The Council for Dance Education and Training has now set up its criteria for granting recognition to pre-vocational dance and musical theatre schools and invites applications, see page 96. This recognition, which already has the full support of Dancing Times and The Stage and is seeking backing from within the profession itself, requires evidence that all its requirements are fully covered in three separate declarations – the requirements were set out fully in our issue of last November, page 75. It is, as we have stated, a vital step in ensuring the safe teaching of the under-16 age group, the group when, especially in classical ballet, actual harm may be done to a young person by bad or inadequate teaching. CDET is preparing the certificates of recognition and hopes to have them ready in the early spring when confirmation of support has been formally received from all the supporting bodies who have been approached. Meantime, schools are urged to make contact with CDET as soon as possible and visit the website www.cdet.org.uk in the pre-vocational dance section.

We reported last year on the success of the first MOVE IT Dance London event and this month give details of the 2007 exhibition, which promises to be even bigger and better, see pages 18-19. Robert Greskovic reintroduces the repertory and dancers of American Ballet Theatre, coming back to London after far too long an absence. Leanne Benjamin talks frankly to Gerald Dowler, and Mary Goodhew continues her invaluable series on The Making of a Dancer. DanceScene International covers seasonal and other events throughout the UK as well as productions in Copenhagen, Monte Carlo, Paris, St Petersburg and New York while the television page salutes the BBC’s contributions.