21 November 2024
ISTD members travelled from across the UK to the beautiful grounds of Queen Anne’s School Reading to take part in our first ISTD Theatre Congress since before the pandemic.
For those not so familiar with the concept, Congress is an opportunity to bring together teachers from across the Theatre genres and provide an active day of learning, as well as the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones!
The day started at 10 and was broken into 40-50 minute workshops, and with each faculty showcasing their genre with top teaching tips and expert demonstrations. Dansez were also on site to showcase our new uniform.
The day kicked off with a welcome from ISTD Chair Mick Elliott and CEO Ginny Brown, before everyone limbered-up mentally and physically with a talk on creating safe spaces from Kim Rogers and Pilates for dancers led by Nathan Gardner and Val Jones.
The dance demonstrations then got underway. It was wonderful to see everyone join in and learn the Classical Indian hand gestures that are the fundamental movements for Kathak and Bharatanatyam - led by Vasudha Bolar, and Shyam Dattani. Our wonderful community of teachers all got to their feet to join in with the Cecchetti Ports de bras led by Alison Jenner and a National Dance with Charlotte Deakin-Jones. Musical theatre and West End star Lucy Jane Adcock lead the Modern Theatre workshop and everyone who took part in the morning activities definitely earned their lunch break! What energy!
'Overall, a very enjoyable day with excellent variety, which highlighted the faculties within the ISTD. It was made particularly positive by the relaxed atmosphere and ability for members to circulate and socialise.'
After a tasty lunch and a chance to mingle with friends, Sian Hopkins lead the Contemporary workshop with teachers making the most of the space of large dance hall, Fiona Sheehan got everyone testing their musicality in Classical Greek and Belinda Hatley took the teachers through the classical ballet repertoire.
Then a quick change of shoes and a change of pace with Vicki Stavrinos taking teachers through steps like the Steve Martin and Roger Rabbit and giving everyone a taster of our vibrant Street dance syllabus. Alison Forrester ended the day in style by demonstrating the masterful Advanced 1 Tap.
'The lecturers were fantastic. Full of knowledge and experience whether it was lectures or teaching actual workshops.'
We’re grateful for the wonderful student demonstrations from students of Queen Anne’s School, Dance Consortium, Elisabeth Hill School of Dance, Kilburn School of Dance and the Cecchetti Scholars.
This event was the final in our trilogy of celebratory events to mark the 120th anniversary of ISTD. We were delighted to see everyone actively participating (even those who joined in from the comfort of their seats) - and really enjoy being a dancer first and foremost. Everyone was engaged and learning!
A great event. Well organised, well delivered and good venue.
Thank you to all the Faculty Committees who contributed to the day's success and to Debbie Parks who provided musical accompaniment throughout the day.
CPD is a great way to brush up your skills and meet your friends and colleagues – make sure you make time in your diary next year to join us at our range of learning opportunities throughout the year.
