It was my absolute privilege to be invited once again to examine in New Zealand. It is no secret how much I love this beautiful country and the professional relationships I have developed with the wonderful New Zealand teachers.
Arriving in Auckland on the 20th of November we travelled to Rotorua to relax and recover from jet lag. Whilst here we visited the famous ‘hot springs’, a place I have always wanted to visit, and it lived up to expectations.
On the 22nd the tour began, taking me to Cambridge and Palmerston North on the North Island. Then travelling to the South Island visiting Nelson and Christchurch, we then returned to the North Island, the final 5 days examining being in Wellington and Levin.
The tour incorporated me visiting 9 schools, 15 days examining, 1 Examiners standardisation, 5 internal flights, and several car journeys which allowed us to see some of the beautifully scenery of New Zealand.
I had 2 days off, the first of which was spent visiting the Brook Waimãrama Sanctuary in Nelson, a stunning and peaceful place to re-energise. The second day off was in Christchurch but by now this was taken up by completing reports!
Throughout New Zealand the standard of work is impressive especially the higher-level Ballet and Contemporary Modern Jazz.
It was my pleasure to Award two scholarships, a very difficult decision as I saw so many extremely well-trained talented students. The Beverley Bowen Scholarship for a Ballet Grade candidate was awarded to Emily Joe a delightful Grade 3 student trained by Michelle Robinson.
My choice for the I.D.T.A. New Zealand Scholarship was Kanade Taminoto for her excellent performance of the Advanced 1 Ballet syllabus. Kanade was trained by long standing I.D.T.A teacher Gillian Francis. Gillian is retiring from teaching, and I would like to congratulate her for all the beautiful work she has produced over the years and wish her a long and happy retirement.
I would like to thank Kelly Franklyn-Browne for organising my itinerary so efficiently. Also, the teachers I had the pleasure of meeting for welcoming me into their schools. My personal thanks goes to Joanne Kirkland for always being there to offer support.
New Zealand is an amazing place, and its magnificent landscape is good for the soul.
The Association would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Gillian Francis on her retirement. Gillian has been a valued Member and dedicated teacher, entering students for IDTA examinations since the early days of the Association in New Zealand. Her long-standing commitment, professionalism, and passion for dance have contributed greatly to the growth of the IDTA community.