FESTIVAL 2009

The Classical Greek Dance Association holds a ‘Festival’ competition every two years. The first Festival took place in 1948 and was very much a celebration of Classical Greek Dance. Some 60 years later the event now has a more competitive nature – but is still very much a celebration of the wonderful dance form that is Classical Greek.

Festival welcomes any entrant, providing the dancers are performing using the Classical Greek Dance (Ruby Ginner Method) technique. Thus, it makes no difference if the dancers have achieved an ISTD qualification in Classical Greek Dance or not. The Finalists are selected from dancers who compete in four regional heats. This year, the heats took place in Kettering, Fareham, Birmingham & East Grinstead. The heats are adjudicated by senior Classical Greek examiners (usually also committee members) in order that a high standard of technique, performance and quality is assured. Obviously, the majority do not make it to the Finals competition. However, we are always impressed by the amount of hard work and commitment shown by each and every one of the dancers, and as such congratulate every dancer, teacher and parent(s) who provided the motivation, encouragement and finance necessary to take part.

In every competition there must be winners and losers. We hope that those who did not make the Finals enjoyed the experience of taking part. Those that did make it had the fantastic opportunity to dance on one of London’s wonderful stages. This was the third time we have held our Finals competition at the Mermaid Theatre and Conference Centre and we were delighted to be using this wonderful facility again.

The adjudicators for the day were Miss Paddy Hurlings and Mrs Susan Mitchell-Smith. Both ladies have a wealth of experience on which to draw. Miss Hurlings is very used to adjudicating due to her position as a British Federation and All England Dance adjudicator, alongside the experience and perspective her roles within the ISTD have brought. Mrs Mitchell-Smith is a long-serving, dedicated and passionate member of the Classical Greek Faculty – for many years serving as Chairman and currently an examiner from Primary through to Fellowship – and so well equipped to tease apart the finer details of the technique. I say it every year, but I really do not envy the job of the adjudicators! Such is the diversity and range of Classical Greek Dance that sometimes arriving at a decision as to ‘which is best’ is impossible. Thankfully however, choices were made, and some very instructive and pertinent comments given. Our sincere thanks to both ladies for giving the dancers every encouragement!

What struck me most about the day was the atmosphere. My job as organiser (as well as most of the team) means I spend all of the day backstage, either in the wings, collecting music, calling dancers –doing whatever needs doing. Every single dancer, teacher and chaperone that I came across could not have been more co-operative, supportive and accommodating. Thank you all for being so fantastic. Doubly so for those performing – all should be commended for their sportsmanship and sense of community!

Finally – the acknowledgments. Sincere thanks to all those Mermaid Staff – (a fantastic team, worth every penny, always giving service with a smile). Thank you also to Alison Seddon for helping with sound and Amanda Wilkins for side stage help. A special mention to those who turn up every year to do the tedious but essential jobs with patience and good grace (and who never get to see any of the performance!) namely: Kay Ball, Pippa & Glen Garner, Stuart Lorraine, Yasmin Taylor and Francis Vasko.

RESULTS

Duets 10 & Under: Samantha Clay & Jennifer Brenner
Duets 11-14yrs: Shaunagh Stones & Namika Patel
Boys Solo 11-14yrs: Jak Skelly
Boys Solo 15-18yrs: Matthew Petty
Solos 15-18yrs: Brooke Manning
Trio/Quartets 11-14yrs: Sophie Dipper, Kathleen Brenner & Stephanie Day
Trio/Quartet 10yrs & Under: Victoria Reeves, Lucy Atkinson & Georgette Fletcher
Groups 16-21 yrs: Destruction of Planet Earth
Groups 11yrs & Under: Alms In Autumn
Duets 15-18yrs: Alexandra Sarrafan & Chelsea Hogg
Solo 10yrs & Under: Amy Lawrence
Groups 12-15yrs: The Thread of Life
Trio/Quartet 15-18yrs: Alexandra Sarrafan, Chelsea Hogg & Danielle Corsane
Solo 11-14yrs: Teresina Stefani
Group Choreography: Northern Lights