Ararat dance exam students excel
Ararat Dance Centre participants received accolades for the season following their end of year concert in Horsham Town Hall.
Director-principal Karly Harris said several dancers received recognition for their longevity.
“We recognise and praise the commitment and dedication of all students and their families every year, but when students have performed with us for five years we like to recognise that officially, by awarding a certificate and medallion,” she said.
“In 2016 we presented the first five-year service recipients and this year we are pleased to congratulate several other students on their addition to the ‘Five Year Club.”
Five-year recipients were: Wilhelm Mellors, Olivia Davidson, Poppy Toner, Isobel Leggett, Stella Wheeler, Keira Salmi, Maiya Salmi, Cohan Fenn, Makenzie Fenn, Ellouise Mcauliffe, Imogene Tonks, Rachel Mccready, Sam Briggs, Kristy Fenn, Madeleine Kelly, Amy Lewis, Julie Kuchel, Joanne Holm, Tricia Connarty, Louise Vernon, Sri Kalluri, Narelle Briggs and Melanie Jones.
Exam students were also recognised for their efforts and achievements at the awards ceremony.
This year, Ararat Dance Centre students again studied the ATOD – Australian Teachers of Dance – syllabus for ballet but also presented for tap exams in this syllabus for the first time.
“We welcomed Mrs Cheryl Witchell from Melbourne to examine the students,” Miss Harris said.
“The ATOD is a world recognised syllabus which requires teachers to attend updates every 12 months and students need to undertake classes for at least six months on the current level to ensure the complex work can be executed with the precision and the technique required in order to pass these examinations.
“We had 51 students present for their classical ballet examinations over a range of levels, with eight students receiving honours plus in their respective levels. In our first group of 13 students who sat the bronze medal tap examination, one student received honours plus and Eadie Stephens achieved honours with distinction, the highest mark possible in ATOD examinations.”
Students also sat Glenn Wood Tap Exams with examiner Darren Disney – an original Tap Dog – and took the opportunity to participate in workshops with him.
“This was an incredible opportunity and Mr Disney brought so much to these students,” Miss Harris said.
“It was fascinating to listen to his experiences, learn tap tips and watch him and his art. “Our tap exam results were outstanding. “We had 43 examinations completed on the day and all students received 92 or above, earning them either a high distinction or gold award.”
Four students, all in level five, received a gold award with 98 marks.