NEWS

Renata Carvalho and Amanda Pegrum were both accepted for a three year performing arts course at The Centre in South East London and started there in September 06. In January 2008, they joined the teaching staff at Variations. Renata successfully auditioned for a contract dancing aboard a cruise liner and started on 1st March 2009, so sadly we have had to say goodbye to her for the time-being. Also in September 09, Amanda went on to pursue a career in Bollywood dance so it was farewell to her too!

In November 2006, Sasha Magnus successfully auditioned for Elmhurst School for Dance in association with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The director was so impressed with her that they asked her to join in January 2007 rather than waiting for the new academic year in September.

Daniel Mulligan was accepted for the Zurich Ballet. - one of the world's top ballet companies - and started a contract there in August 2007. He has since toured in Germany, Austria, Italy, Egypt, Shanghai, Thailand and Singapore and he is thoroughly enjoying his first professional engagement. Daniel has been offered a contract three ranks higher in the company - 'gruppe mit solo' from August 2009.

Charlie Ames has been accepted as an associate at the 'The Centre' performing arts school, which will supplement his training at 'Variations'. He has also been cast in the lead role in 'Oliver!' at the Kenneth More Theatre in July 08. 2008 to 2009 has been a very successful year for Charlie, who firstly appeared in 'Joseph' and went on to successfully audition for 'Oliver!', both in the West End.

Congratulations to Charlie Ames and Jessica Thompson (dance) and Porscha Bennett-Skepple(piano) who have won Festival places and medals.

In March 2009, Variations presented three numbers at the Redbridge Dance Link Concert at the Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford. Jessica Thompson danced a very quirky 'Hairspray' tap number, Dinah Berger, Charlotte Blatt, Aimee Bowkett and Sofia Palazzo-Corner performed a delightful classical ballet quartet on pointe and the adult tappers danced their funny version of Mr Sandman.

As usual, the summer term 2009 was very busy. Firstly, we had the music concert on Sunday 21st June. Standards are increasing year after year and as always there was a mix of solos, duos and ensembles/band numbers ranging from classical to rock. There were keyboard players, pianists, guitarists, drummers, violinists, saxophonists, flautists, clarinettists, singers and one recorder-player involved - great fun! Next came the senior dance performance 'The Adventures of Major Tom' at the Broadway Theatre, Barking on Sunday 12th July. This was a tale of what really happened to Major Tom, with scenes from various planets and stars, ending with a fun finale to the 'Startrek' theme! In addition to these performances, many students were also busy with various dance and music exams - again - all achieving well. In the summer term 2010, we will again present the annual music concert (date TBC) and on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th July we will present our whole school performance at the Harlow Playhouse.

On Sunday 4th October 09, Variations will be hosting a performance as part of the 2nd Woodford Festival (www.woodfordfestival.org.uk) - a nine-day event celebrating the wide variety of arts in our area. Pupils will be presenting numbers in a wide range of dance styles. There will also be two numbers offered at the special 21st anniversary of Redbridge Dance Link performance on Sunday 11th November at the Kenneth More Theatre.

As usual, amongst all the performing, serious work will be given to exam preparation this year towards all the dance, music and singing exams, so we wish the pupils every success in these.

We were delighted to welcome Chris Kemsley as our drum teacher in September 2008. He had already stepped in to cover lessons before and is proving to be a great asset to the school. We were very sorry to say goodbye to guitar teacher Tim Ward, who took on a full-time position in web design, but equally excited to welcome back Spencer Cullum, Tim's predecessor, as he has now finished touring the States. A second guitar teacher, James Kirsch, was also appointed and has proved to be a committed and inspiring tutor. Violin lessons were introduced in 2008 under the excellent guidance of Catherine Hamilton and former pupil Danny Neville has returned following his graduation from Southampton University with a 2:1 music degree to teach piano, keyboard and singing. More recently, Renata Carvalho was successful in obtaining a contract dancing aboard a cruise liner, and we were very sorry to see her go. Her lessons will now be taught by Natalie Lane and Danni Lane, who have kindly extended their hours. Amanda Pegrum has also gone onto pastures new in Bollywood dance and so we're delighted that Lisa Pirie , who has given years of invaluable experience at Variations, has stepped in to take over Amanda's classes. Of course, some mention should be made of our excellent long-term teachers at Crescendo - Sally Cooper and Viva Genova and to the equally talented newer members of the team - Amy Little, Jon Sterry, Anita Pirie and Rebbecca Neofitou. We are very pleased also to welcome Georgia Goodfellow to teach piano, keyboard and drums from September 09. Georgia is another graduate from Southampton University and we are looking forward to working with her.

At Summer School 09, the children had a great time with classes in ballet, repertoire, tap, modern, jazz, street dance, contemporary, choreography, musical theatre/singing, drama and arts and crafts. The course really broadens their dance & drama experiences, giving them a taste of other styles they do not normally study. The week ended with a display for parents, and the dates for 2010 are already booked in - Monday 2nd to Friday 6th August.

UP AND COMING EVENTS

Sunday 4th October - Performance at Woodford Festival, Woodbridge High School, 2.30pm
Sunday 11th November - 21st Anniversary Performance of Redbridge Dance Link, Kenneth More Theatre 2.30pm
Wednesday 2nd December - RAD Ballet exams
Friday 18th December - ISTD Modern, Tap and Jazz exams
November/December (Dates TBC) - Music and Singing exams
Saturday 13th March 2010 - Redbridge Dance Link Concert, Kenneth More Theatre, 2pm and 7pm
February/March 2010 - Dance, Music and Singing exams
June/July 2010 (Dates TBC) - Dance, Music and Singing exams and Annual Music Concert
Sunday 6th and Monday 7th July 2010 - Whole School Performance, Harlow Playhouse (6.30pm Sunday, 7pm Monday)