DANCE AND DRAMA QUALIFICATIONS

For many years Earthbeat has provided training in dance and drama to our performers. Our dance coach, Karen Heritage, recently came up with the idea of designing a dance syllabus that would lead to a formal qualification. The syllabus would also contain a drama element for those people unable to take part in the dance training. Karen submitted the syllabus to The British Association of Teachers of Dancing (the governing body) for approval where it was readily accepted.

The first group to trial the dance syllabus was the Friday group. After 12 weeks of training the group was ready for their formal examination. An examiner from the B.A.T.D. arrived at the theatre and examined the performers in small groups of 3 or 4. The examination conditions were very formal but without exception all of our performers rose to the occasion and conducted themselves with a high degree of professionalism. The examiner later wrote a note praising the group for both their professional manner and enthusiastic approach to the examinations.

We were delighted (and pleasantly surprised) that all those who took part actually passed the exam. Some performers received a commendation and one individual gained a highly commended grade, which is a considerable achievement.

We later had an awards ceremony and handed out badges and certificates. Our performers really enjoyed the ceremony and were both delighted and proud to receive their well deserved awards.

Karen has begun a programme which will include all of our performers so that everyone at Earthbeat will have the opportunity to take part in the training and hopefully achieve the qualification. After everyone has taken part we will start again, training towards the level 2 qualification and eventually towards the level 3. The programme has received both support and funding from The Learning and Skills Council and the Lloyds/TSB foundation.

Photos:- Karen with the performers, Emma receiving her badge and certificate, the Friday group