First, we must thank the host of readers who have already responded to our survey and, especially, those who have taken the trouble to add constructive observations (or criticisms!) in addition to answering the questions. All are being carefully read and all will eventually be analysed. A full report on our findings will be published, probably in our June issue. If you have not already replied, there is still time as the closing date for entries is April 30. If you need a copy of the survey email dt@dancing-times.co.uk or write to us at our usual address. You can also complete the survey online by going to www.dancing-times.co.uk.
By the time of the May issue we shall be able to report on the huge MOVE IT event at Olympia and on the CDET’s campaign, much publicised there, to monitor safe teaching of dance and musical theatre in the pre-vocational schools, which is supported by Dancing Times and The Stage.
This month we introduce readers to Lez Brotherston, whose designs have contributed so much to new ballets, especially those of Matthew Bourne. David Wall, the first Crown Prince Rudolf, talks about the creation of Kenneth MacMillan’s epic Mayerling. Anthony Meredith, co-author of a new biography, writes about the ballets of Malcolm Williamson, one time Master of the Queen’s Music. Noël Goodwin describes the happy working relationship with dancers enjoyed by conductor Robert Irving. We have details of the manifold celebrations planned in the USA to commemorate the centennial of Lincoln Kirstein.
And remember International Dance Day, which commemorates the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), and was created by the International Theatre Institute, UNESCO, which falls on April 29.