Festival of Dance kicks off with classical Greek
The Guernsey Festival of Dance began with a full day of classical Greek performances yesterday.
Kay Ball was called in to adjudicate the specialist dance style. She trained at the London College of Dance and Drama and is principal of her own dance school in England.
‘It’s very enjoyable coming back to Guernsey,’ she said.
The Guernsey Festival of Dance wanted an adjudicator who was well versed in Greek, with it being a specialised subject of study and practice.
‘There’s a lot of people, who because they haven’t trained in it or studied it, don’t know the details, the lines and designs,’ said Mrs Ball.
Greek dance is based on the body’s natural placement and is a style for those who enjoy drama, have good musicality and use expression well.
It is accessible for any type of body and is based on Greek history.
‘The founder was into Greece and its historical background,’ said Mrs Ball.
‘There are some fabulous dancers and some good talent here who have been coached well in the Greek style and syllabus.'
She said the standard of dances she had seen was very good, and how lovely it was to see an inclusive festival.
Abi Mallet, alongside Aoife Gallagher, both 15, partnered in a winning classical Greek duet.
Abi has been dancing since she was four years old, learning multiple dance styles and has taken part in five Guernsey dance festivals.
‘I’m the happiest when I’m on stage,’ she said. She faces another 11 performances at the festival this week.
She added that the festival allowed dancers to gain more experience, learn a lot and push themselves.
Aoife has been dancing for 13 years and has also taken part in five Guernsey dance festivals.
‘I love the atmosphere and dancing on stage,’ she said.
Georgina Essa, 8, won her classical Greek solo dance.
‘I’m proud of myself for winning,’ she said.
Greek allows dancers a freedom of movement and Mrs Ball has a strong passion for it as something she has always wanted to promote and do.
‘I’ve tried to encourage those who perhaps need to develop their technique or performance skills a little bit more,’ she said.
The festival runs at Beau Sejour until Saturday.
