AGM Minutes
The AGM was held at the Marriott Hotel in Leicester on Sunday 1 September 2013
It was a well attended meeting and the minutes are detailed below.
MINUTES
The meeting opened at 9.40am
ITEM 1 - Welcome
Paul Read welcomed members to the AGM
ITEM 2 – Apologies
Helen Mence read the list of apologies.
ITEM 3 – Minutes of the last meeting
Paul Read stated that there were no matters arising from the minutes of the last
meeting, therefore they were accepted.
Proposed by Marie Theresa Laundy and seconded by Heather Fitchett.
ITEM 4 – The Presidents Report
Miss Ann Oliver thanked the teachers for attending and stated that BTDA had had a
good year.
She explained that with effect from January 2014 no comments would be received on
the candidate profile for Vocational Examinations, the General Graded Examinations
will follow.
She explained that a lot of work had been completed to produce new DVDs for the
accredited disciplines. She added that there would not be any changes to the
programmes of study for the next two years; although change is ongoing teachers
needed time to make the amendments.
Members were informed that there would be an increase in membership fees from
January 2014.
Miss Oliver informed members of the new IT system for the office. Teachers will in
future be able to enter sessions online. The pilot will commence in October.
She then discussed Gala Weekend and encouraged teachers to book for next year and
explained that Malta was holding a technicon.
She gave an update on the PRS, however there is a stalemate and no progress has
been made.
Miss Oliver informed the members that BTDA had given £30K in scholarship awards
and thanked the teachers for their entries in all 7 areas.
She stated that the Graded exams are the future and allow students to progress and
achieve an accredited qualification. She had discussed with a few teachers the problem
of unqualified teachers, this discussion was opened to the floor .
Denise Booth explained that she was running a campaign to stop unqualified teachers
she gave an example of a situation in her area.
Ann Oliver was proud to announce a college student was now performing in Thriller Live
on the West End straight after graduating from LCPA.
ITEM 5 – Presentation of the Accounts
On behalf of Kemp Taylor and Partners Mr Taylor gave the highlights of the financial
report.
ITEM 6 – Re-Appointment of the Auditors – Kemp Taylor & Partners
This was proposed by Sylvia Lorden and seconded by Jackie Everitt.
ITEM 7 – General Council/Trustees Report.
On behalf of the BTDA trustees Peter Boddington explained that they had held 4
meetings since the last AGM. There job is to ensure that finances are kept in check and
to see if there are any areas that need addressing.
Despite the UK economy the Trustees were pleased that examination entries have
improved. GQAL has also gained new members and the PEARL award has increased
substantially. He then informed members of the future plans and thanked teachers for
their hard work and continued support.
ITEM 8 – Election of the Council/Trustees
Paul Read explained that all members of the trustees wished to stand again and asked
for them to be re-elected.
Proposed by – Pamela Schild
and seconded by – Maxine Phillips
ITEM 9- Artistic Directors Report
Classical Ballet Report
Kathleen Davis stated that continuous improvements were taking place and Grade 6 &
7 had been updated with Male Work. The Additions to the Advanced 1 and 2 were
launched in April at Head Office. She clarified that for Classical Ballet the dances
should be a Classical piece not National.
Modern Jazz Report
Emma Hillyer stated that the amendments to the Vocational grades had been
successfully received with positive feedback from teachers. She thanked Gemma Hall
for all her work with the new music. She added that the Vocational amendments and the
new music became compulsory on 1 September 2013 and informed teachers that
candidates will be asked to perform the elevation routines individually in the Vocational
Examinations and a solo performance is required.
The General Grades Prep to Five continues to be very well received and our next
venture is to review Grades 6, 7 and 8 and record new DVDs.
She conveyed her thanks to the group for their hard work throughout the year.
Tap Report
Mark Hudson thanked teachers for taking on the new work and discussed the
technicons he had attended all over the country.
Updated Programmes of Study are available from Head Office.
Acrobatic Report
Pam Chater stated that all the DVDs were available, The group were looking at
Introducing a qualification after Grade 8 as students tend to take acrobatic exams
earlier that other disciplines.
Greek Report
Yvonne Novelli explained that the group had completed the POS technical assessments
and reviewed Grades 6, 7 & 8. She thanked Carla Sessions for all her work and
welcomed Debbie Ryan to the artistic group.
She clarified that the teachers dance in grade 6, 7 & 8 had been removed and
discussed the dress of the Chiton dance and the Tamba used in Grade 8.
Lyrical Report
Tracy Liggins stated that the DVDs were available and clarified that Grade 8 has two
dances one set by the teacher and one by the candidate in contrasting styles. She
confirmed that the amendments to Grades 1, 2 & 3 and the Rose Award are
compulsory.
Bollywood Report
Anand Bhatt stated that the Prep to Grade 5 was complete, the grades 6, 7 & 8 are in
progress. The music for Prep to Grade two is complete and the DVDs is due to be
recorded. He explained that we are looking to launch the Programme of Study in the
Bollywood world at the Alchemy Festival at the South Bank next year.
Modelling Report
Wendy Oram stated there were no amendments to the Programme of Study but she
would love to see more teachers use it in their schools. A taster DVD is available and a
DVD is being produced for the Grades and medals.
ITEM 10 - Area and Festival Organisers
Each area representative gave a report and were presented with a bouquet of flowers.
ITEM 11 – LCPA
Emma Hillyer commented on the performances the students had taken part in including
the Choreography Review, Move It performances, The Musical ‘The Witches of
Eastwick’ and the Summer Show. She explained that the College students had taken
Vocational Examinations up to Diploma level in each discipline. Final she announced
that one of the 2013 Graduates had started his first professional job in Thriller Live on
the West End, the College is very proud of his achievements.
ITEM 12 - General Secretary’s Report
Helen Mence informed members of the new Examiner Monitoring process that has
been implemented. Although it will not affect teachers she asked for their co-operation
as teachers will be unaware prior to their session if it has been selected for a monitoring
visit.
She then explained that the examination times were being reviewed and hoped that the
ground work would be complete by the end of October. She thanked the teachers that
had taken part and stated that In the mean time it is important that session runs
according to the published timetable.
She gave details of a new software system that is being devised and asked if teachers
are planning a session in late November or December and wish to be involved in the
trial to put their names forward for the pilot.
The new style Rose Awards were shown. She informed teachers that new legislation
regarding first aid courses was coming into force on 1st October; we will keep teachers
updated of any changes.
ITEM 13 – Chief Examiner’s Report
Helen Mence read the report from Barbara Wood. She thanked teachers for directions
and their hospitality.
ITEM 14– Any other business
Sara Higgins asked about the PRS Licence, should we pay for BTDA Music?
Replied that teachers should pay for BTDA music.
Gail Nevitt asked if teachers should pay PPL as well?
Answered, Yes, but we are not sure if they are doing a blanket fee.
ITEM 15 – Dance Register
Lorna Plamin explained a new incentive by DTAP – The Dance Register. She gave
details of the online database and how this acts as a form of quality assurance for
dance teachers. The cost to BTDA members is a reduced rate of £15.00 a year. She
stated she would be available for questions later in the day.
ITEM 16 – Safeguarding Policies
Kate Everest explained that she had been on a safeguarding course. She had devised
sample documents and policies for child protection, code of behaviour and could offer
help and support if required. Please request copies from Head Office.
ITEM 17 – Closing Remarks
Miss Ann Oliver stated that it had been an interesting meeting and she thanked the staff
and teachers for their support.
The meeting closed at 11.25am