|
|
Winner of the 2009 Anthony Curtis Award, James Debenham,
with Steve and Karen
Following are the words read out at the award
presentation from Susan, wife of the late Anthony Curtis.
I have asked Karen and Steve if they would read the following few words
for me.
Good evening ladies and gentleman, I hope you are all having a wonderful
evening, I am sure that you are..
I would just like to take a few moments of your time to tell you a few things
about my beloved husband whom this very special award is named after and then
I am sure that you will all recognise what an honour it would be for any one
of you to receive it .
Tony started to learn to dance as young boy when his grandfather used to take
him along to the local classes and he loved it instantly. He took medals in so
many different styles of dance and always received amazing results and was
often awarded the highest marks.
Tony then went on to do competition work which he enjoyed very much. When he
decided he would like to turn professional he gave his study 110% and his hard
work was rewarded.
He achieved so much he became a Fellow of the UKA which is the highest degree
in dance that there is — not just in one branch, but in all the following —
ballroom, Latin, Old Time, Argentine tango, rock 'n' roll and alternative
Latin.
Tony then became an examiner which is another massive achievement and ,not
only did he examine in this county, but he also travelled overseas many times.
Tony was one of those people that not only could he teach well but was also
such a talented dancer — he was very natural and made really hard moves look
easy. Well, everything that has just been said tells you that on paper and
with hard work and dedication it really was amazing what he achieved by the
age of 44.
But what I would really like to say is that Tony was such a kind giving
person, a great teacher who had so much patience. He worked so hard in lessons
with pupils to pass on his knowledge and put them at ease — more often than
not there was laughter in his lessons — how great is that?
I never ever saw Tony be impatient or fed up or look at his watch when he was
teaching. He said only last year to one of his pupils that he felt he was
living the dream. I believe he was.
Before I finish i would like to say that i know how proud Tony would be
tonight of Karen and Steve and all they have achieved with Project:Dance! and
all they will continue to achieve. His presence at Project:Dance! will always
be felt, as he was their mentor and true friend. I miss him with all my heart,
as i am sure they do.
Anthony Curtis was a very special person and I am so very proud of Karen and
Steve for presenting this award tonight in his name. I only wish i could have
been with you all. God bless and congratulations to the winner.
Susan
The second special award presented was the Sarah Taylor Award,
for services to Project:Dance! with continued level of achievement in dance.
Sarah became a close friend of Project:Dance! and
together with her family and friends worked on joint events to fundraise for
the North Devon Hospice. In the too brief time we were all associated
together, before Sarah sadly died, she was untiring in her support of the
school and this will never be forgotten. The award was presented by Jenny
Taylor, Sarah's mum and Charlotte, Sarah's daughter, who continues to be a
prolific dancer with us.
The winner for 2009/2010 is Laurence Randall. The trophy was awarded by the
family, and Laurie was chosen because of the untiring way he worked on setting
up a new computerised system for medal tests, along with his continued work to
help get the paperwork side of the school almost paperless. This is ongoing
work! Also, Laurie and his wife Tessa, not only dance several types of dance
with us, but also were awarded a distinction in the last medal tests.
Winner of the 2009 Susan Taylor Award, Laurence Randall,
with Steve and Karen
Additionally, at the medal test Karen and Steve were presented with their
Club Dance Associate Awards by Mr Robert Butcher, the owner
of the Combe Martin Wildlife Park. This seemed appropriate as Karen and Steve
are somewhat devoted to animals of all descriptions! Mr Butcher (Bob) was
presented with an award for Social Foxtrot!
Project:Dance! events
|
|
|
|
