

IDTA magazine
Matt Flint slipped into the role with ease. His warm, light hearted and enthusiastic approach set just the right note to introduce the tenth Dance Proms. The setting in the Royal Albert Hall is both awe inspiring and inspirational to the young dancers, some of whom had never before been to London and without exception they danced their hearts out. Dance Proms is an International celebration of Dance and this year we had participants from Austria, Italy and Norway. Their work was superb and greatly appreciated by the large and knowledgeable audience. Each year is special in its own right and 2015 was no exception. The production, in the supremely capable hands of Jo Dakin and Benita, was slick and professional. The lighting was amazing and the careful use of screens giving details of each act made the show easy to follow and gave credit to the teachers whose ideas for exciting choreography made the show spectacular. The varied programme from many different genres was thoroughly enjoyable. Latin was well represented but Ballroom was noticeable by its absence. The finale, which came all too soon, was brilliantly choreographed by Craig Bartley and involved all four hundred and ninety dancers in a challenging routine that thoroughly deserved the standing ovation. On stage were all the teachers and many had tears of joy in their eyes as they saw their pupils performing with such dedication and total commitment.