Features Archives - Georgina Butler

georginabutler April 29, 2019

FEATURE: Happy International Dance Day, 29th April 2019

The theme for International Dance Day 2019 is “Dance and Spirituality”.

When I am dancing, I am meditating. I am living in the moment: body, mind and soul uniting to make me “me”.

I have always used dance classes as an opportunity to escape day-to-day concerns and realign myself. My fondness for being productive means that I am inclined to treat myself like a machine, diligently getting things done – but no one can be industrious all the time. Dancing is the equivalent of pressing pause, switching myself off and rebooting in safe mode!

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georginabutler April 29, 2018

FEATURE: Happy International Dance Day, 29th April 2018

Today is International Dance Day 2018, a day to celebrate the power and pleasure of dancing.

For as long as I can remember, dancing has been my escape, my entertainment and my education. I was fortunate to be taken to ballet classes as a toddler and was always the child that didn’t want to go home after the final curtsy. Ballet, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary… I lived for the next dancing opportunity while I was growing up and probably felt most alive when I was in class or on stage.

I still feel more at home in a dance studio than anywhere else. Whether I am taking class, practising by myself, or teaching, everything else is forgotten once I am at the barre or flying around the space. In fact, teaching helps me delight in dancing even more as it is all about sharing ideas, experiences and enjoyment with others in the hope that they will love to dance too!

“… we must always remember to dance a little every day.”

Ohad Naharin, Artistic Director of Batsheva Dance Company and International Dance Day 2018 Message author.

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georginabutler February 2, 2018

FEATURE: I Can Do Anything If I’m Wearing A Tutu! – World Tutu Day, 2nd February 2018

Sometimes, you just need to put on your tutu and twirl.

But what do you really know about the Ballet Tutu?

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georginabutler September 25, 2017

FEATURE: Learn the Lingo – A Simple Glossary of Street Dance, September 2017

If you thought Street Dance was all just “hip hop”, think again…!

What do you know about Street Dance? Do terms like “b-boy” and “cypher” leave you flummoxed? Are you starting to feel like you’ve lost your swag and are getting left behind as your favourite venues embrace a dizzying array of dance productions featuring new styles? Are you now wondering what “swag” is and whether you ever had any?

Relax, discovering the ins and outs of new dance forms is so much fun. Honestly, don’t worry, I’ve got all the moves covered so sit back and read on for a short and sweet guide to Street Dance lingo!

The Soweto Skeleton Movers (Photo by Paul Hampartsoumian)

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georginabutler July 12, 2017

FEATURE: Graduating from the Royal Academy of Dance with First Class Honours in Dance Education – London, July 2017

On Wednesday 12^th July 2017, I became a First Class Honours graduate of the Royal Academy of Dance.

The Royal Academy of Dance is one of the world’s most influential institutions for dance education and dance teacher training. Founded by an international group of dancers and dance teachers in 1920 to set standards for dance teaching in the United Kingdom, the organisation now operates in 85 countries. Its classical ballet syllabus is taught globally, with over 240,000 candidates taking Royal Academy of Dance ballet examinations each year. Beyond this, an ever-increasing programme of outreach work takes dance into diverse communities, while the Faculty of Education’s research develops knowledge which informs and inspires dance enthusiasts all over the world.

I have graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance’s BA (Hons) Dance Education programme. This varied programme not only equips graduates with the anatomical, musical and pedagogical knowledge and understanding to teach dance but also engages with philosophical, professional and practical issues in the fields of dance and dance education.

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