Over Saturday and Sunday we managed to complete our first “nearly normal” exam session with the NATD since Covid began. We had already had a session in July where everyone either danced as a couple or solo but this time we were able to partner everyone as we usually would.
We were still limiting changing and the numbers of people in reception at any one time but in spite of these added complications the weekend went remarkably smoothly. We did have a small hiccup on Saturday when we had three power outages which meant we lost about half an hour. Apologies to those people affected and who had to dance to improvised music. It is the last thing needed when you are already nervous about performing, but you all coped brilliantly and thank you for your co-operation and understanding. Also thank you for your patience to those whose exams were delayed as a result, although we did manage to catch up most of the lost time by the end.
The examiner was Mrs Valerie Laws from Whitby who commented that she had “thoroughly enjoyed the weekend” and thought the standard was “tremendous”. She was also delighted to see so much Classical Sequence.
Boris was of course in attendance throughout and he too thought you were all brilliant in what you have achieved over a very difficult and trying period.
We now have time to relax a little as we approach the festive season before we begin what will hopefully be a much better New Year.
Thank you Robert and Louise for working so hard to ensure everyone could continue to take their examinations when the power went off