Historical dance workshop in honour of Nicola Gaines

Last Sunday 23 March, the School held a special historical dance workshop in memory of former Associate Teacher, Nicola Gaines, who passed away last September. 

The workshop was open to all current Associate students with 151 dancers registering to attend, including some of our online Associate students who had the opportunity to meet their peers and teacher in person for the first time. 

The workshop commenced with a video of Nicola performing, before the students were divided into five groups, each named after things Nicola loved including paws, spaniels, fleet, Blenheim and penguins. Junior Associate students engaged in learning a Playford dance and Mid, Senior and Advanced Associate students created their own work inspired by the patterns, partnering and steps from a selection of historical dances. 

At the end of the day, parents were invited into the Linden Theatre at Upper School to watch a presentation of the work created through the day. Nicola’s family and friends, including Dame Monica Mason were also in attendance.  

Training and Access Coordinator, Eliza Belward, remarked of the event:  

‘It was a joyful day. The students all enjoyed learning a new style of dance and getting a chance to add their own choreographed moments and ideas into the works.’  

Miss Gaines’ career was marked by a deep commitment to the preservation and promotion of historical dance, so this workshop was a fitting way for the School to remember her influence and to help keep her legacy alive.  

The cost of the workshop raised funds for Guide Dogs UK, a charity close to Miss Gaines’ heart.  

Thank you to Victoria Collinson, Head of Associates and Primary Steps Programmes, Associate Teachers Dani Batchelor, Amy Giancarlo, Natalie Krapf and Jenny Murphy, and Choreographic Tutor Rhian Robbins for your efforts in facilitating this special event for our students.  

Read more about Nicola’s contributions to the School here.