algie
Saori Ishimaru
Alison Pond
Carole Speirs
RAV Venue Location & ID
Approx Dates
Closing Dates
Examiner
Christchurch – 1198
Palmerston North – 1089
Auckland – 1077
28–31 Jul
01–06 Aug
07–26 Aug
19 May
19 May
19 May
Angela Watkin
Angela Watkin
Angela Watkin
Hamilton – 1019
Invercargill – 1204
Wellington – 1142
Wellington – Solo Seal & 14+
Napier – 1131
16–23 Aug
24–28 Aug
29 Aug–9 Sep
04 Sep
10–15 Sep
02 Jun
02 Jun
02 Jun
02 Jun
02 Jun
Kit Lethby
Kit Lethby
Kit Lethby
Kit Lethby
Kit Lethby
AEC Area
Approx Dates
Closing Dates
Examiner
Wellington Year-end
10 Oct–08 Nov
04 Aug
Auckland/Northland Year-end
Christchurch Year-end
Wairarapa
10 Oct–07 Nov
19–29 Oct
06–08 Dec
04 Aug
11 Aug
20 Oct
Tonia Robertson &
Sharon Howells
Robyn Croft
Carole Speirs
Helen Calman
4th Term 2016
32
AEC
EXAMINATIONS – DATES
2016 Examination Dates
EXAMINATIONS – FEES
2016 Fees per Candidate
Candidates of any level can be entered in to AEC or RAV examination sessions.
Fees are higher for RAV sessions because the RAD supplies the venue and pianist
Examinations (EX)
Level
AEC
RAV
Primary in Dance
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Intermediate Foundation
Intermediate
$68
$75
$88
$99
$108
$117
$122
$125
$132
$164
$175
$88
$95
$108
$119
$128
$137
$142
$145
$152
$184
$195
Advanced Foundation
Advanced 1
Advanced 2
Solo Seal
Member
$178
$181
$186
N/A
Non-Member
$306
$309
$314
N/A
Member
Non-Member
$326
$329
$334
$403
$198
$201
$206
$275
Class Awards (CA)
Level
AEC
RAV
Pre-Primary in Dance
Primary in Dance
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
$49
$53
$58
$68
$77
$84
$92
$69
$73
$78
$88
$97
$104
$112
Level
AEC
RAV
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
$51
$59
$67
$73
$79
$71
$79
$87
$93
$99
Solo Performance Awards (SPA)
Demonstration Classes (DC) and Presentation Classes (PC)
33
Level
AEC
RAV
Pre School Dance Curriculum
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
$24
$94
$97
$103
$36
$114
$117
$123
CPD
Continuing Professional Development
2015-16 CPD Year
Courses scheduled before 30 June 2016 Centre
Course
Course
Dates
Closing Date
Tutor
Tauranga
Syllabus Strategies – Focus on G6–8
17 Apr
17 Mar
Helen Calman
G4&5 Focus on Character
18 Apr
17 Mar
Helen Calman
05 June
05 May
Alison Pond
G4&5 Focus on Character
06 June *
05 May
Alison Pond
Wellington
* A special Patron’s lunch will be served for course participants and anyone else who would like to join
in celebrating our RAD Patron, the Queen’s, 90th birthday on Mon 6 June at 12.30pm at the NZSD.
Please email [email protected] by 26 May for information and register your interest in attending
2016-17 CPD Year Courses scheduled 1 July to 31 December 2016 Centre
Course
Course
Dates
Closing Date
Tutor
Auckland
G4&5 Focus on Character Dances
10 July
09 June
Alison Pond
Intermediate – Focus on Variations
11 July
09 June
Alison Pond
Wellington
Christchurch
Int Foundation – Focus on Variations
25 Sept
25 Aug
Helen Calman
Intermediate – Focus on Variations
26 Sept
25 Aug
Helen Calman
25 Sept
25 Aug
Alison Pond
26 Sept
25 Aug
Alison Pond
If there are any RAD courses you would like scheduled in your region, or if you are concerned about
CPD, please contact the RAD office. You may wish to consider completing CPD by doing an on-line
course such as Music for Dance and Dance Teaching or The Song of the Body: Dance for Lifelong
Wellbeing. Check out these and further online options on www.rad.org.uk/online-cpd-activities.
Alternatively you may wish to attend a non-RAD course, and if it complies with the requirements for
External CPD published on www.rad.org.uk/study/cpd (including being relevant to your dance teaching
career), you can claim the hours you have attended as CPD hours.
2015-16 CPD
34
• CPD Years run from 1 July to 30 June
• Teachers are required to gain 24 CPD hours
• Signed CPD Declarations are to be submitted
by 30 June
• CPD Exemption Requests are to be submitted
by 1 June
Check www.rad.org.nz/education-training
for more information
2016 Primary School Terms
Term 1: Between 01 & 05 Feb to
Fri 15 April
Term 2: Mon 02 May to Fri 8 July
Term 3: Mon 25 July to Fri 23 September
Term 4: Mon 10 Oct to Tue 20 December
Note: Easter is Fri 25 to Mon 28 March
WELLINGTON/WAIRARAPA/
NELSON/Marlborough
AUCKLAND/NORTHLAND
Deborah Morrison
85B Long Drive
St Heliers, Auckland 1071
tel: 09 585 1258
mob: 027 416 8404
[email protected]
Sue Tuck
41a Calcutta Street
Khandallah, Wellington 6035
tel: 04 479 2716
mob: 021 298 8270
fax: 04 479 2745
[email protected]
WAIKATO
Sharon Dickinson
15 Follis Street
Te Aroha 3320
Tel: 07 884 4069
mob: 021 267 1104
[email protected]
CHRISTCHURCH/CANTERBURY
Lynda Saxton
80 Strickland Street
Somerfield
Christchurch 8023
tel: 03 960 6950
mob: 021 234 8111
[email protected]
BAY OF PLENTY
Angela Guernier
14 Maesbury Close
Papamoa 3118
Tel: 07 575 2173
Mob: 027 575 2173
[email protected]
OTAGO
Joy Pearson
40 Cole Street
Caversham
Dunedin 9012
tel: 03 487 6744
mob: 021 134 0653 (txt only)
[email protected]
HAWKES BAY/POVERTY BAY
Leigh Jones
PO Box 436
86 Kennedy Rd
Napier 4140
tel: 06 835 5982
mob: 021 055 0936
[email protected]
SOUTHLAND
Lynette McKerchar
Forest Hill
RD1
Winton 9781
tel: 03 221 7045
mob: 027 223 0817
fax: 03 221 7045
[email protected]
TARANAKI/MANWATU/WANGANUI
Marion Davenport
52 Parsons Street
St Johns Hill, Wanganui 4501
tel: 06 347 8695
mob: 021 143 0658
[email protected]
35
National Office Staff
National Director
Janet Taylor Projects Co-ordinator
Fiona [email protected]
Office Manager
REGIONAL CONTACTS
Area Organisers
Nina Sowerbutts [email protected]
[email protected]
Tel 04 382 8924 | PO Box 11718 Manners Street, Wellington 6142
Photos: Amber Griffin Photography