Why choose BTDA?
BTDA works with the following organisations
GQAL (Graded Qualifications Alliance)
BTDA Programmes lead to regulated qualifications through the Graded Qualification Alliance, which is an Ofqual Regulated Awarding Organisation.
Dance UK
BTDA is a member of Dance UK, one of the leading Dance Organisations in the United Kingdom.
CDMT (Council for Dance Drama and Musical Theatre)
BTDA is a member of the CDMT, and its programmes have been validated by them for over 20 years.
Why choose BTDA?
• Eight Regulated Disciplines
• Three Regulated Vocational Disciplines
• Diploma in Professional Development, Classical Ballet, Modern Jazz, and Tap
• Performing Arts Awards
• Gala Weekend with International Choreographers
• Area Championship Heats Culminating in National Finals
• Competitions throughout the UK
• Awards aimed at youngsters
• Area support for Teachers
• Formed the Graded Qualifications Alliance, which ensures levels meet the official Ofqual requirements.
Hello and welcome
Hi everyone,
Can I say thank you for your support in sending information into me, please keep this up! as its lovely to hear from you. The closing date for the Winter issue will be 19 November 2024.
Have a great Summer everyone!
Alison Davies,
Editor
+ FIRST AID COURSES +
For Red Cross First Aid training, we would recommend www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk.
All you need to do is enter your postcode, and it will show your local courses. The minimum requirement for registration purposes is First Aid For Appointed Persons.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: 2024-2025 2024
25 July
Teaching Qualification Examination Day — Held at Head Office
19 August Scholarships, Leicester
22 August Teaching Qualification Examination Day — Held at Head Office
1 September Leicester AGM — King Power Stadium (LCFC) Filbert Way, Leicester, LE2 7FL
7/8 September Basingstoke Championship Heats — Costello School, Crossborough Hill, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 4AL
7/8 September Leicester Novice Competitions
8 September Scholarships, North East (Sunderland)
12/13 October Midlands Championship Heats — Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire
15 September Scholarships, London & Essex (Romford)
6 October Scholarships, East Anglia (St Ives)
13 October Scholarships, North West (Leyland)
24 October Teaching Qualification Examination Day — Held at Head Office
3 November Dance Teaching Qualification Course (online)
16/17 November BTDA Championship Finals — Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester, LE4 6DP 2025
3 January
Teaching Qualification Examination Day — Held at Head Office
22/23 February Leicester Open Competitions
1/2 March
Leicester Open Competitions
28/29/30 March North East Area Novice & Open Competitions
26/27 April
Leicester Championship Heats
13/14 September Leicester Novice Competitions
15/16 November BTDA Championship Finals — Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester, LE4 6DP
FOUNDED 1972
PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER
Miss Ann Oliver MBE
PATRONS
Engelbert Humperdinck
Derek Hartley
ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES
Neil Allen, Jane Carver, David Ramsden, Darren Chadwick, Kelly Chater
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
Classical Ballet: Kathleen Davis
Tap: Mark Hudson
Modern Jazz: Emma Hillyer
Greek: Yvonne Novelli
Acrobatic: Denise Moore
Lyrical: Tracy Liggins
Musical Theatre:
Danielle Campbell
Contemporary: Fritha Fallon
AUXILIARY SUBJECTS
Modelling: Wendy Oram
Educational Freestyle: Mark Hudson
Speech & Drama: Danielle Campbell
AREA/COMPETITION ORGANISERS
Basingstoke: Maxine Hadley
Bristol: Anne Webber
East Anglia: Vicky Grant
Home Counties: Natalie Emery
Leicester: Sandra Botterill
London & Essex: Pam Schild/ Petrina Edwards
Midlands: Jessica Sallis
Northeast: Kathleen Davis
Northwest : Vikki Emberton
South Yorkshire: Debbie Corker
Southern: Denise Booth
INTERNATIONAL
Ireland: Lynda Wright
Malta: Alison White
From the President
Dear Members,
This year didn’t start too well, with the passing of our long-standing Trustee and Volunteer Peter Cooper in January and former BTDA Employee Christine Ostman in April. Both made contributions over and above the call of duty. Also, I want to mention the passing of my dear friend, Monica Osborne. All will be sadly missed.
On a more positive note, I think it is safe to say BTDA has fully recovered and is striding forward with the introduction of some lovely new work from some of our Artistic Directors. Make sure you catch this by joining us at the Annual General Meeting in September, which is being held for one time only at the home of the Leicester City Football Club, which has also had a successful year thus far.
BTDA Events, especially Gala, have been very successful, and we welcome the return of our live Scholarship programme towards the second part of the year, so make sure you check the dates for your area event and get those students interested.
I hope you all have an amazing summer, take care, and “keep dancing”.
Best wishes.
Miss Ann Oliver MBE President and Founder BTDA
WHO’S WHO
Who to contact within the BTDA Office
Contact List
Reponsibilities
HELEN MENCE Accreditation 0116 3970867 Championship Finals helenmence@btda.org.uk Complaints
Enquiries on results
Gala Weekend
SANDRA BOTTERILL
Examinations 0116 3970868 Scholarships sandrabotterill@btda.org.uk
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.10–5pm
ALISON DAVIES
Certificate Queries 0116 3970870 Issues of Certificates alisondavies@btda.org.uk Standardisation Theatre Dance News
EMMA CHADWICK
Provisional and Full Registration 0116 3970871 Teaching Qualifications emmachadwick@btda.org.uk
Monday & Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday: 1.30-5pm
MANDY RUSHTON
Certificate Queries 0116 3970869 Examinations mandyrushton@btda.org.uk Programme of Study Orders
LISA JONES
Membership Renewals 0116 3970872 Pin Badge Orders lisajones@btda.org.uk Triple Award & Grade 5 Award Orders
If there is no answer on the direct line please call 0116 3970866
EXAMINATION & ASSESSMENT PERSONNEL
General Secretary
HELEN MENCE
Examination Secretary
SANDRA BOTTERILL
Standardisation Officer
ALISON DAVIES
Head Examiner General Graded Qualifications
PAMELA CHATER
Head Examiner Vocational Qualifications
KATHLEEN DAVIS
Head Examiner Lower Grade/Auxiliary Examinations & Performance Awards
YVONNE NOVELLI
Moderator
PAMELA CHATER
Reviewer
KATHLEEN DAVIS
Educational Consultant
IVOR JAMES
Examiners Emeritus
Barbara Wood, Dorrien Lewis, Joan Wood, Noeleen Balshaw, Patricia Sussenbach and Monica Larose.
Examiners
Carla Sessions, Danielle Campbell, Denise Moore, Emma Hillyer, Gillian Pilkington, Helen Guy, Jackie Crumell, Jacqui Everitt, Jamie-Lee Meneely, Jessica Sallis, Jill Gough, Jon-Lee Heads, Julie Barker, Julie Feechan, Kathleen Davis, Katie Guyton, Kelly Abraham, Kelly Chater, Louise Dartnell, Mark Hudson, Michelle Dixon Woods, Michelle Hankinson, Michelle Rollason, Michelle Bailey, Pamela Chater, Pamela Schild, Sue Ibbetson, Susan Thomas, Tracy Liggins, Vicky Grant, Wendy Latty, Wendy Oram and Yvonne Novell.
Trainees
Adele Shaw
Graded Qualification Alliance Board of Directors
Ann Oliver MBE (Chair), Ivor James, Kate Everest, Kathleen Davis, and Gary White.
Examinations Standards Committee
Ivor James
Governing Council
Ivor James (Chair)
Responsible Officer
Helen Mence
Technicon 2024
It was lovely to see our members at the Leicester Technicon� It was a great day for teachers which started with some General updates and discussions around the table Danielle Campbell introduced the new Drama POS for BTDA� Guest Lecturers Stacey Green from T�I�R�E D Movement and Rosina Andrews Downing ‘Leap Surgery’ were well received� The day concluded with Grade 1 Tap from Mark Hudson which they loved
Thank you to everyone that joined us, we look forward to seeing you at the AGM September!
Technicon Feedback
Another well attended meeting at a lovely venue with our table discussions and then four presentations.
I always enjoy the table discussions, it is always good to hear how the teachers are doing and how they deal with some of the difficulties we all face, these discussions are always positive with some good ideas and suggestions coming from them, I feel teachers in particular do speak openly and give us the feedback we need much better than when being asked for feedback in front of the full meeting.
The presentation from the representative from the TIRED movement was very informative with the teachers taking part in discussion/feedback.
The leap surgery was well received by the teachers who I am sure have been able to go back to their schools with lots of new ideas for their classes.
Danielle’s presentation on the new drama POS was good and I am sure that a lot of interest has been generated, it was clear that Danielle has done a lot of hard work developing the POS.
The presentation I personally enjoyed most was the new grade 1 tap presented by Mark, he and the artistic group have done some great work on this, and I am sure we are all eager to start teaching it.
David Ramsden
The BTDA Technicon on Sunday 4th February 2024 was held at Winstanley House in Leicester. This is the former home of the Winstanley family now converted into a luxury hotel and events venue, with free secure parking.
The day began with coffee on arrival, a time to meet up with friends and colleagues for a chat and catch up, there was free tea, coffee, and biscuits available all day. We then joined our table groups in the main ballroom, a large, light, and airy room, for general discussions, a time to speak in more detail to other teachers. With an examiner and BTDA staff readily available this provided for both informal discussion and time to ask questions.
The next session was LEAD by ‘TIRED movement’ Trying to Improve Racial Equality in Dance. This session was quite thought provoking and covered many aspects of teaching dance in a multi-cultural setting. A discussion regarding suitable dancewear and shoes was held. Do all our students feel comfortable wearing what has always been the accepted normal for dance classes? Suggestions and examples were shown as to how we can improve our schools in this respect.
Lunch was served buffet style, served by the friendly venue staff giving everyone another opportunity to mix and chat.
The afternoon session began with the introduction of the new P O S for Drama presented by Danielle Campbell who explained in detail the requirement for this subject. There followed a Leap Surgery presented by Rosina Andrews covering teaching and strengthening methods. Many styles of jumps and leaps were demonstrated by some very able and enthusiastic students.
The final session of the day was the much-awaited presentation of the new Grade One Tap POS by Mark Hudson. This is something that teachers have been waiting for to follow on from the new excellent lower grades and awards which young candidates are enjoying.
All in all, a very full and interesting day.
Cynthia Elliott
What an amazing BTDA Day!! So much information. A fabulous day and honored to be a member of such a credited Association. Great to see and catch up with many more like-minded people.
Karen Binns
South Yorkshire Technicon
In February, Debbie Corker hosted a highly successful dance fun day at the Lyric Theatre. The event featured three exciting classes catering to two age groups.
Talented choreographer Jordan Bakewell led a dynamic Commercial/ Street Dance session, while the delightful Mr. Mark Hudson showcased the art of Tap Dancing, with Musical Theatre classes taught by LCPA graduate Miss Sophie Davis. All the routines were amazing.
The event was further enhanced by the presence of Miss Helen Mence and the invaluable support of Karen Binns and her students. The dedicated café team ensured attendees and parents were well-nourished with delicious homemade cakes and refreshments.
The dance fun day
provided a joyous opportunity for students to come together, learn new skills, and have a fantastic time. With such a positive response, it is hoped that this will be the first of many similar events.
For details about future dance fun days, please don’t hesitate to contact Debbie Corker.
GALA WEEKEND 2024
What a fantastic weekend was had by all. To meet old friends and new ones. May there be many more Gala Weekends.
Good news! The cost for next year remains at 2024 prices. Book early!
BTDA staff
BTDA keys ready
Ribbon cutting
Abigail Warburton Stage School
Dance Time School
Anna Shimmin Dance Academy
Amy Billington Dance Academy
Choreographers
Ann Oliver Stage School
The Dance Academy
LCPA
Frank, Jane, Lynne, John
Karen Shiel School of Dance
Hannah Lucy Stage School
Starlight Theatre
Dancetastic
Jessica Louise School of Dance
Novelli Stage School Theatre Artz
Steward Paul Witherington Jessica Michelle School of Dance
Vicky Grant School of Dance
Rotherham Dance Centre
Stewards Sam, Shauna, Ryan
Rachel Coad School of Dance
Examiners scribe…
In this issue, we asked Emma Hillyer, Mark Hudson, and Danielle Campbell, three of our Artistic Directors/Examiners, to give us an insight into their longstanding careers.
EMMA HILLYER Examiner and
Artistic Director
for Modern Jazz
My dance journey began at three years old. I was shy as a young child, and it was suggested I start an activity to overcome this, so my mum enrolled me in a dance class at the village hall.
I obviously enjoyed it, and after a year, I moved to the Ann Oliver Stage School — and I never left!
I started taking BTDA grade classes in Ballet, Modern, and Tap and was entered for my first exams, which were Bronze medal mime and Bronze medal song and dance. These were examined by the fabulous Miss Sylvia Lorden.
panto and cabaret shows and became part of the Leicester Performing Arts Youth Ballet Company, dancing in the lead role in La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Coppélia and Giselle. Like many others, my teaching experience began with helping with the baby class on a Saturday morning. I then started assisting in classes at the school and the annexe school in Thurmaston alongside Maxine Phillips. I really enjoyed teaching. When I was 18, I decided to take my teaching exams and began teaching for Miss Ann as a BTDA-registered teacher.
Over the next few years, I joined more classes and began participating in shows and competitions. I was lucky enough to have some fantastic teachers at the school, Miss Ann and Miss Helen, to name a couple.
I was born the same year that BTDA was created, so I am a BTDA girl through and through. Although I studied RAD Ballet to Intermediate level, I achieved all my Major exams with BTDA in Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Acro. When the vocational exams were restructured, for some reason, I decided to take more exams: the new Advanced 2 Ballet, Diploma Modern & Diploma Ballet — 16 Fouettés en Pointe. It was a challenging time!
My performance experience started at age seven as part of The Musical Express Roadshow, touring the working men's clubs and included pantomime as part of the juvenile chorus at the De Montfort Hall. I performed in various
Being in Leicester, I was quite involved with BTDA, demonstrating at Technicons and recording the BTDA grade work videos; I was also a member of the Junior Council for a while. This naturally led to becoming a BTDA Examiner when I was 25.
This was a part-time job. I left school at 16 and worked for Lloyds Bank as a cashier and customer service manager. My performing experience helped a lot in a customer-facing role. After ten years at the bank, I was asked, "Where do you see yourself in the next five years?'' My gut reaction was NOT HERE! Although I enjoyed my time at the bank and met my husband, Darren, a career change was inevitable.
So, I applied for a part-time teaching role at The Leicester College of Performing Arts and began my journey working for BTDA.
My role as an examiner progressed to assessing all levels of the Vocational exams and Teaching Exams. I became a member of
the Classical Ballet and Modern Jazz Artistic groups and eventually took over the role of Artistic Director for Modern Jazz from Miss Monica Larose.
I feel very fortunate to be able to work in a job that I love (most of the time ��).
MARK HUDSON
Examiner and Artistic Director for Tap
I am so honoured to have been asked to give you some information about myself and let you into my strange world and journey to where I am now.
Throughout my journey, I have always believed there was a reason why I did things, and sometimes you don't know why they happen, but you look back and know it was just meant to be.
I started my journey 49 years ago. I really hate that fact now that I have typed it. My sister went to a local dance school, The Sutton School of Dancing, in my hometown of Aylsham, and she came home to show us the stuff she was doing. I never remember wanting to go to the school or even asking to join or why I went, but I did.
We studied Ballet, Tap, Acro, and stagecraft lessons. Stagecraft was my favourite because we danced to show tunes, and I was hooked. My lasting memory of the school, which I still have, is of acrobatics on concrete school tiles. No mats were allowed in those days! You only hurt your head or skinned your upper spine once in a forward roll.
I excelled in this hobby and, over the years, took all my grades from juvenile medals up to Associate Ballet with the IDTA. My teacher seemed to believe in me and allowed me to first teach as an assistant for her in the school. I think I taught classes from about the age of 13, which, to be honest, became my life. I taught five nights a week and all day Saturday for her.
This developed into running my own branch of the school. By the age of 17, I had
qualified as an IDTA teacher and had my own school, The Norfolk Dance Centre. I did fall out with my teacher, and we parted company. In hindsight, and with age, I regret it. It was over an argument; she told me I would never make it as Principal because I was male and no one would send their child to a male teacher. When you tell me I can't do something, I go out of my way to prove you wrong — and she was wrong.
In the space of five years, I had a school with five branches and over 250 pupils. I gained membership with the IDTA and licentiates in the ISTD and joined this association, BTDA, which was one of the best things I could have ever done.
Unexpected opportunities
An established IDTA teacher in my area was retiring, and she contacted me to see if I would be interested in buying her school and the premises which it ran from in the city centre of Norwich. It was for a considerable amount of money. I was just in my twenties and could not raise the finances needed, but after a few meetings, she said I want you to have the school. I will let you pay me £400 a month, and you can have the school and the premises till you can raise the money. It felt like another moment of fate had landed in my lap.
So, my school amalgamated with hers, and Anglia Academy of Dancing — later to become Anglia Performing Arts Centre — became my school. I now had two schools to run — I wasn't even 23.
When I was at college studying A-level drama and Theatre studies, I was asked to join a local operatic society. They were short of men and it opened another avenue of work. It was amazing being on stage that year at the end of the pier at Cromer in Hello Dolly, and I was again hooked. This led me to be a resident choreographer for that group for over 15 years. It opened up so much work for me. When you are young, you believe you can
do anything, and I did exactly that. I auditioned for a model agency and, for over four years, worked on many large fashion shows and corporate events for companies like Avon, Asda, Moss Bros, Rank Xerox, and the Motor Show all over the UK, as well as still teaching.
I was able to establish a Cabaret group called the Burlesque Dancers, which performed at local hotels and events. The group consisted of six dancers who provided cabaret shows.
A chance encounter, a daring decision
A close friend from Norfolk who had trained at Laines was attending her first audition in London for a cruise ship contract and asked if I would go with her for support; I thought, why not? So I went; I had no understanding of auditioning for a professional job at this point.
We got to this venue and just knew I had made a mistake! Laughable now, but there were nine boys in the lineup, and they were all talking about what shows they had been in the West End or which ships they had been on — I just knew it was going to be a car crash for me. (I can vouch for all the work we do for our vocational candidates, it will help them. If only I had that prep all those years ago).
We were introduced to Peter Gordeno, and he taught us a 16-bar routine to Let's Dance by Chris Rea; I can still do it. I danced it in the first set of four boys, and after the second time through, I was asked to go outside and wait in the corridor. I thought I was shocking and must be so bad to be removed from the room. Peter came out and said here is the contract; look through it and sign it within the week. Rehearsals would start in a month in Bermuda in prep for the six-month contract on the ship.
My friend didn't get through and hated me for the whole journey home. I had to decide whether I wanted to do the contract and shut the schools or chose the teaching the path. It was the only time I have ever doubted my choice, but I chose teaching — and that's when fate again stepped in.
I was lucky to perform in three summer season shows at the Westcliff Theatre at Clacton. These were terrific shows and such a great training ground for a life in the theatre. Sadly, these shows have all but gone now. It was a 13-week season with nine shows a week, and whilst performing show one, you were spending all day learning show two, then show three, but it was cast where you did everything — you danced, you sang all the numbers live, and with no backing tracks in those days, you bulked out all the comedy scenes — I so wish these type of shows were still around today.
A career takes shape
My school grew, and that's when BTDA came into my life. I found the association in a Dancing Times advertisement, and it looked like something new and exciting. I applied for membership, and I got in. [I bet Miss Ann regrets that decision at times].
A couple of weeks later, the syllabus videos and two small blue syllabuses arrived (that show's my age, and if you remember them, then you are as old as me), and that's when I started my journey with BTDA.
My schools grew with the help of the association, and I loved the new work. I worked on my Advanced Teaching exams as they were known in all subjects. Over the years, I had the privilege of meeting such icons of Examiners as Miss Lorden, Miss Sussenbach, Miss Lewis, Miss Bird, and Mrs Wood. My thanks have to go to Mrs Chater and Mrs Vardy, who put my name forward as an Examiner — and both are to blame for me getting the post.
At the same time, I continued my teacher training and took fellowships in IDTA, ISTD, MIDAA, and UKA in both theatre and ballroom branches. I also gained British Dance Council adjudicator standing.
I missed performing still, though, and the bug never left me. I was asked to audition for The Theatre Royal Panto in Norwich, and I thought, well, why not try again? I auditioned for Lionel Blair, and another new thread in my life opened. I spent four years as his dance
captain and assistant choreographer for his company in panto and found my real vocation and home: Pantomime.
From that point on, I have managed to run my schools and still perform every year. I have had the privilege of working with many of the greats of theatre and TV over the years, Victor Spinetti, Henry McGee, and Dora Bryan being some of my favourites.
This year will be my 34th year in panto. I am not a dancer anymore, but a motherly Dame and I love every minute.
During this time, I worked as a backing dancer for a drag act based in the Midlands and one night in discussion and a little too much alcohol, I agreed to do a number in drag at the next show we were booked at, and my alter ego was born — Miss Tilly Thrills — my act has worked continuously now for over 30 years taking me all over the UK, Holland and the Canary Islands, and to my favourite UK town Blackpool were I have had a summer residency for over nine years working every weekend at three venues being cabaret DJ and performing. So far, the highlight of this journey was being awarded 'Cabaret Performer of the Year' and 'Best Drag Performer' in the Northwest Entertainment Awards in 2020.
A business built on dance
In 1997, I took over an established entertainment agency that I had been working for in Norfolk and as well as teaching, I got the added ability now of being able to send dancers all over the world in my own show group, Viva Floorshow. We had a fantastic time working on shows that went out to Greece, Japan, Gran Canarias and especially for the Combined services entertainment. My dancers worked in many of the top hotels in London and performed monthly at the Royal Grosvenor Hotel. The business has expanded and grown a lot, and we now house a costume design company within the school and build costume sets for three of the large panto companies in the UK; I am proud to say we will be costuming nine professional pantos all over
the UK this coming season and I will be back on the boards in Dick Whittington myself at the Embassy theatre Skegness for Christmas 2024.
The school is still running, I love what I do, and along the way, I have worked on cruise ship launches, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in Shakespeare, been a ninja turtle for a birthday party for the Sultan of Brunei's children, danced at four Royal Command performances, sang and danced at Christmas residencies at the Royal Gardens, Royal Lancaster hotels and the Royal Kensington hotels in London and so many other jobs that have all shaped who I am and met people who have become a massive part of my life.
A lifetime of dedication to dance and BTDA
Did I start as a dancer? Yes, I did. Did I cover modelling, singing, acting, choreography, management, and artistic development? Yes, I did. I think that makes me more than qualified over the years to be a good Examiner with a good understanding of the subjects we study within the BTDA. I am still working within the business we are developing our students for.
BTDA has been a huge part of my life, and I believe in its progress 100%. I have been privileged to be part of its development and have served on several artistic groups and development committees over the years. I am thankful that Miss Ann believed in me and gave me the chances to grow and become me. We haven't always agreed, and I am sure we won't always agree in the future, but you know where you stand, and respect is always there within the association.
Huge strides have been taken in the BTDA, and quite a few leaps of faith have been taken over the years, to be honest. Not many of the old associations I joined all those years ago are here anymore, but the belief and need to educate you, the teachers, is still strong. I do believe from day one that "you are not just a number but a person", which was one of the selling points in the blurb I got as a new member. It is still relevant today as it was then.
BTDA 2024 SCHOLARSHIPS
Back to live events to be held during September and October in five areas as follows:
• Leicester — 19th August • • North East (Sunderland) — 8th September • • London & Essex (Romford) — 15th September •
• East Anglia (St Ives) — 6th October • • North West (Leyland) — 13th October •
Application forms are available from Head Office. Make sure your students don’t miss out; let them have the opportunity to access funds to help with Examination costs.
To a young dancer, I always say take whatever opportunity is sent your way because you never know where it leads. To the young teacher, I always say to develop your skills, take as much training as you can, and do as many teaching examinations as you can, as you never stop learning from them.
I'm not sure I have another 33 years of service left in me for BTDA, but the last 33 have been amazing, and I look forward to finding out if I do.
DANIELLE CAMPBELL
Examiner and Artistic Director for Musical Theatre and Drama
I was born and raised in the Northeast of England in the City of Sunderland, where I still live today. I was born into the performing arts industry; my mother is a professional performer and runs her own stage school, and my father is a professional musician.
As a child, I trained at my mother's school, The Kathleen Davis Stage School in Sunderland, where I studied all forms of dance, taking examinations with BTDA, IDTA and RAD. I also studied drama and took examinations with LAMDA. I took part in regular competitions in dance and drama, but a passion of mine was to perform on stage, and I was so lucky to be able to perform in many venues, including the beautiful Sunderland Empire Theatre on many occasions, often playing a lead role in the Empire Theatre summer schools. This is when I was noticed for having a natural flare for singing, so I started having vocal training with a wonderful lady called Jan Bennett in Newcastle, and here I took Singing exams with ABRSM and Trinity College London. At 16, I studied performing Arts at the City of Sunderland Performer's College, and by 18, I was a fully qualified dance teacher with BTDA and IDTA and got my first professional job playing the Fairy of the Forest in the
pantomime Snow White alongside Ant and Dec. I even ended up understudying and having to go on at the last minute as Snow White — what an experience! I went on to perform all over from here — I was living the dream!
But my real passion was to become a performing arts teacher, just like my mother. So, I set up my own business, Dance Enterprise, which has been going strong for 26 years.
As well as teaching for my mam, I also became a college lecturer for many years and often went into day schools to guest lecture in Performing Arts. Although I decided to slow down my performing career due to starting my own family, I still sang at lots of corporate events, soirées, and weddings alongside my teaching, as well as judging a few competitions here and there. Another passion of mine is working backstage, either as an ASM or as a professional chaperone. I have worked with many big professional companies in pantomimes or on shows such as Billy Elliot, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Full Monty, and The Birmingham Royal Ballet, to name a few.
Fourteen years ago, I became an Examiner with BTDA and joined the Modern Jazz group as an artistic group member. Seven years ago, I was made Artistic Director for Musical Theatre and Drama, which I absolutely love. My business has gone from strength to strength, and I just love teaching, choreographing, and working in all aspects of theatre. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me along the way in my career. Still, a massive thank-you to my mam, Miss Kathleen Davis; without her excellent training and expertise as my teacher and tremendous support as my mother, I would not be where I am today. She is such a unique and inspirational lady who makes me proud to call her my mam every day.
Annual General Meeting
As always, we welcome your attendance at our Annual General Meeting, it is always a pleasure to see you all, and we hope you will join us again this year.
After the morning’s official business, we will be holding around-the-table discussions, so if you have any suggestions for discussion points then please let us know.
After lunch, we are pleased to welcome Kim Rogers, the founder of ‘The Butterfly Mind’.
Kim is an ex-professional singer/dancer turned full-time dance teacher and transformation & mindset coach with a deep passion for teaching young dancers the importance of understanding their well-being to allow them to flourish authentically to their highest potential. We are sure you will find this interesting as she will share some useful advice and guidance.
King Power Stadium, Leicester LE2 7FL
As always, there will be an opportunity for you to catch up with the Artistic Directors, there will be slots for each of the following disciplines Classical Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, to include the launch of the new Grade 2, Lyrical, to include the launch of the new Class Award programme, and Acrobatic, to include the launch of the new Preparatory.
If you have any work you would like clarifying then please email the Artistic Director direct so that they can prepare as much as possible.
Please complete and return the form below along with the required fees if you wish to attend, alternatively, contact us via email, pay over the telephone or direct into our account�
CLOSING DATE FOR TICKETS IS FRIDAY 16 AUGUST
BTDA AGM 2024 — PLACES REQUIRED
Reg. Teacher: £60 • Overseas: £10 • Student Teacher: £42
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Around the schools
News and reports from dance schools and academies
ELEVATION DANCE
Roof with choreography done by Carrie Bianco. This was the first main role for the girls, and they enjoyed it immensely. They will perform in their dancing show in July and then in pantomime in January at Rugby Theatre. A busy schedule for dancers at CBSS.
We were due to perform our biennial show in March. However, just hours before our first performance, we received the heartbreaking news the show had to be cancelled due to a water leak and resulting power outage in the theatre. We knew the show must go on, and seven weeks later (after lots more paperwork, tweaking choreography to account for dancers who couldn’t make the new dates and rehiring costumes!), we took to the stage to perform our Going Global show! We were so proud of the resilience our dancers showed and the performances they put on. We had a wonderful time dancing together again and raised over £3,000 to be split between new equipment and local charities.
BROADWAY STAGE SCHOOL
Sue Thomas, Principal
Not many can say they love their job. I have had a career for 48 years that I have always
loved. I have met so many special people. Thank you to my amazing family and friends who helped with all their hard work and support leading up to my retirement and to everyone who came from up and down the country.
It was an awesome celebration that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Such warmth and deep affection shown by everyone. Thank you.
BURSARY AWARDS
Following the February Technicon at the beginning of the year, it was agreed that each BTDA Competition would introduce a bursary of £100. This was to help those entering the profession and would be awarded to the competitor the adjudicator felt gave the most outstanding performance during the competition. The winners were presented with the funds by the adjudicator along with a letter from BTDA and its Trustees wishing them well for the future. Leicester Area KAYDEN PATEL
Adjudicator: Judith Vardy
London & Essex Area OLIVIA DARTNELL
Adjudicator: Mark Hudson
Adjudicator: Julie McKenna
Artistic Group Reports
Note to Teachers: please ensure you are working from the most up-to-date POS and Music
MODERN JAZZ
Artistic Director: Emma Hillyer
Group Members: Monica Larose, Danielle Campbell, Vicky Grant
Firstly, we would like to welcome Vicky Grant to the Modern Jazz Group.
Vicky trained at the Norma Terry School of Dance and is now a Registered Teacher at the Vicky Grant School of Dance, a BTDA Examiner, and the Area Organizer for East Anglia. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the group, and we look forward to working with her.
We are still looking to recruit new members and have a few applications currently going through the process. If you are interested in being involved in future developments of the programmes or for more information, please email emma@btda.org.uk
POS Correction
• Grade 8 Modern Jazz, Centre 2 –Developpe and Layover exercise. There was an error with the POS. This has now been clarified, and the POS and video footage are correct. The POS is dated January 2022 V2 (version 2).
We are constantly working to ensure that
the Programmes of Study and DVDs are more compatible. If you have a query, please let us know.
Have a great Summer.
Emma Hillyer, Artistic Director
ACROBATIC
Artistic Director: Denise Moore
Group Members: Jill Gough, Katie Guyton, Julie Barker
In February, many teachers attended the first Acrobatic workshop, which was an enjoyable, interactive few days with some lovely people. The feedback was positive and very much appreciated.
We have now completed the new preparatory grade, and we have new music, which the children seem to enjoy. All being well we are launching this at the September meeting.
We have started working on a level one class award, but we feel it needs more work. We plan to get our heads together to start working on a new Primary grade. We did feel that it was important to wait until the prep grade was approved before continuing with the progressions for Primary.
It would be great to have another group member, ideally someone from a central location, so if anyone is interested, please let me know by emailing btdaacrobaticartisticgroup@gmail.com
Denise Moore, Artistic Director
CLASSICAL BALLET
Artistic Director: Kathleen Davis Group Members: Emma Hillyer, Julie Feechan
The new ballet theory and technical questions were implemented recently, and after a few teething problems, they seem to be working very well—feedback is good.
To remind everyone, previous grade theory can be asked at any level, but the Technical Question is only asked in the relevant grade. Each candidate is only asked one technical question, and the examiner should ask this before the dance is performed.
Grade 7 amendments with the removal of all pointe work and added theory will be available in September and compulsory from January 2025.
Going back to our early grades there are a few clarifications to mention on the Primary Grade.
Exercise 2 – 3 points and Demi Plie. The timing is slightly rushed in the video footage.
Steps number 1. Recover, taking the arms to demi second. The candidate holds the skirt in the video. Either is acceptable.
Steps number 4. The skips should commence with the right foot in a degage devant.
Steps number 5. During the final four skips the fourth skip should end in a parallel first. It is four skips and not three as stated in the POS.
It’s nothing too serious, just a few pointers to help tighten things up.
I have nothing else to report at present, so have a relaxing summer, everyone, and I will see you hopefully in September at the AGM. Kathleen Davis, Artistic Director and Head of Vocational Examinations.
TAP
Artistic Director: Mark Hudson Group Members: Jill Gough, Jackie Crumell, Denise Moore, Michelle Bailey
At long last, the summer has arrived. Well, whilst writing this, it has so enjoy the sun and relax when you can.
Thank you for all the positive feedback we have received. We look forward to progressing the BTDA Tap POS over the coming years.
We had a great response to our drive to find new artistic team members. The information packs went out, and we will be welcoming new team members at the September meeting. Please note that if you have missed the information, it is still not too late to apply to us. Drop me an email.
The summer holiday period is a great time to plan for the upcoming terms, and this would be a good time for you to look at the new tap work and see how you can use it in your schools.
Class awards 1 and 2 have been a great asset to the schools and have increased the interest in tap dance again for the younger students; these are conducted by you, the teacher and assessed in a group/class situation. This builds fun back into your classes with easy choreography and great inspirational music; it’s about your student’s participation and their developing enjoyment. There are no right and wrong tick boxes, so consider including these awards in your school timetable. These should also boost your examination entry levels to make the criteria easier to reach and bring in a little monetary help to yourselves as teachers.
OLD TAP POS WORK
• Pre-preparatory
• Preparatory
• Primary
They will not be accepted as examination entries anymore. You have had notices in the Bulletins and on Facebook. Please do not ask
the Head office for exemptions from this rule; you will be refused.
All examiners have been trained on the new work now, and there cannot be an overlap in the work.
We would like to see you use the Intro to Grade 1 tap from now on as a stepping stone into the Graded examination suite. There is a lot of development work studied, and this should not be missed.
Please go back over old bulletins to keep changes that have been made to the BTDA tap work in your minds, there have been changes to the use of vocal music in examinations, but all the changes are fully detailed in the bulletins.
We all thank you for your continued support of the new tap work and always encourage you to ask us about details or queries you have on the work. Bonus points by the time you read this
• The new grade 1 videos will be online for you on examtrack
• The new grade 2 tap will be ready for launch at the september meeting. Please join in with the lecture this year. Bring your tap shoes!
• We will have new artistic group members Happy holidays see you in September.
Mark Hudson, Artistic Director
MUSICAL THEATRE AND DRAMA
Artistic Director: Danielle Campbell Group Member: Julie Barker
At the February Technicon, we launched the brand-new Drama POS and mark scheme. A lot of work has gone into this, and it has taken a lot of time to create and develop, but hopefully, you will find it much easier to follow now and are going to really enjoy using it in your schools. We have tried to include as many different elements of Drama as possible in one exam. So, instead of taking a separate exam, for example, one in speech, one in acting, and one in mime, we have created one exam that covers all the important elements of Drama.
So why have we done this, you might ask? Well, with the new POS, students are going to be learning skills that will greatly help them as professionals in the performing or teaching industry. It covers many elements that professional performing arts colleges ask our students to do when they attend their auditions, such as acting, sight reading, and Improvisation. It helps develop life skills. Covering more elements in one exam makes it more cost-effective for the parent/guardian.
The new POS includes Silver and Gold Rose Awards, Crystal Awards level 1 to 5, Preparatory and Primary Grades and performance medals, Where the grading will be Pass, Commended, Highly Commended, Honours and Honours Star.
In grades 1 to 8, marks will now be awarded with a grade of Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction Platinum. You should now be able to see that there is a gradual progression through the grades, which increases demand at each level.
Please be aware that the new POS will be compulsory starting February 2025; it will be called Drama, not Speech and Drama. So, you have a few months to enter any candidates currently working on the old POS, but you can enter candidates on the new POS with immediate effect. Please advise the examiner which one you are using before the exam session.
Please have a close look at the rules page at the front of the POS; it provides very detailed information about preparing your students for the exam.
If you are not already using the BTDA Drama POS in your school, please take some time to have a look at it—it really could be a fantastic element to add to your timetable. Drama helps language development and English literature studies. It helps build confidence, ignite creativity and imagination, develop body language, listening and observational skills, help build relationships, and much more. Your students would gain so much from studying our new Drama POS, so why not give it a go?
If anyone has any questions or would like
some help with any aspect of the Drama or Musical Theatre POSs, please don’t hesitate to drop an email to me or a member of the team; we are always happy to help!
Best wishes
Danielle Campbell, Artistic Director
GREEK
Artistic Director: Yvonne Novelli Group Members: Carla Session, Laura Mercer, Nicola Hiller
The study programme continues to progress with the adjustments stated in the February report. Unfortunately, there was only a small amount of interest shown to the planned zoom this will now take place before the end of July.
I am currently working on a class exam; I’m just finding it difficult to select suitable music. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Yvonne Novelli, Artistic Director
LYRICAL
Artistic Director: Tracy Liggins Group Members: Jacqui Everitt, Wendy Oram
We are pleased to say that the Lyrical Class One Award is in its final stages of completion, and we will launch and demonstrate it at the AGM in September. Thank you to my artistic group and Mr Hudson for his assistance with the music. We hope you are as excited to see it as we are to deliver it to you! Have a great summer (hopefully, we will get some nice weather!), and see you in September!
Tracy Liggins, Artistic Director
MODELLING
Artistic Director: Wendy Oram Group member: Jackie Crumell
No changes to the POS have been made since the last bulletin. We have almost completed a replacement for the Modelling Diploma, which we hope students will feel comfortable adding to their college/agency applications or
CVs. We should have this in place by the end of the summer break.
Please email me at wendymorton.acad@ tiscali.co.uk with any queries or help/advice on Modelling work. I wish everyone a fabulous summer.
Wendy Oram, Artistic Director
CONTEMPORARY
Artistic Director: Fritha Fallon
Firstly, I would like to reassure you that the Contemporary Dance Programme of Study has not changed recently. Grade Four is the next in line for review.
One of my recent productions was in support of Mental Health Awareness Week, and this reminded me to share a discussion that I had with a few of you. Contemporary dance does tend to have a reputation for being serious and, therefore, focused on serious and perhaps difficult issues. In contrast to this, many people’s motivation for taking dance classes is escapism and fun. I would like it to be clear that the Repertoire dances you choreograph for the Contemporary examinations can be based on any idea or theme, which can be abstract or expressive. There are no extra marks for tackling serious or difficult themes! Contemporary dance can be playful and joyful. It does not have to be based on a problem or negative life experience. I personally think it is important to focus creative endeavours on positive outcomes. Contemporary dance classes for whatever age, but especially when they are for children, can be full of vibrant, celebratory, and positive energy. If you were feeling weighed down by the idea that your Contemporary dances ought to be a certain way, I hope you now feel free to explore a wider variety of themes. I hope this is inspiring and will also help everyone by providing learning environments that promote mental and physical health and wellbeing.
I wish you all good health and hope you enjoy working on uplifting projects.
Fritha Fallon, Artistic Director
OBITUARIES
PETE COOPER
1 May 1950 –5 January 2024
It is with deep sadness that we report the loss of Peter Cooper, a long-standing BTDA Trustee and dedicated steward. He is a sad loss and will be truly missed. He will always be remembered.
MONICA JOAN OSBORNE
7 March 1932 –15 January 2024
With deepest sadness, we report the loss of our founder principal, Miss Monica Osborne, early in the year. Miss Monica trained with Miss Ann Oliver in her youth and was a long-standing member and supporter of BTDA. Musical Theatre and Drama were her passions, and she inspired many students to go on to dance and act professionally, including on cruise ships and the West End.
FAMILY ALBUM
CHRISTINE OSTMAN
4 October 1952 –26 April 2024
Christine Ostman, a former member of the BTDA team, sadly passed away on Friday, April 26. Many of you will remember her as she welcomed everyone to the meetings and dealt with your membership and registration queries.
Congratulations REBECCA JAYNE DAWSON
Jasper Matthew Hanson-Bjørn Dawson was born on 13 May 2024, weighing 7.2 lbs. You have completed our family after a seven-year journey. Jasper means 'most precious'.
Keeping Children Safe — safeguarding guidance
Teachers will be aware the requirements for Registration were updated in January following the Department for Educations publication — Keeping Children Safe in Out of School Settings.
So, what is an out-of-school settings? An organisation or individual who provides community activities, tuition or after school clubs for children. Such as youth clubs, after-school and holiday clubs, private tuition, music and dance lessons and sports training.
The guidance covers advice on what policies and procedures providers should have in place for:
• Health and safety
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Staff suitability
• Governance
BTDA supports this document, and the Teachers registration process ensures we show a duty of care to students taking BTDA examinations. As a result of the publication, we ask all teachers to provide evidence of:
• Enhanced DBS certificate/ Police check
• Practical First Aid certificate
• Safeguarding course for children
• Policy, procedure, and licence checklist
To view the full document, click or scan the QR code. It also provides useful information to download such as leaflets and posters.
Vocational Examinations
Congratulations to the following students who have gained Vocational Examinations
Ailsa Brodie
Aine Devlin
Alexandra Raach
Alice Richards
Amber Coomer
Amber Henstock
Amelia Andrews
Amelia Manning
Amelia McCrea
Amie Aitken
Ana Margarida Pinheiro
Aoife McLaughlin
Aoife O'Neill
Beatrix Oldham
Bella-Rae Lyon
Beth Turnbull
Bethany Ann Grech
Spiteri
Caitlin Winkley Allen
Cara Flynn
Cara Kirby
Cara Kolade
Carlie Bridgeman
Cathering Thurley
Celine Tabone
Chanelle Abela
Charlotte Heath
Charlotte Routley
Charlotte Rudge
Charlotte Vaughan
Chloe Louise Smith
Clara Devlin
Clara O'Neill
Clara Tucker
Cliona Brady
Daisy Wilkes
Daniel Elliott
Darcey Coates-Gill
Delphie O'Neill
Ebony Clarke
Ebony Grace Williams
Elise Merchant
Ellie Henfrey
Ellie-May Hearst
Emily Braimbridge
Emily Drayne
Emily Payne
Emily Rose
Emily Rose Simpson
NOVEMBER 2023 – MAY 2024
Emma Arthur
Emma Chambers
Emma Horridge
Emma McHugh
Emma Williams
Enya Nugent
Esme Corless
Esther Barnett
Euphemia
Bazeley-Smith
Eve Houldcroft
Evelyn Annie Hickford
Florence Jenkins
Gabriela Leite
Gemma Harris
Georgia Pallatt
Georgia Spriggs
Georgie Radnor
Georgina Lee
Grace Aina
Grace Briggs
Grace Byrne
Grace Dagley
Grace Lindsey
Grace Mckenzie
Gracie-Mae Steele
Halle Mboma-Butler
Hannah Archer
Hannah Casha
Hannah Crabb
Hannah Drayne
Harriet Burrill
Heidi Hutchinson
Holly Charlson
Holly Robinson Smith
Isabel Bentley
Isabel Sharp
Isabella Moore
Isabella Naylor
Isabella Sinclair
Isabelle Halliday
Isabelle Pitchers
Isla Howitt
Isobelle Marheineke
Isobelle Moore
Izabella Rossi
Jack Chadwick
Jade Cauchi
Jaimee Coombes
Jemma Toon
Jessica Bullock
Jessica Peel
Jessica Wolfenden
Joshua Burdett
Kate Malcolm
Katie Eve Scales
Kayden Patel
Keela Donnelly
Keira Edge Kia Lee
Kimi Ellis Ricci
Krista Jo Caruana
Kristina Gauci
Lahela May Reid
Laura Mills
Lauren Old
Leah Spendlove
Lexie-Brooke Owen
Libby Price
Lilian Shafer
Liliana Norman
Lillie May Marshall
Lily Corby
Lily Ingamells
Louisa May Chadwick
Lucy Drayne
Lucy Lee
Lucy Marland
Lucy Rose Clarke
Lucy Townsend
Lydia Singleton
Madison York
Maia Clapham
Maisie Ablott
Maria Salmon
Martha Hiscock
Matilda Haves
Maya Holloway
Megan Wright
Mia Bradley
Mia Burrill
Mia Witherington
Millie Evans
Millie-Ann Louise Marriott
Molly Ismay
Molly McGrady
Naomi Tobias
Natalie Towner
Niamh Joy Vaughan
Niamh O'Hagan
Niamh Wilson
Nikita Fenech
Oliver Cawthorne
Olivia Schofield
Olivia Smith
Orla Meachem
Phoebe Boyd
Phoebe Wilkinson
Polly Vere
Rachel Louise Tunney
Raisa Hili
Rebecca Bentham
Rebecca Logan
Rebecca Powell
Riya Jadav
Romilly Sibley
Rosemary Elliott
Ruby Bell
Sandra Al Nagar
Saoirse Keenan
Scarlett Cairns
Scarlett Davis
Scarlotte WilsonPickering
Seren O'Neill
Sian Jennifer Edwards
Sienna Goodbun
Sienna Wallace
Sophia Allen
Sophie Devlin
Sophie Gill
Sophie Prior
Sophie Wesley
Sophie Zschaeck
Sophie-Jayne Bunting
Talisha Bajarias
Tegan Frary
Tess McKenna
Thea Gauci
Tilly Boulton
Willow Jacobs
Willow Peake
Zane Jethwa
Zara Davey
2024 LCPA GRADUATES
