PROFESSIONAL DANCERS REUNITE AFTER 50 YEARS
Announcement posted by Reconnect PR 12 Nov 2015
12th November 2015, Sydney, Australia- Australian Dance Vision owner and founder Penny Lancaster reunites with classical dancer and friend Darryl Jaffray after 50 years. The two former Australian professional dance students from the Scully Borovansky Dance School in Sydney reunite after over 50 years to review dance education in Australia.
After graduating Penny and Darryl embarked on entirely separate dance careers, literally, on opposite sides of the world. Penny continued her dance career in teaching in Australia. Darryl headed for the Royal Ballet School and subsequently, the Royal Ballet in the UK where she went on to become Director of Education. In 2002, Penny was awarded a Centenary Medal for her contribution to dance in the community. In 2006, Darryl was awarded an MBE for Services to Dance.
During these 50 years, whilst, both kept in touch as distant friends, neither spoke of their professional lives. Darryl and Penny have recently realised that they were dancing to the same tune. These professional dancers and educators discovered that their concepts of dance education for young people had evolved independently yet along virtually identical lines. Their common philosophy is the need for an academic education in dance related subjects whilst training. They believe that this type of education – combining practical skills with knowledge - leads to greater opportunities for employment. It also contributes to happier dancers and teachers with elevated self-esteem. This is very important today, when eating disorders, low self esteem and social media exposure are on the rise.
After 50 years, Darryl and Penny have re-united and spent quality time together discussing various aspects of dance education.
“It’s been both good fun and interesting to talk dance and catch up on dance stories,” says Penny Lancaster.
Darryl adds, "Whereas Penny stayed true to her roots, teaching ballet and helping others to explore better ways of teaching and learning dance, I spent a considerable period away from the dance world, first studying for a Psychology Degree, then working as a class teacher in state primary schools. I think I needed that distance, those different experiences to crystallise my ideas. Only when I returned to the Royal Opera House in 1987 did I re-immerse myself in the world of ballet. I think Penny is marvellous to have pursued her vision and contributed so much to the dance community throughout her life. "
Both women are amazed how their shared passion developed simultaneously whilst never discussing it until recent times.
Darryl states: “How is it, that, our ideas are so similar?”
Penny replies: “Maybe it says something about why we became friends in the first place? It’s really important to get it right because much unhappiness is caused by unrealistic expectations in very young dancers. Dreams are great and important but need to be strengthened with positive life skills.”
Penny is the founder of Australian Dance Vision. ADV developed a tailor made syllabus, which is well known for its holistic approach and pursuit of educational excellence. ADV offers a complete dance education, in 4 dance styles, for all levels from pre-school aged children through to professional dancers.Through Penny's foresight and pursuit of extraordinary teaching and education standards, ADV became a registered training organisation in the late1990s.
As early as 1998, Australian Dance Vision had created the first Australian government vocational accredited dance program in Certificates I-IV in Dance Performance Studies for the young dancer, which has been taught to thousands of students around the nation.ADV then went on to create the Australian Dance Institute as a Government accredited registered training organisation with ‘open access’ to all dance societies, students and teachers.
Although Darryl has retired from full time work, she continues her interest in dance, working for the Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET) UK accrediting colleges for the performing arts and validating dance societies.
-ENDS-
For further information contact:
Penny Lancaster
Curriculum Director and Founding Director
Australian Dance Vision
PO 6178, Pymble 2073 NSW
(02) 9449 4212 - 0407 406 020
www.adv.org.au