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Posted on September 24, 2020
Yes, the headline on the front cover of this month’s Dancing Times is correct – dance really has been returning to the stage in several countries, although it hasn’t quite happened here in the UK just yet. As lockdowns are eased around the world, in Dance Scene International our critics report on performances that have taken place recently in Hong Kong, Germany and Switzerland. These are small steps back into some kind of new normality for the performing arts, so let’s hope this is the start of a trend and not a premature blip that will lead us straight back into lockdown.
There is also a focus on teaching in this month’s issue, as we hear from Susan Pilarre of the School of American Ballet, and Geraldine Morris, who has just made a film about Ninette de Valois’ 1947 teaching syllabus, as well as a number of ballroom, Latin American and partner dance teachers working in the UK. Dance studios are starting to open again here in the UK, although it’s far too early to say how effective the new government guidelines on teaching dance in classrooms, rather than online, will be.
Finally, Dancing Times was very pleased to receive such a positive response to our focus on Black Dancers Matter in last month’s magazine – it’s good to know our readers are keen to see greater diversity in the art form we love. We did, however, receive a negative response from someone writing under a false name, but that letter – as will all others written to us by racists – ended up in the dustbin, where it belonged. It is a reminder that the process of greater equality for all, in all walks of life, is only just beginning.
JONATHAN GRAY
14. The human element
Maggie Foyer talks to South African dancer and choreographer Mthuthuzeli November
18. Dancing for Mr B
Gavin Larsen interviews Susan Pilarre of the School of American Ballet
23. Massed movement missed
Paul Arrowsmith on how the Olympics can be a showcase for performers and choreographers
36. Dance Scene International
Dance back on stage in Germany, Hong Kong and Switzerland
27. Back to business?
Nicola Rayner hears from ballroom, Latin and other partner dance teachers and school owners about the reopening of dance studios
30. From ballerina to baroness… and beyond
Part two of Matthew Paluch’s interview with Deborah Bull
34. Dancing De Valois
Geraldine Morris on a new film that demonstrates Ninette de Valois’ 1947 teaching syllabus
44. Lord of the dance
Alison Gallagher-Hughes meets David Douglass
46. Tips on technique
By James Whitehead
47. Technique clinic
By Phil Meacham
48. Simon’s Guide to Swing
Simon Selmon remembers Lance Benishek
49. Stepping Out
Marianka Swain reports on same-sex classes in and post-lockdown
50. Somewhere in time
By Jack Reavely
6. News
UK government bailout for the arts, Friedemann Vogel
10. Letters
12. Talking point
By Roanne Cox
39. FRANCE/dance
By Laura Cappelle
40. Letter from St Petersburg
Igor Stupnikov watches dance online
41. Notes from New York
Jack Anderson sees a new version of Anna Sokolow’s Rooms
51. Subscriptions
53. Dancer of the Month
Margaret Willis interviews Scottish Ballet’s Grace Horler
57. Obituaries
Sally Banes, Nikolai Fadeyechev
59. Products
61. Education
90th birthday celebrations for bbodance
62. Fur and feathers
Debbie Malina looks at how beasts of every description weave their way into the very fabric of dance
65. Classifieds
66. Last Dance
We look back to August 1980