As some visitors to this site may already know, we have all been deeply saddened by the death recently of our much loved colleague and friend, Mme Leah Bartal, our School's Examiner and Principal Guest Teacher for more than 40 years. Some of our students who knew her well and worked with her have been coming forward with offers of help, and this has been a particular source of comfort at this difficult time. Plans for 2012 were all discussed with Leah and approved by her a few months ago, she fully believed they could be made to work. So while there can be no question of 'business as usual' we are still going ahead with a full programme of on-line studies with an enhanced 'self development' content, for this would have been her wish.
Our focus for 2012 will continue to be on providing additional support through 'Community Dance Therapy' for children in difficult circumstances - there is so much that can be done to make things better. Leah was especially glad to know that Adrian is now recovering well from major surgery for his back and hopes to re-join us some time soon. Adrian has been greatly missed and we all sincerely hope that the suffering he has been through is now in the past. The re-union workshops Leah had graciously offered to host in 2012 cannot now take place in the intended form, but at least three are still planned. It is hoped some of our Diploma holders will take on the role of guest teachers and share with us their 'ways of working', some of which were influenced by Leah.
Leah was a conscientious Examiner and some time ago expressed the view that our Diploma training should be longer and more comprehensive. Therefore our system for 2012 has been slightly changed. The Foundation Course Working with Dance Therapy will continue as it is, providing a theoretical framework at basic level and providing ideas for getting started in a practical way. The new follow-on course, Sharing Dance with Others, aims to provide elements of 'self develop-ment' as well as comprehensive guidance on setting up and running an after-school or Saturday 'learn to dance club'. Working with the Elderly is an alternative follow-on course for those who would like to offer 'restorative therapy' in residential homes or community centres.
Also discussed with Leah was the idea of a cultural 'mini-Olympics'. This would be our own small contribution to the spirit of world-wide goodwill which we are all anticipating during 2012. Although possibly too ambitious in the short term, we could see no reason why the Olympic idea should not continue even after the sporting heroes have left these shores! Towards the end of the summer individual groups in different countries will be invited to submit short videos of their best work. A well-known TV programme in Devon has expressed an interest in offering coverage – our students' excellent work both here and overseas is indeed worthy of this honour!
Our aim for 2012 therefore will be to get as many trainee practitioners as possible, young or older, to 'consolidate' and extend their knowledge of dance and get ready to make its benefits available in the communities in which they live. Some forward-looking students are recommending that we include some of the latest dance trends in our 'active' programmes. There is no problem with that whatsoever, because we believe that popular dance 'crazes' reflect society's genuine need to be more healthily involved in 'rhythmic movement to music.' But we are also aware that most 'trendy' dance styles do not really reach deeply enough and their benefits can be all too fleeting. So we must try to create an interest in more serious dance too. Dance as a serious art form provides a life-long link also to the related arts of music, drama, painting, sculpture, literature, poetry and even architecture. Each offers its own key to deep-level healing which can serve us all our lives. But, yes, there is still lots of room for 'dance as fun!'
May 2012 be a great year for all who love dance, and thank you once again for your interest.
