Magazine 2020

170 | Edition No. 23 | 2020 2020 hit us like a violent earthquake that shook us to the core of our foundation. All of the Dance Department’s plans for the academic year were cancelled. Events such as the Cape Town Eisteddfod, RAD Centenary Festival, Cultural Assemblies and International Exams were no longer an option. Activities that the dancers and teach- ers alike use to set goals, develop comradery, artistry and very importantly the sense of accomplishment that comes with having completed and achieving in some sort of an assessment, that you have worked towards over a long period of time. Yet, the majority of our dancers adapted and embraced the online dance classes. Forging ahead with determined per- severance. A skill that our older and more experienced dancers have developed over the many years of dance training that they have already received. So when the time came for us as a Department to submit our photos for the magazine, we decided to showcase the Secondary dancers in the newly built Innovation Centre. This reminded me of the similarities between Dance and Architecture. Dance and Architecture are two disciplines of creativity that stem from a common denominator. They both re- quire a strong solid foundation and use space as a main medium for creative interpretation. Buildings need strong concrete slabs, often reinforced with steel rods or wire mesh. Rigid insulation and stepped footings. A dancer’s foundation is developed by the type of technique required for a particular genre. The style and form is based entirely on geometry in terms of the body. Arms, legs, torso, feet and gaze are all dependent on the correct placement of line and accurate technique. Years will be spent honing and crafting this aspect of a professional dancer. - Sofia Kondylia You cannot cut corners or skimp on the quality of product or training, otherwise deep cracks will appear and marr or damage the end creation. Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and the legendary choreographer George Bal- anchine both based their masterpieces on form, shape and line. Attending to every nuance and detail in their crea- tions. Developing their mediums to the highest possible skill and therefore leaving a legacy for future generations to aspire towards. The lockdown period for many of us has been a time for contemplation and self reflection. It has taught us to re- evaluate our training and learning methods. To go back to simplicity, reassess our dancers’ line and form and spend quality time revising the basics of the fundamental foundations of our dance technique. I can only hope that moving forwards, our dancers will have developed a deeper appreciation for normality and increased their mental attitude to allow flexibility towards change and embrace the unknown. “ An idea is salvation by imagination” - Frank LloydWright Sylvie Stander