Spanish Dance II

In 1965, in South Africa, Spanish dance was, for the first time ever codified into a teaching method, graded according to age and ability. The Spanish Dance Society was formed by senior teachers from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. At the suggestion of Ivy Conmee, an examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance, a syllabus was created by founding members Mercedes Molina, Rhoda Rivkind and Madame Gitanilla, from Johannesburg, Mavis Becker, Deanna Blacher and Marina Keet from Cape Town, and Theo Dantes and Bernie Lyle from Durban. Later Enrique Segovia set the boys syllabus and other professionals contributed to the development of the organisation. The basic components of Spanish dance, including the existing Escuela Bolera exercises and dances, were arranged into a method to teach the technique of Spanish dancing. The founders had all studied with reputable Spanish teachers and/or performed with well-known Spanish dance companies. They based the exercises on the work of these teachers and set the standard as that needed in a Spanish dance company. Thus the pupil is prepared with basic components that comprise the dances. The technique is broken down into castanet playing, steps, footwork, arm movements and various different types of turns, which are taught progressively in a series of seven graded junior levels and three senior levels, each examination culminating in the presentation of two or three dances of regional, classical or flamenco styles.There is also a pure flamenco syllabus, if the dancer wishes to study that exclusively. Most students follow both syllabi. The ensuing three examinations for training a teacher are comprised of knowledge of all the prior work, the theory and historical background plus an understanding of the music, dance psychology and anatomy. The final examination for teachers also includes the Pericet Escuela Bolera syllabus and dances, as codified by Marina Keet based on her classes with Eloy Pericet in Madrid. Syllabus books, theory and recorded music are available to accompany the syllabus. This Spanish Dance Society has spread worldwide, and at present is taught in Australia, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, the USA, the and although it started outside Spain; it is now enthusiastically taught there as well. " with thanks to http://www.spanishdancesociety.org/main/history.htm

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