My Summer of Cecchetti in England 2012
by Connie Davis Lawrence, Fellow Member, CCA & Chairman, Midwest Committee CCA
I have just returned home to the U.S. after having the privilege to attend the Cecchetti Professional Development Course (PDC) for teachers in Chichester, Sussex, England, as well as the Kate Simmons International Summer School in Warrington. Due to economic and Olympic activities, the PDC course was shortened to 4 days, down from its previously planned 6 days. Therefore, Ms. Simmons generously extended the Sylvia Hamer scholarship to include one week's study and stay at her school. Instead of 6 days of intensive study, I received a full 10 days, with a full week's vacation between the two courses :) I was unable to attend an Olympic event, but I certainly experienced the excitement and patriotism of a beautiful host country amongst warm and welcoming ballet teachers.
Departed Chicago on July 18 @ 8:35 pm,
Arriving London, July 19, 2012
After flying into Heathrow and a brief layover, I caught the next flight to Manchester. There I rested and experienced Manchester for three days before taking a train to Warrington and Kate Simmons' International Summer Course. Kate's son, Rupert picked me up at the station and drove me to her studio.
Sunday, July 22nd through Friday, July 27th, 2012
The summer school schedule began Sunday morning at 9:00 am with a non-syllabus ballet class and finished at 4:45 pm daily. Two 1½ hour classes were offered in the mornings, followed by an hour lunch break, and concluded with two classes in the afternoons. Naturally the later classes were separated by afternoon tea, a much welcome break and lovely tradition.
The faculty was absolutely fabulous and included: Emma Briggs, Martin Dutton, Jonathan Payn (first soloist with Birmingham Royal Ballet), Gillian Hurst, Brenda Last, O.B.E., (Order of British Empire), Tracey Moss and of course, Kate Simmons. Student and teacher courses ran simultaneously and concentrated on the Intermediate and Advanced levels (I & II) of the Cecchetti work. Other specific classes incorporated into the schedule included: Port de Bras Adage, Virtuosity, Analysis of Technique, Pointe work, and Pointe for part-time students, the Supporting Leg, Music for ballet class (relationship between pianist & teacher), Grade Dances for Children, Teaching Pirouettes & Virtuosity, Teaching Repertoire, Musicality and Eye Focus, as well as Jazz, Graham technique, and Boys Coaching. Additionally, students were offered supplemental classes in Contemporary, Pas de deux, Spanish, Girls Repertoire, Boys Solos, Classical solos, Musical Theatre Repertoire and Stretch.
This course defined 'intensive' due to the course schedule and offerings, high energy, dedication and serious commitment of its participants. Three studios were utilized with identical timetables and students were divided into two groups. Teachers remained together during the entire week's course, but were welcome to join any student classes. For instance, I opted to observe the student advanced/intermediate pointe class that was scheduled back to back with Graham technique for teachers.
Students and teachers from Norway, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Ireland and of course, England were in attendance. I believe I was the only one present from North America (not even a Canadian to my knowledge.) Most teachers were on the floor every class/every day for the entire week, but a few did attend just a day or two.
In addition to the fully scheduled daytime hours, teachers were invited to the KS Dance Ltd "Prize Giving & Choreographic Competition" on Tuesday evening, July 24th. Kate arranged transportation (a logistical nightmare, I'm sure) and invited us to attend as her guests at the Brindley Theatre in Runcorn. This was a wonderful evening that began with the school's Junior Programme Choreographic Competition and concluded with a Senior Graduation Piece dedicated to Miss Brenda Last, O.B.E., and choreographed by the faculty of KS Dance. After a brief intermission, the second half of the evening began the Awards Ceremony that included over a dozen awards for juniors and senior students. Senior student awards included: Allegrodance Award (Kate's performing company), Kirwan Award for Outstanding Achievement, Spanish Dance Most Promising Student, Most Outstanding Contemporary Dancer, Most Promising Jazz Dancer, Most promising Teacher, Most Promising Classical Dancer, Best All Round Dancer and the David Needham Theatre Award. Six graduating students were seated onstage, (caps, gowns and mortarboards) with approximately 25 juniors seated behind and the entire faculty seated opposite. Various faculty members gave eloquent speeches and presented awards, a very special evening that allowed us to share in the student's achievements and culmination of a successful season.
Another evening was spent away from the hotel on Thursday, July 26th when Kate opened her home and invited the summer school faculty, teacher attendees and a few senior students to a barbecue dinner. This was to celebrate Miss Last's, O.B.E. and honor her for many years of service and patronage to KS Dance Ltd and the ballet community. We all felt honored to be invited to this party. The wine, dinner, and dessert were superb, but the conversation and company positively priceless!
Yukie, a former faculty member of KS Dance and teacher from Japan, elected me to speak and offer our thanks and gratitude to Kate on the last day of the course. All of us pitched in for a card and rosebush for transplantation (Kate enjoys gardening and has a beautiful backyard!). It was bittersweet saying our farewells, but I think everyone felt recharged and ready to spread the Cecchetti gospel throughout our homelands! The respect and high regard given to Kate Simmons amongst every teacher I met was unprecedented. She most obviously is the Cecchetti Ambassador of England, and possibly all of Europe.
Accomodations at the Premier Inn in Warrington were very nice. I had a private room with all the amenities needed. Breakfast and Dinner were included and served in the hotel restaurant. A sole proprietor ran the diner and provided lunch at Kate's studio and meals/snacks were reasonably priced. There was a daily hot lunch special, but also offered were typical lunch fare of soups, salads and sandwiches. Teachers were encouraged to pre-order lunch in the mornings so as to somewhat avoid the rush. (Students and teachers shared the same lunch hour.)
The only drawback worth mentioning, especially for more 'mature' teachers as myself, is the studio's location. Walking from the hotel to the studio is a good 15-20 minutes or 1½ miles. Mornings were more easily accomplished than evenings after 8 hours of dance! Most everyone (students AND teachers) opted for the bus or cab ride to and from the studio everyday. Buses ran every 15 minutes and cost 1.10 pds or about $1.80. It was worth saving the feet for dance, rather than walking both ways! Kate's studio is located in an industrial park set back from the main street, so there really isn't any stores or shops located nearby. Even with a bus ride, everyone must navigate the narrow long driveway. Downtown Warrington was a good 10-minute bus ride that I ventured into when necessity urged me to a pharmacy for eye drops and Advil one day.
For those who may repeat my journey in the future: I was able to fly "free" roundtrip using accumulated miles/points from British Airways. HOWEVER, with the rising gas prices and airport taxes, the flights alone cost approximately $1,500 in airport taxes/fees (even FREE has a price tag these days!). Kate was kind and generous enough to extend the Sylvia Hamer Scholarship this year but FYI to those wishing to attend anyway. The teacher's tuition cost 320 pounds, and 5 nights at the hotel cost 360 pounds. That's approximately $512 and $576 respectively. Obviously, transportation such as train fare, cabs, buses, lunches, snacks and drinks are extra.