Cecchetti International Classical Annual Newsletter No. 15, 2009

Inside this issue:

Contacts...... 2

Chairman’s message...... 3

News of 2008 Competition Dancers... 3 Kirsten Marsh Garrett Groat Alexandra Potgieter

Cecchetti Pioneers...... 4

News from:...... 6 Malta

Cecchetti Exams in Malaysia...... 7

Obituaries:...... 7 Jennifer Morgan Ross Coleman

Talented Children...... 8

Dance Heritage Think Tank...... 9

Mao’s Last Dancer...... 9 Garrett Groat - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Scholarship winner from the Cecchetti International Competition - 2008 (credits on photo) Web site...... 9

Dance Photography...... 10

Resources...... 11

Diploma Course...... 11

Comment from Italy...... 11

Affiliated Members and Friends...... 11

Diploma Holders...... 12 Welcome to the Fifteenth Edition of Cecchetti Interntional Newsletter After the rush and bustle of 2008, and our highly successful Competition and Conference in Canada, I trust that you have all had busy and successful activities in 2009. The economic situations in our various countries have always had some effect on our organisa- tions, most particularly in the attendance or lack of students in our schools. Parents’ disposable income is usually spent on ‘extras’ and sometimes dancing lessons are foregone when finances are low. Let us hope that the downturn has bottomed, and we will all be recovering slowly, and getting back to normal circumstances as soon as possible. Contacts CICB Chairman: Betty Seibert CUSA [email protected] www.cicb.org - CICB CICB Secretary/Treasurer: Sheila Kennedy [email protected] www.cecchettiballet.org - Australia Australia: Carole Hall, chair: Wendy Cliff, sec: [email protected] www.cecchetti.ca - Canada Canada: Joyce Shietze, chair: Catherine Hazin, office admin: [email protected] www.danzarececchetti.org - Italy Italy: Stefania Sansavini, president, [email protected] www.cecchetti.co.za - Southern Africa Susan Brooker & Raymond Lukens, delegates www.cecchettiusa.org - CUSA Southern Africa: Gail Myburgh, artistic director. Eileen Phillips, sec: [email protected] www.cecchetti.org Yvonne Barker, delegate - Cecchetti Council of America CUSA: Denise Rinaldi, executive director, [email protected] www.istd.org - UK & Europe C.C.A. office [email protected] ALWAYS WELCOME: suggestions for Lee Ann King & Ann Parsley, delegates further Cecchetti Pioneers, comments, ar- ticles, photographs, videos, web sites, book & UK & Europe: Elisabeth Swan, chair: [email protected] music titles for the next newsletter. Juliet Locks & Maureen Christie, delegates Please mark CICB and send at any time to [email protected] Up-coming Events 2010 AUSTRALIA July 9 Lucie Saronova Memorial Award - Sydney July 10, 11 Annual Cecchetti Conference held in Brisbane, Queensland Melbourne Summer School January 4th - 10th inclusive at Ormond College, Melbourne University, Parkville. Contact - Nina Dungan + 03 9592 2463 / Sandra Allan + 03 9783 6804 Perth Summer School January 11th - 15th inclusive at WA Academy of Performing Arts, ECU Campus, 2 Bradford St, Mt Lawley. Contact -Helene Gowers: + 08 9399 2473 or Diana de Vos + 0400 898 143 Sydney Summer School - January 13th to 15th at St. Scholastica’s College, 4 Avenue Road, Glebe Contact Jane Moran + 0299186668 or Kay Cranwell + 024472 7701 CCA Jan. 25 CCA Ballet Day July 12- 25 International Student Summer School, Hope College, Holland Michigan July 12- 25 Teacher Training Intensive - The Art of Classical Ballet, location as above Each of the 17 committees also hold 1 or 2 days of workshops several times a year. Watch www.cecchetti.org for details. CANADA Aug. 2 - 6 Cecchetti Society of Canada Summer Course, School, Winnipeg, MB. Participants Grade 5 – M.C. Diploma (residence) Guest teachers: David Moroni, Founder of the RWB Professional Division and Diane van Schoor, Principal of , White Lodge. Other teachers to be announced later. Contact: [email protected] also www.cecchetti.ca CUSA Summer School, location and dates to be announced www.cecchettiusa.org UK July 24 - July 30 incl. Summer School for Young Dancers (10 to 16 years) at Tring Park, Hertfordshire Tel.:+ 44 1245 293781 (24-hr voice mail) or email [email protected] July 31 - Aug. 6 incl. Summer School for Vocational Students (15 up, holding a minimum of Intermediate) Tel: + 44 1245 293782 (24-hr voice mail) or email [email protected] July 30 - Aug. 6 incl. Summer School for Teachers and Mature Students, Chichester: Alternatively, anyone interested is very welcome to contact: Elisabeth Swan Tel: + 44 1245 267314 or email [email protected] S. AFRICA Unfortunately South Africa is unable to advertise specific courses. Due to the logistics of the imminent 2010 Soccer World cup they are unable to secure bookings for venues as a result of this event. Information pertaining to courses may be obtained through the National Secretary Mrs. Eileen Phillips at + 27 11 782 0677 or [email protected]

2 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Betty Seibert, FISTD Chair, CICB Here, in my neck of the world, New with the lawyers, who are slowly proceed- poses, also created at the Banff confer- England is experiencing its first taste of ing with their ratification. ence is being considered and will be autumn with the leaves doing their magic Teleconference between all Delegates available when finalised act of changing into beautiful hues of red, is planned for January 2010 – please send S. Africa and Canada each purchased orange, rust, and gold. There is crispness any issues you would like discussed to 100 bags for a fundraising drive. (see to the air with smells of a harvest yet to [email protected] Resources) come. Revisions for ‘Notes for a Dancer’, CICB Competition 2011 - I am For most of you, my fellow col- though few, are completed. delighted that Britain is enthusiastic that leagues, I imagine that you have begun CICB books sold since Sept. 2008: this event will take place in Britain, late the start up of a new school term, with R. Glasstone Vol. 2 – 3 copies; July/early August, dates and venue will many happy dancers excited to be back R. Glasstone Vol. 1&2 – 52 copies; be confirmed as soon as possible. at the and eagerly preparing for the Notes for a Dancer – 107 copies I, like the rest of you, am inundated plethora of Nutcrackers about to take The Advanced 2 updates from Diane with the daily routine of keeping my head place in all parts of the world. Or perhaps van Schoor and Richard Glasstone as above water, and know full well that we some of you are heading into summer as commissioned by the CICB at the 2008 are all doing the best we can. At the very the rest of us brace for the winter! conference in Banff, are currently being least, Cecchetti work is alive and well and Even in a relatively quiet CI year we considered by all the societies. They have thriving around the world! I would like have not been entirely idle. been well received, and results will be to take this opportunity to thank Sheila Amendments to the constitution communicated when finalized. Kennedy for her undying support and for agreed to at the Banff conference, are Additional music for training pur- always being there for me! Cheers!

News of 2008 Competition Dancers

KIRSTEN MARSH, by Anne Butler. and Gold levels nationally - Australia a world première by Raymond Lukens It is with great pride to inform all that the - (Lucie Saronova Medal Awards). She for the ABT JKO School students. We winner of Cecchetti International Bal- was also the recipient of many Cecchetti would like Maggie Dalwood, Garrett’s let’s Competition 2008 - Kirsten Marsh scholarships state, national and inter- teacher in Edmonton, to know that her - from Victoria, Australia has accepted national. She is a Cecchetti dancer and school was credited for Garrett’s training an invitation to the National Ballet her greatest quality, in my opinion, is her in the ABT JKO School performance of Canada School. This was a result “purity and simplicity of movement”. My program. of her award which included a months biggest congratulations to Kirsten, her study at their 2009 Summer school, at parents and fellow helpers for making which time Kirsten also auditioned. On her passion and desire one step closer - or Saturday 5th September, 2009 her fam- in this instance a shooting star crossing ily and friends joined in a farewell and the Equator. early eighteenth birthday party at her home and hosted by her parents. It was GARRETT GROAT update on Garrett wonderful to be with a group of dedicated Groat, ABT JKO School scholarship re- and aspiring young artists from the elite cipient from the CICB 2008 Interna- training/vocational schools in Melbourne tional Competition in Calgary. Garrett - all supportive of one another and very, has made good progress this year and very proud of their friend’s achievements. danced the role Solor in The Kingdom Amongst the crowd were those teachers of the Shades scene from La Bayadere in ALEXANDRA POTGIETER greet- who had helped her journey - in par- the ABT JKO School performance April ing’s from South Africa by Lynne ticular from the Cecchetti flock - Nicole 5, 2009. He also performed in works by Fouche. Davies, Ben Ho and myself. Personally, Jessica Lang and Raymond Lukens. The It seems like such a long time ago I am so grateful to have had the oppor- students had the amazing opportunity that the International Cecchetti Summer tunity of sharing in the development of a that several rehearsals for the principals of School was held in Calgary, how marvel- young artist - five years at the Victorian La Bayadere were taken by ABT Artistic ous it would be to meet more often with College of the Arts Secondary School Director, Kevin McKenzie himself. Gar- shared viewpoints. and the connected Cecchetti Program. rett’s family traveled from Edmonton, Alexandra Potgieter the recipient of It was during this period that she was Canada to see him dance. On May 18, the Royal Ballet Summer School Schol- awarded both Silver and Gold Medals 2009, Garrett performed, at the ABT arship and $2000.00 suffered an avulsion in the state Victorian ( Opening Night Gala at the Metropoli- injury, so unfortunately could not attend. Medal Awards) and later both Silver tan Opera House in New York City, in However she has due to the time factor,

3 ...from page 3 say a very big thank you, for their care darling. She also wrote to tell me she took and generosity of spirit. class with Nancy Kilgour and found the and a generous scholarship offer of a She has had lessons with a Cuban Cecchetti foundation sooo comfortable. year’s tuition in the pre-professional di- teacher who was at the school for 10 At the moment she is in the corps for Jean vision at the Alberta Ballet School, been days and at this time is taking classes Grand-Maitre’s production of Romeo able to benefit from this instead. with a guest teacher from the Opera and Juliet and even had to stand in for the Alexandra has settled in, loves it in School, vowing to have legs just like hers. part of Juliet’s father, Capulet! She had a Calgary, and loves the Canadian people At the start of the year in September she great time, with many laughs but hopes to whom she has met. Murray Kilgour and had Mr Kilgour for class and what with do her female role in performances. all of the faculty have made her first nerves, felt at home to have someone month very happy, and to all of them we she knew, she reckons he’s an absolute

Cecchetti Pioneers LOUISE LIGHTFOOT and the studied German dance with Sara Strauss with de Basil’s company would use their FIRST AUSTRALIAN BALLET - the in Americav. studios – for example, Woizikowsky, Cecchetti Link According to dance historian/re- Roland Guerard and Thadee Slavinsky. by Anne-Patricia Butler searcher, Michelle Potter, Lightfoot met She felt that many came because Mischa The première Australian produc- Mischa Burkalov “through the Griffins could speak Russian. Woizikowsky who tion of Coppélia was staged by Louise and their friends”.vi Walter Burley Griffin was the at the time for the Lightfoot and performed by the First and his wife Marion Mahoney’s interest touring troupe, had himself been a pupil Australian Ballet (FAB), Sydney, 1931, in the theatre is more than evident in of Enrico Cecchetti in Warsawxi. The with Mischa Burkalov dancing Franz. the stunning ceiling light features that discussions together with the style and “Despite its bold claim to be the first they designed for the Capitol Theatre, format of the classes given by these over- in Australia, the FAB Melbourne. Considered one of Griffin’s seas guests were observed by Lightfoot, was definitely not professional and often most important commissions, the Capi- Burkalov and their dancers, including lacked finesse.”i The FAB was founded by tol House (1924) contained the richly Moya Beaver. They would surely have Louise Lightfoot and Mischa Burkalov ornamented theatre at ground-floor been significant influence to these emerg- who had opened a ballet school initially level below a ten-storey office block. ing Australian artists. in 1929 in Kings Street and later in Hen- vii In the words of one of Lightfoot’s The Lightfoot/Burkalov school en- rietta Lane at Circular Quay. Despite leading students, Moya Beaver -:“bo- tered students for Cecchetti examinations FAB not being a professional company, hemian people, artists of note, all went during the 1930s. Lightfoot and Burkalov managed to to Lightfoot.”viii Listening to Beaver’s An interesting program note from inspire, develop and promote an artistic accounts, along with photo collections a production of and awareness in Australia. and ephemera held at the National Li- Schéhérazade by the First Australian Louise Lightfoot from all accounts brary of Australia, the studio of the FAB Ballet, 22nd October, 1934 at the Sydney was an intellectual woman having been certainly was frequented by an incredible Conservatorium reads: the first female recipient of a degree artistic mileau of the time. To name but Lightfoot-Burkalov school is the only in architecture from The University of a few were -: artists Walter Burley Grif- existing school in Australia intimately Melbourne, in the state of her birth, fin, Marion Mahoney Griffin; musician associated with an organised Ballet, and Victoria. She had worked closely with John Anthill, who at the time played offering its students opportunities to appear architect/designer, Walter Burley Grif- the piano for Burkaloff and became a in actual Ballet productions. The system of fin, on his Sydney projects. Lightfoot prominent Australian composer;ix Peter technique used by Enricho [sic] Cecchetti, was attracted to the art of dance by the Finch, a pupil who performed the wicked teacher of Pavlova, Nikinski [sic] and the inspiration of during her brother in a production of Schéhérazade famous members of the Imperial Russian 1926 tour of Australia. This passion for and became an Oscar award `- winning School. Recently M.de Basil, director of ballet led her to study with Ivan Sergieffii actor; and Warwick Fairfax Senior (great the world-famous ‘Ballet Russe.’ decided and Alexis Dolinoff, both dancers with grandfather of young Warwick) a promi- to locate his school of ballet in England. Pavlova’s Company. Dolinoff, who had nent Australian businessman. The system to be used, he announced, is the been a pupil of Enrico Cecchetti in his According to Moya Beaver, Louise ; and therefore members of studio, remained in Sydney after Lightfoot taught the girls purely by the the Lightfoot-Burkalov School know they the tour, and set up a studio teaching the Cecchetti method and stated that Light- are being trained on exactly the same lines Cecchetti method. Lightfoot trained foot was a “brilliant teacher” but “we as the Continent’s most ambitious dancers. briefly in dance with Daphne Deane at were in awe of her”x. Mischa Burkalov, of On account of the number of schools now the Sydney Conservatorium of Musiciii; Ukraine background, conducted the boys’ adopting the Cecchetti method, the British Sonia Revid, a pupil of Mary Wigman, classes based totally on classical danc- Imperial Society has recently incorporated it who opened a school in Melbourne in the ing and character. Beaver also recalled into their examination syllabus. early 1930s4 and Irene Vera Young who that a number of the touring dancers In reference to the British Imperial

4 Society - in 1922 the Cecchetti Society Lightfoot left The First Australian who Lightfoot brought to Australia five was established in London and in 1924 Ballet in late 1938. Returning to India times.xiv” The National Ballet Company the Cecchetti Society became a branch she continued to study Kathakli, Ma- under the direction of Joyce Graeme of the Imperial Society of Teachers of nipuri and Bharatanatyam dances which premiered Lighfoot’s Hindu ballet Indra Dancing. The first Cecchetti examina- became her lifelong passion. Lightfoot’s Vijayam at the Princess Theatre, Mel- tions to take place in Australia were in new chapter was devoted to present- bourne in 1949.xv 1934 with Molly Lake as examiner. She ing and teaching the beauty of Indian Louise Lightfoot died in Melbourne, was an English dancer who had studied culture through dance, particularly in Australia, 1978. She donated her col- with Cecchetti and was performing in the United States of America and lection to the Department of Music at Australia with the Dandré-Levitoff Rus- Australia. Lightfoot “managed Indian Monash University, where she had been sian Ballet. dance groups which toured the world. associated during the later years of her Valrene Tweedie (1925-2008) was The star performer was the outstanding life. Burkalov retained the helm of FAB one student who was prepared by Light- male dance and actor, Ananda Shivaram, until it disbanded in the 1950s. foot’s student Moya Beaver for her Grade Three examination in 1938. She received Endnotes and Bibliography Honours from examiner Madam Lucie i Valerie Lawson. ‘The First Australian Ballet’, Dance Australia 94(1998), 40-47 Saronova.xii Tweedie was accepted into ii Discussion with dance researcher Jordan Beth Vincent, 2008 and also confirmed in Oral Colonel De Basil Original Ballet Russe History - Moya Beaver interviewed by Michelle Potter; National Library, Canberra which toured Australia commencing in iii Refer Oral History, Moya Beaver and http:www.australiadancing.org/subjects/362.html 1939 and departing in August of 1940 30/10/2006. Daphne Deane was an Impresario on the first Ballet Russes October, 1936- July 1937 tour of Australia to the USA. Gordon Hamilton (Brown) iv Edward Pask: Enter the Colonies Dancing, Melbourne, Oxford University who was a leading dancer in the First Press,1979,pge 135. More detailed information on Sonia Revid refer article by Jordan Australian Ballet was Tweedie’s older Beth Vincent at http://kinesismagazine.com.au/dance/index.php?option=com_content&t cousin. Moya Beaver was left to look ask=view&id...28/09/2009 after the Lightfoot/Burkalov studio in v Edward Pask: Ballet in Australia: The Second Act, Melbourne, Oxford University Press, March 1937 when Lightfoot and Burka- 1982, pge 60 and Jordan Vincent lov left on an overseas trip to search for vi httpp://www.australiadancing.org/subjects/362.html 30/10/2006 music for performances and to enlarge vii Tracey Judd Iva: Art Deco1910-1939 Catalogue, Melbourne, National Gallery of Victo- their knowledge of dance. It was during ria, 2008, pge 257. The Capitol Theatre is presently owned by RMIT University. this trip that Lightfoot stopped off in viii Oral History – National Library of Australia Bombay. This was to change her career ix Lightfoot student Valrene Tweedie used a commissioned score by Anthill in her produc- and direction to Indian dance forms. It tion of Wakooka for the Elizabethan Opera Ballet Company, 1957 is interesting to note that the Griffins x Oral History M. Beaver moved to India in 1935. Walter Burley xi Leon Woizikowsky came to Australia on the first of the Ballet Russes tours October Griffin died in India of peritonitis and 1936- July 1937, as Regisseur General/Ballet master. His wife Helen also accompanied was buried there in 1937. him. Guerard and Slavinsky were also on this tour. Refer Ballet Russes Australian Tours Returning from India, Louise Light- Personnel – a work in progress, National Library of Australia. foot choreographed The Blue God for xii Discussions with author and Athol Willoughby, OAM, 2008/09 FAB. An excerpt from The Canberra xiii The Canberra Times, 21/09/1938, pge 4 -: http://newspaper.nla.gov.au/nla.news-arti- Times, Wednesday 21 September, 1938 cle2498639 reads-: xiv Valerie Lawson (1998) pge 43 The consists of thirty xv The cast was led by Shivaram in the title role. Jenny Stielow, now a well respected Aus- dancers, trained by Louise Lightfoot and tralian Cecchetti Examiner and teacher, danced as one of the Apsaras. Information taken Mischa Burlakov, who, after extensive expe- from National Festival of Theatre Arts programme. rience in leading in Europe, Books: have conducted a special school in Sydney for Pask, Edward. Enter the Colonies of Dancing (Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1979) the training of classical dancers. Ballet in Australia – The Second Act (Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1982) The programme will include “La Dieu Catalogues/Journal Articles: Bleu” a striking ballet based on ancient Judd Iva, Tracey, Art Deco 1910-1939 Catalogue ( Melbourne: National Gallery of Victo- Indian story, and presented with a wealth ria,2008) of beauty and colour, Miss Lightfoot visited Lawson, Valerie. ‘The First Australian Ballet’, Dance Australia 94 (1998) India especially to obtain local features and Oral History: costumes for this ballet, which will be per- Moya Beaver interviewed by Michelle Potter – National Library of Australia, Canberra – TRC formed to authentic Hindu music. 3162; nla.cat-vn513088 Two other favourites from the repertoire Internet: of the classic Russian ballet will be produced httpp://www.australiadancing.org/subjects/362.html 30/10/2006 in “Les Sylphides” based on the music of http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/printArticleJpg/2498639/3?print=y 27/09/2009 Chopin, and in “Spectre de la Rose.”xiii Louise Lightfoot collection at Monash University, Melbourne

5 News From... Tweedie" with students from 5 years old to about 25, filling the stage with most beau- CANADA: tiful port de bras (one of Miss Tweedie's A few projects have been accom- specialties) and lovely pictures of positions plished for CSC: and bodies, choreographed by Dianne Our Members' Handbook and Quali- Pokorny and Jane Moran. This was fol- fying Guidelines have been updated and lowed by a short video history compiled are being translated into French. Books most elegantly by Thomas Pokorny. The 1 & 2 'Related Subjects’ and the Music audience was moved and appreciated the book for Associate and Associate Diploma whole opening most enthusiastically. Elisabeth Swan presenting the are completed and become compulsory in Cecchetti Medal to Tanya Bayona. The conference continued with a huge Canada from Sept. 2009. variety of offerings, all the usual technical Cecchetti National Summer School President of the Republic of Malta, Dr. classes including a presentation of the August 2009 ~ Toronto, Ontario Edward Fenech Adami, with the Medal Intermediate. - for the first time combining the Cec- for service to the Republic – Midalja ghall A terrific panel was assembled to dis- chetti Society Summer Program with Qadi tar-Republika (MQR) – or the Na- cuss the teaching of boys - Graeme Mur- the National Ballet School Teachers’ tional Order of Merit. This was awarded phy, celebrated international contemporary Seminar for her life-long commitment to dance and choreographer, Simon Dow, ex principal “What an exciting week we had this promoting Classical Ballet in Malta. dancer of Stuttgart, San Fransisco and year with the mix of Cecchetti teachers Tanya Bayona, Fellow of the ISTD companies, and Hilary Ka- and students, visiting faculty teachers for and holder of the Enrico Ceccchetti Di- plan a teacher who has trained many young the Cecchetti Summer Program and the ploma, directed the Tanya Bayona Princess male dancers who have moved to compa- NBS Teachers Seminar as well as Teach- Poutiatine Academy of Ballet for 23 years. nies around the world. It was chaired by ers’ Seminar participants. To see so many She started her training in Classical Ballet one of our patrons Colin Peasley who has dancers and teachers coming together in Malta with Princess Nathalie Poutiatine been a member of for with a common bond, sharing experiences, and continued her professional training over 25 years. Graeme Murphy also gave breaking bread together, renewing old with Betty Vancani and Nesta Brooking another conference lecture - a fascinating friendships, and forming new friendships in London, England and later on in Rome insight into his method of choreographing, was both rewarding and very satisfying. It and Paris. for which he had a diverse group of young has long been a dream o In 1965 Tanya introduced the Cec- male students who rolled and fell and flew We all share a love of the best art chetti Method in Classical Ballet to Malta across the stage as commanded. form on the planet and its fantastic when and established her own school, which The second day of the conference was we can work together to promote it!” she successfully directed until 2004. The divided into three different sets of lectures, Anuschka Roes, Manager of the Teachers Method has flourished and there are now delivered three times, so that every mem- Training Programme at Canada’s National 12 ballet schools teaching it. She has ber of the conference could attend each Ballet School worked extensively as a dancer and cho- one. The subjects of the lectures were all Congratulations to Nancy Pidgeon reographer with her own Dance Company based on requirements for our Certificate and her Ontario Committee for local and International festivals in Four qualification and covered "Safe aes- theatre and television productions. thetic pointe work" "Teaching ideas for 9 MALTA: In 2005 Tanya celebrated, together to 13 years, and "Nutrition for Dancers" Congratulations to Tanya Bayona with other ballet schools, the 40th anniver- The delegates who were divided into three sary of the Cecchetti Method in Malta. groups - red, blue and green - moved in little crocodiles around the venue all day. AUSTRALIA’S 2009 As usual, the annual Cecchetti dinner ‘CONFERENCE’ finished off the weekend with a flash and The 42nd annual gathering of the a stamp, with a burst of Spanish Dancing Cecchetti Members in Australia was an organized by Graciella Yoia, who always excellent affair, dedicated most beautifully thinks we should be dancing and not talk- to Miss Valrene Tweedie, teacher, mentor, ing. Most of us agreed and we finished the guardian angel, historian and much be- night in high spirits. loved ballet icon to all Cecchetti members, If ever you are in Australia when we and the ballet world here in Australia and are holding the conference (2010, July 10th in many other countries.. Valrene died in & 11th in Brisbane, Queensland) you are Tanya Bayona being decorated by the President of the Republic of Malta, 2008 so this conference was the first one all most welcome to attend. We had many Dr. Edward Fenech Adami held since any of us could remember, when of our new Asian members and teachers Miss Tweedie was not a driving force. there this year, and our band of interna- On the 13th December, 2008 Ms. The conference opened with a de- tional associates is growing all the time. Tanya Bayona was decorated by the lightful performance "Homage to Miss Cecchetti Ballet Australia

6 Cecchetti Examinations In Malaysia by Anne-Patricia Butler, Fellow & Examiner, Cecchetti Ballet Australia During late April this year I was asked command of Malay and English. Teh Kai Sin is the lovely teacher in to conduct examinations and workshops That night I was driven to the Sitiawan and I spent the day examining on behalf of Cecchetti Ballet Australia. lovely seaside town of Sitiawan. Here I her students here. That night we drove After a nine hour flight, arriving at Kualar was treated to resort style accommodation back with Kai Sin’s mother and had a Lumpar in the early hours of the morn- with magnificent views and sunset. Whilst delightful meal back in Ipoh. That is the ing, I found my way to the bus depot and wishing that I had booked a holiday for wonderful thing about traveling – to be awaited transport for a further three hour myself at the end of the session here, an privileged to let those who know their journey to Ipoh. As the bus entered the incredible storm brewed up overnight, country share with you their culture, food outskirts of this former tin mining town, with huge waves and winds lashing in and friendship. one was confronted by the sight of a very and the fire alarms sounding. Grabbing The next three days were further official looking police/security party on my torch, passport, monies and exam exams in Ipoh with Miss Chan and her motor bikes lining either side of the main reports, I was prepared to evacuate. Look- pupil Kai Sin, who is also teaching for her street. As well as being an official holiday ing out the window one would think that and studying the appropriate status level. for royalty it turned out that a major world this was what comes before a tsunami. After the exam session Miss Chan had or- cycling competition had arrived in Ipoh Opening the hotel room door to get out ganized four days of workshop classes for – all staying at the same hotel that I had was another matter – besides the alarms students and also teachers. This is a most been booked into!!! After being greeted blasting – not a person in sight departing. rewarding time sharing and imparting so warmly by Miss Kim Yee Chan (who Perhaps when they changed my room to knowledge in such a friendly atmosphere. is the Organiser and Cecchetti teacher) one with a sunset view they had forgotten The hospitality was wonderful, the stu- and her mother, I settled in for a good to record where I was. Panic!! Back to the dents and teachers a delight to work with. nights sleep before commencing the ex- room, I phoned reception to be assured Miss Chan looked after me each evening amination schedule the following day. The that this was a regular occurrence at this treating with the fresh and exotic flavours exams commenced in Kim Yee’s delightful time of the year and not to worry about of Malaysia and also a tour of Ipoh and its studio. The children were all very well the fire alarms!!!! Going back to bed with beauty before departing on the bus back rehearsed and I was most relieved that on my “importants” by my side, I eventually to KL airport. the whole everyone seemed to understand managed to get back to sleep with the My sincere thanks to Kim Yee Chan, my directions. If at any time I considered alarms. Despite the funny night the place Teh Kai Sin, their families and the beauti- that confusion may have arisen, I was able is beautiful and breakfast cheered me no ful students that I had the great pleasure to secure the help of the lovely pianists – end with everyone’s hospitality. to examine and teach. both artists in their own right – with fluent Obituaries Jennifer Morgan to attend this key event. This fund will be recent work included “Dusty” and “Shout” by Elisabeth Swan managed by the Cecchetti Society Trust both list musicals based on the lives of pop It is with great sadness that I an- and will ensure her memory will live on stars. My experience of his chorography nounce the death of Jennifer Morgan, one forever more. was for the Sydney theatre Company’s of our most loved and respected examiners. Jenny was a dear, kind lady with a production of “Chicago”, he did his own Her son and daughter, Paul and Anna, wicked sense of humour. She will be original choreography for this, unlike sub- have decided with the Cecchetti Society, sadly missed. sequent productions which re-produced to set up the “Jennifer Morgan Summer Bob Fosse’s production. His style was School Scholarship” for a teacher to attend unique, and most suited to this show. He the Cecchetti Teachers’ Summer School in Ross Coleman – choreographer first commenced his professional career Chichester. Anyone wishing to contribute by Robina Beard as a dancer on the pop television program should make their cheque payable to The Australia has lost one of its most tal- “Australian Bandstand”, He then became Cecchetti Society and send it to me. Ballet ented and internationally famous commer- its choreographer for several years. His was Jennifer’s life, from the Royal Ballet cial choreographers. Ross Coleman died first dance lessons, age about 7 came from School, dancing in Europe to teaching and at 60 in his sleep in Melbourne, just before his teacher, Helen de Paull, who taught examining ballet. The Cecchetti Society he was to attend the premiere of “Priscilla him Cecchetti Ballet, jazz and tap. He was is the foundation that enabled Jennifer Queen of the Desert” the Australian Abba the first boy ever to win our Mabel Ryan to do the work she loved. One of the key based musical he choreographed which is Award, and was always ready to return to events of the year is the Teachers’ Summer about to transfer from London to Broad- judge or guest for us. He has touched many School. Jenny was concerned that due to way. Ross has been the leading, in fact dancers in Australia, and we will miss his the lack of support in teachers’ own coun- almost the only ‘musicals’ choreographer hip swivels, and his great talent. tries, many overseas teachers were unable here in Australia for many years. His most

7 Talented Children I knew that if and when I com- As it so happened in my years as you effortlessly. These children are most menced a dancing school, I would be a suburban dancing teacher, I had only certainly born to dance, but often this responsible to my young students, and I three students of this ilk. It is the most talent is a big shock to their parents, who would have to give them the best training wonderful thing to find a tiny child, of have never thought of ‘dance’ as a career possible. They of course, as little children, five or six who understands what you are path, but rather simply as a recreation did not know that. I knew that which is good for their child. So, if I found any really talented one has to tread very carefully students it would be a tremen- so as not to frighten everyone. dous responsibility, not only to Goodness, with children aged the child, but also to my art. If 5 or 6 parents are not thinking one of my students was gifted I about careers, but in dance, this would have to ensure that this is often the age when it becomes child had every opportunity to apparent. In the case of one of excel, to realize all the talent my students, her parents had that they had. It happens so decided on a medical career for seldom that a child is born to her, and took her away from dance, you simply HAVE to dance so as not to confuse the nurture the talent - it cannot child. As these special children be ignored, it must be cared are very often ten-talented, and for and nourished, and given perform very well academically every opportunity to flourish in school, it can often be a choice and succeed. between a well-paid reliable You must know, you must have seen doing, and simply absorbs the words and career, or the uncertain unstable life of in your life, someone who was born to the music and the joy, and returns it to the theatre. Which would you choose do what they have succeeded in doing for your child? in the arts - a musician, a singer, and of course, my obsession, a dancer. In almost every case, if you asked them, they would say they had someone who encouraged, coached, coaxed their talent, gave them the confidence, gave them the opportu- nity, and finally showed them the path to their fame. If you happen ever to teach anyone like that, you cannot just take it lightly - you must take it seriously.

8 Dance Heritage Think Tank, Mao’s Toronto, November 1-2, 2008 Last Dancer by Robina Beard. History from Dance Collection Danse The best selling autobiography DCD Gathers Dance Professionals which chronicles Li Cunxin's jour- for Historic Meeting ney from a farm in China to premier danseur on the worldstage, has been translated into a film which premiered (The following information was re- Background around the world in October. His epic ceived too late to be included in our last Dance exists at a perpetual vanish- journey from a small boy plucked from newsletter, so we are including an edited ing point; the dance profession is cur- his family farm by Madame Mao's tal- report. Dance Collections Danse is a rently losing the battle to preserve and ent scouts through his ballet training to unique organization with great interest perform works from the past. The works his eventual triumph as an acclaimed in the history of dance in Canada, and in which Canadian dance artists and the premier danseur indeed in the world. We must continue general public have invested throughout and his subsequent career choices to record our dance history for future the twentieth century will be completely after his retirement from classical bal- dancers and teachers. Value it while you lost if the appropriate infrastructure let, make a unique and fascinating story. are making it.!!!) for their preservation and continued The film was shot is Australia, where he Dance Collection Danse brought performance is not put in place soon. now lives, and the cast was assembled together a group of dance professionals By making it possible for such choreo- from within the ballet community currently involved in dance preservation graphic works to have a renewed life on there, with Huang Ben Win playing in order to devise new ideas and solu- the stage, a greater understanding of the the young boy, and Chi Cao from the tions that would help to disseminate context in which playing the Canada’s dance legacy to a broader works are created will be developed by adult Li Cunxin. audience. dance audiences. It is an extraordinary book, and it While pivotal, this meeting was Other artistic disciplines – theatre, has been made into a fascinating film. not the first of its kind; however, it was film, music, literature and visual art – It is recommended to all of you as an an animated two days and resulted in are inherently self-recording. Dance in insight into ballet training in China, the formation of the Movement for Canada, which has a rich although less- and the amazing life that dancing can Canadian Dance Heritage. A network er-known history, has not kept up with bring. has now been established in order to its fellow disciplines in this respect. promote public access to heritage works Since the mid-1980s, activities of Canadian dance. focused on the remounting of older Among the topics of discussion Canadian dance works have occurred, were: but without continuity. The ability to CICB’s Website • issues facing artists and companies remount works as early as 1942 exists, Open our website and have a browse interested in preserving their works the interest for such remounts is grow- through it. Submissions and suggestions or those of other choreographers ing; the urgency to build the proper for the web site should be sent to Betty through performance infrastructure to keep dance works alive Seibert, Chair. CICB, at HYPERLINK • the kind of policy changes that is immediate. need to occur to move this initiative Those present were Miriam Adams, mail to bseibert@cheshiredancecentre. along Peggy Baker, Stephanie Ballard, Marc com Please help us keep it up to date. • ways of educating and galvanizing Boivin, Amy Bowring, Pamela Grundy, We are very happy that Garth Buchholz others to care about Canadian dance Eddie Kastrau, Marie-Josee Lecours finds he is able to help us again and has heritage Laurence Lemieux and Bill Coleman, volunteered to work with Mark Zetler. • the need for facilities for remount- Adrienne Nevile, Kaija Pepper, Colleen They are presently updating it, to in- ing choreographic masterworks or Quigley, Sharon Vanderlinde. works of historic importance and for The meeting was facilitated by Jane clude all the Cecchetti Pioneer Articles housing the necessary documenta- Marsland, and was supported by: and they have plans to rotate photos to tion, research materials and artifacts Dance Collection Danse, the Audi- add interest. Has anyone photos they associated with such works ence and Market Development Office would like posted? We need written Future gatherings with an expanded of the Canada Council for the Arts, the permission and credits. list of participants are being planned. Society for Canadian Dance Studies and the National Ballet of Canada.

9 Dance Photography Recently Cecchetti Ballet Australia held a photographic competition for members and students, and received some marvelous entries. The winning photographs are presented here:

Female category: Photographer: Trevor Marsh, entered by Kirsten Marsh VIC

Action category - Photographer: Terry Cullinane, entered by Liz McMahon NSW

Group category Photographer: Lani McGeady, entered by Lani McGeady WA

Pas de Deux category Photographer: Terry Cullinane, entered by Liz McMahon NSW The photograph which won the sec- tion is of Elizabeth McMahon and her daughter Zoe Roberts. Elizabeth has just successfully completed her Maestro Cecchetti Diploma, the first Diploma examination to be taken in Australia. Her daughter Zoe has just her Advanced 2 exam with honours. This photograph is a wonderful record of a very successful 2009 for them both. Male category Photographer: Unknown, entered by Jarrad Cramp NSW

10 Resources

Cecchetti Bags for fundraising, contact [email protected] The Days of the Week Posters can be bought from Proceeds to CICB; Judith Wilson, The Cecchetti Shop, orders through your own society 88 Willow Lea, Tonbridge, Kent. TN10 3RQ Tel 01732 or by email [email protected]: 356388 email [email protected] Thoughts - Volume l & ll by Richard Glasstone, 49 Articles written for The Dancing Times, 1997-2000. Proceeds to the next CICB Competition: Price $35.00 Cdn. incl. postage Color Portrait of Maestro Cecchetti – 12” X 19” limited quantity - $25.00 USD Thoughts - Volume ll by Richard Glasstone email [email protected] (a few copies for those who have already purchased Vol.l). 13 Articles written for CD - Photos of 2008 Summer Course & CICB The Dancing Times, 1997-2000 Competition - $45.00 Cdn. Price $10.00 Cdn. incl. postage order forms www.cecchetti.ca DVD - Classes, Semi-Finals, Finals CICB Competition - Notes for a Dancer $55.00 Cdn. order forms www.cecchetti.ca compiled by Sheila Kennedy – to use in conjunction with the Cecchetti Manuals, T-Shirts - see order form - $15.00 Cdn. $50.00 Cdn. + postage order forms www.cecchetti.ca

Diploma Course From Brenda July 5 - 18, 2010 Hamlyn in Italy Kate Simmons Dance – UK for registration please email: [email protected] the CICB DVD of An Intensive Course for the study of the Enrico Cecchetti Diploma, 3 classes a day the 2008 Competition for 2 weeks, with the opportunity to take the Diploma exam as a dancer or a mature I so enjoyed watching everything, candidate at the end of the course. especially the beautiful soft, and for Faculty will include: me, new style of the use of the arms Kate Simmons - Fellow & Senior Examiner ISTD (CB) Enrico Cec. Dip. in the classical variations. In the past it (Ex-London Festival Ballet) was an added individual talent of the FRSA (Fellow of Royal Society of Arts) pupil, where as obviously now it has Gillian Hurst - (Fellow & Senior Examiner ISTD (CB) become part of the whole, as demon- RBS Dip (TTC) ARAD, C.D.E (CB NB) PDB, strated in the Maestro’s time judging Examiner Spanish Dance Society, Enrico Cec. Dip from the photographs of the period. What a joy! The general standard was Lynsey Kidd - (AISTD (Cecc) Ex high and the talent exceptional. Peter Parker - Ex Northern Ballet & Ballet Du Rhin Also the contemporary dance Price for 2 weeks intensive training will be £425.00. section was a revelation. Keep the Accommodation will be approximately £400.00 flag flying!!! for 2 weeks this has yet to be confirmed

Affilliated Members and Friends of CICB CICB Delegates would like to expand ing to a Corporate Member organization. comes out in November each year, and this membership category. Affiliated Friends are all those interested in CICB, other information. members are anyone holding a Cecchetti who by paying an annual membership fee Please visit: Teaching Qualification, but not belong- receive the International Newsletter that www.cicb.org or email [email protected]

11 LIST OF MAESTRO CECCHETTI DIPLOMA HOLDERS up-dated We would like to be able to fill in more dates, any information is welcome. Please notify the CICB Secretary, Sheila Kennedy [email protected] of any spelling errors, names missed, new Diploma holders or dates to complete our records. Thank you. date achieved Cecchetti Council of America Malta Victoria Chappell Australia Betty Bandyk (A)...... - Tanya Bayona...... - Lisa Christian Sandra Allan...... 1978 Jack Bickle [decd]...... - Theresa Lungaro-Mifsud... 1992 Maureen Christie Mia Ballenden...... 2004 Lisbeth Brown...... 2000 Pam Kerr...... 2004 Diana Cremona Natalie Blenheim...... 2004 Theresa Butkovich...... 2004 Jacqueline Davenport Kathleen Butler...... 1985 Linda Butler...... 1978 Southern Africa Gillian Dawson McGregor Jane Cameron...... - Gail S. Choate-Pettit...... 2000 Yvonne Barker...... 1974 Alison Dos Santos William Carse [decd]...... 1962 Kathy Cooke...... 2003 Jeanette Barlow...... 1970 Cara Drower Sandra Clack...... 1985 Aleta Davis...... 1978 Diane Baumann...... 1985 Mary-Jane Duckworth Denise Coghill...... 1986 Rose Marie Floyd...... 1972 Gillian Behr...... 1984 Ronald Enblem Michela Dent-Causon...... 1996 Olga Fricker [decd]...... - Shannon van den Berg...... 1978 Yukie Fujino Rita Eicens...... 1982 Suzanne Gray-Granger (A)...... - Rosemary Brandt...... 1975 Raquel Gaviria Meryle Elliott...... 1982 Sylvia Hamer [decd]...... - Beth Caballero...... 1999 Richard Glasstone Caroline Ettienne...... 1994 Marjorie Hassard [decd]...... - Joy Cooper...... 1975 Heather Goltman Jane Farrelly...... - Marnell Himes-Ushijima... 1981 Pamela Crimes [decd]...... - Susan Handy Peter Faux...... 1995 Cathy Jones-Wolf...... 2000 Patricia Durham...... 1973 Pat Hardy [decd] Monique Feain ...... 1995 Gertrude Jory [decd]...... - Diane Ebsworth...... 1979 Rachel Heywood Denise Fisher...... 2000 Lee Ann King...... 1997 Mervynne Fernie [decd]...... - Mavis Hoffman [decd] Andrzej Godles ...... 1995 Leona Lucas [decd]...... - Lynne Fouché...... 1970 Lynn Hollamby Carole Hall...... 1992 Laura J. McCarthy...... 2000 Alison Hazel...... 1988 Elaine Hubbard Meryle Elliott...... 1982 Julie L. Merkle...... 1997 Dulcie Howes [decd]...... - Gillian Hurst Janice Heale...... 1996 Jane Caryl Miller [decd]...... - Eileen Keegan [decd]...... - Akiyo Ishihashi...... 2007 Val Jenkins...... 1992 Pamela Moore...... 1977 Vivienne Keegan [decd]...... - Deborah Jellis Shirley Jones...... 1962 Laurie A. Papovich ...... 1997 Jennifer Klipfel...... 1994 Penny Kay Rhyl Kennell...... 1977 Leslie R. Parreco...... 2006 Karen Koen-Jooste...... 1999 Janet Kinson Annette Langham...... 2000 Ann Parsley...... 1997 Daphne Kruger...... 1971 Molly Lake [decd] Jane Moran...... 2004 Tomi Sue Pollock...... 1991 Barbara Lewis...... 1971 Eileen Langman [decd] Elizabeth McMahon...... 2009 Marjorie Randazzo...... 1989 Suzette Van Der Linde...... 1976 Jacqueline Langman Diane Pokorny...... 1987 Enid Ricardeau [decd]...... - Timo Liston...... 2001 Eve Leveaux Fiona Porteous...... 1985 Pamela Rutledge...... 1997 Jennifer Louw...... 1998 Patricia Linton Andrew Pronger...... 1996 Elaine McHale Seidman.... 2000 Nicolette Loxton...... 1990 Margaret Marsh [decd] Shelley Rae-Aris...... 1984 June Smith...... 1997 Dorothy McNair [decd]...... - Jocelyn Mather Robyn Ross...... 1991 Theodore Smith [decd]...... - Gail Myburgh...... 1993 Tracey Moss Cherill Rowston...... 1978 Patricia Suto...... 1991 Nadia Nerina [decd]...... - Thérèse Oswald Edmond Stripe...... 1991 Kathleen Tenniswood-Powell Noleen Nicol...... 1991 Carolyn Parker Toivo Taves...... - PhD...... 2004 Lana Paladin...... 1978 Daphne Peterson Valrene Tweedie [decd]...... - Phyllis Thorne [decd]...... - Susan Perry...... 1983 Eve Pettinger Athol Willoughby...... 1966 Kimmary Williams Rice..... 1983 David Poole [decd]...... - Linda Pilkington José Pretorius...... 1963 Lucy Pohl Canada Cecchetti USA Joyce Rabinowitz...... 1971 Peggy van Praagh [decd] Terri-Lynne Banfield...... 2000 Greg Bomke ...... 1999 Graham Rees...... 1988 Gustavo Beserra Quintans Bleidynn Bellis...... 2004 Susan Brooker...... 1989 Wendy Reinhardt...... 1985 Gillian Robinson Jack Bickle [decd]...... - Shiela Darby [decd]...... - Cecily Robinson [decd]...... - Penelope Robinson-Debatin Amy Blake...... 1995 Louanne Davies...... 1979 Diane Van Schoor...... 1979 Nora Roche [decd] Rosalie Brake...... 1987 Olga Fricker [decd]...... - Denise Schultze...... 1956 Janice Russell...... 1994 Christina Burrows...... 2004 Marnell Himes-Ushijima... 1981 Pauline Shaw...... 1985 Juan Sanchez Evelyn Finlayson...... 1997 Raymond Lukens...... 1989 Joy Shearer...... 1971 Sofia Santiago Jean Geddis-Zetterburg..... 1987 Cara Schrack...... 2008 Dudley Tomlinson...... - Margaret Saul [decd] Toresa Hancocke...... 2007 Betty Seibert ...... 1988 Faith de Villiers [decd]...... - Kate Simmons Sheila Kennedy...... 1981 Janice Smith...... 1995 Diana Ward...... 1970 Richard Slaughter...... 2004 Gilian Kilgour...... 1978 Raymond Smith...... 1996 Lynne Wesson...... 1986 [decd] ...... - Nancy Kilgour...... 1965 Deborah Vinton...... 1995 Mandev Sokhi ...... 2007 Janette Lindley...... 1997 Franco De Vita...... 1992 UK and Europe Mary Stassinopoulos Peter Moir...... 1996 Heidi Wright...... 1996 Alison Allen Elisabeth Swan Suzanne Plante-Hobbs...... 1991 Christine Axon Lynn Wallis Christine Richardson...... 1987 Italy Rosina Baker Sarah Wells Joyce Shietze...... 1996 Rita Gramigni...... 1993 Brian Berscher Ann Whitley Jean Spear...... 1981 Brenda Hamlyn...... 1985 Jacobus Johannes Blokdijk Laura Wilson [decd] Shirley Tetreau...... 1987 Claudia Masini...... 1992 Greet Boterman Julie Wood Heidi Zolty...... 1995 Leonarda Raimondi...... 1981 Susan Brooker Helen Wolska [decd] Evelina Ricci...... 1993 Nesta Brooking [decd] Terry Wright Gillian Whittingham...... - Melanie Bull

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