The Dandara-sponsored Manx Music, Speech and Dance Festival will feature several exciting new dance classes in 2016 as it continues to develop and expand its programme.

‘The Guild’ as it is commonly known, has previously included Ballet, Musical Comedy and Cabaret classes and in more recent years there has been Manx Dancing and County Dancing. To prepare teachers and students for the new categories, a ‘Competing in Dance’ workshop has been arranged for Sunday 15th November 2015 at the Villa Marina Arcade from 1-4pm.

The classes will be for school Year 3 and upwards, including adults, and will be Solo Ballet, Group Modern and Character Duet in three different age groups: Years 3 to 6; Years 7 to 10; and Years 11 and Over.

The Solo Ballet should include adage and allegro (slow and quick movements) and costume intended for classical ballet should be worn.

The Group Modern class is an opportunity to have some fun with friends. The style can be anything with a modern twist such as jazz, stage, contemporary, hip-hop and street.

The Character Duet gives competitors a chance join with a friend to act out a story from a book, play, film or cartoon or to play historical characters. The piece can be a dramatic or humorous presentation incorporating the mannerisms and essential features of a person, for instance an animal, bird, reptile or insect. Competitors are permitted to interpret the words of a song or spoken word.

Festival Secretary, Jacqueline Yates, said: ‘As these classes are new to the festival, the workshop has been arranged to help encourage entries and guide competitors to know more about what to expect. Internationally recognised choreographer and dance adjudicator, Jill Baldock, will give an introductory talk and this will be followed by 10 minute slots for individuals or groups to perform to the audience and receive feedback exactly as they would in the competition, but without actually being marked.

‘This workshop has been made possible through the support of our festival sponsors Dandara and the Lord Cockfield Memorial Trust, for which we’re very grateful.’

For further details about the new classes, please see the Festival Syllabus or attend the workshop on 15th November. Tickets are ?4 and are available from the Festival Secretary, Jacqueline Yates on 614725, theguild@manx.net or by sending a stamped, addressed envelope to 12 Devonshire Road, Douglas, IM2 3RB.

Photo - ‘Competing in Dance’ workshop poster.