Amazingly creative and excellent technique were just two of the many plaudits bestowed upon pupils from Penrith’s Bishop Yards School of Dance and Performing Arts by an International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) examiner who had travelled from Manchester to judge students’ performances.
Miss G Hare is one of the IDTA’s highest examiners, who has graded dance students across the UK and abroad, so to receive such high praise from her is testament to the dedication and talent of the students and teachers at BYSD.
Twenty pupils took exams in ballet and musical theatre. For some it was the first time they had taken an exam, while for others it was probably their last before they head off to college and university.
The younger pupils who were taking their first musical theatre exam had great fun acting and singing to wonderful one-off scripts adapted from two famous shows, Annie and Matilda.
“The whole point of this type of exam is to encourage children to be imaginative and creative but to make sure they work to a great standard,” said Marie Booth, BYSD principal.
“Learning their lines gives them a sense of focus and acting in small groups really does help build friendships and their own confidence — as well as having fun.”
Nine children took their musical theatre exams, with Hannah Thompson, Maisie Awde and Emma Pattinson each receiving the highest mark of 87 per cent (distinction).
Ballet grades taken ranged from preparatory to intermediate, with 11 students involved. “Ballet forms the basis for many dance genres as it develops core strength, flexibility, spacial awareness and general dance discipline,” said Marie.
“When a professional dancer takes to a stage, it hasn’t just taken hours, days or weeks of rehearsals to get to that point; most dancers have been training since they were very young.”
Marie was especially proud after this set of exams as her own children — Elliott, aged 18, and 16-year-old Grace — were taking their intermediate ballet exams together.
“I was a little nervous for them as, although they have taken lots of exams in the past, this was the first time they had taken one together, especially at a high level.”
Elliott achieved the highest marks of all the candidates, gaining 90 per cent (distinction), just pipping his sister who achieved 89 per cent (also distinction).
UCAS points are also awarded for this level of exam, with distinctions earning valuable points towards university entries.
Congratulations go to another BYSD dancer, Katie Greenwood, who was recently successful in auditioning for this year’s pantomime at Carlisle’s Sands Centre.
Katie has previously performed on an MSC Cruise ship as part of a BYSD dance team as well as in many BYSD productions.
“To dance in the Sands Centre pantomime is another great opportunity for any young dancer —well done Katie,” said a proud Marie.
Exam results were:
- Ballet, preparatory — Harriet Grant, Iris Webb, Keira Hope, Olivia Tallentire, Ruby Brockbank, all distinction.
- Grade 5 — Isabella Briggs, merit.
- Intermediate — Grace Addison, Elliott Addison, distinction; Eleanor Farthing, Katie Greenwood, Katy Hope, all merit.
- Musical theatre: Bronze — Alana Hope, Annie Coates, Grace Bainbridge, all merit. Silver — Daisy Kitchen, Emma Park, Emma Pattinson, Hannah Thompson, Izzy Pullan, Maisie Awde, all distinction.
Dancers are now working towards their annual summer school at the end of July.
