Firstly, I'd just like to say a huge welcome to Sophie Darrington, a fresh, new blogger at Cloud Dance Festival! Sophie's blog has already proven to be an uplifting and inspirational read, and her comments regarding the opinions expressed by David Willett concerning A Level Dance reminded me that many had rightly so reacted strongly, including myself. Therefore, despite its late arrival, I'd like to share with you an extension of my written thoughts I had recorded in reply to David Willett's idiotic comments which consisted of the belief that A Level Dance should be worth fewer tariff points as a result of being a soft subject. The issue is of great importance and hopefully this blog will make Mr Willett and the like think twice as to why...

Initially I would like to simply suggest David Willett take the two year course himself, then we'll see who's laughing. Perhaps also make an effort to meet the inspirational, hard working, creative individuals who choose a path in dance, and also obtain decent morals to make this world a better place..? The subject is physically and mentally gruelling, and I can guarantee you won't find any of the decency it takes to gain an A Level in dance, let alone a degree, participating in such disgraceful activities as the London riots. The disheartening comment was stated around a similar time as the London riots; if that's not enough to make anyone hang their head in shame, I’m not sure what is.

If anything's uneducated, it would be that mindless statement. A short chat with these bright-minded students would banish any narrow-minded quick judgement within minutes, believe me. I, myself, am currently working at a first class honours grade, about to embark on the final year of my dance degree. The course consists of a high amount of written work and has led to much success and many worthy career prospects for which I have slogged my guts out for. I fortunately do not obtain a brain of a narrow minded nature, and during my dance studies have had to use my intellect by multiple means, unlike many of the more academic subjects that supposedly result in an increased amount of smart points. Not only are dance-related subjects incredibly physical, they also cover history, literature, analysis, mathematics, anatomical science, politics and art, to name but a few. To pull off the workload required to gain a grade in A Level Dance, you also have to have determination, dedication, passion, focus, enthusiasm and pure guts. Not only does it test intelligence, it tests the person you are.

As made apparent, the likelihood that my CV is even worth a glance is very slim, but I believe I would take great pleasure in witnessing the embarrassment spread across Mr Willett's face if the opportunity ever arose. Whilst enduring a highly successful academic career, I have also held down decent jobs earning my way alongside my intensive studies, as well as mounds of voluntary work to aid my education which frequently includes rehearsals, teaching and activities of written dance related material for others to read..? Surely a less academic mind such as mine without the necessary A Levels is incapable of writing such material worth reading? However, my A Levels consisted of Dance, Performing Arts and Art, bearing in mind I was also predicted a fairly low grade in GCSE English. So if this 'poorly written' statement supposedly reads as the writing of a lesser academic student with very little future ahead, then I am clearly living on another planet. I thankfully gained a B grade in English, yet I am insistent that it was due to a determined personality, a lesson that is more likely to be found in a dance studio than on a blackboard.

It is heartbreaking when your own intelligence is questioned due to your current position in dance education. But what's even more so, is the snigger that follows. Imagine having put nonstop physical and mental effort, passion, blood, sweat and tears throughout your whole life, working one hundred times harder than most so called academic pupils, giving up heaps of extra hours to simply contribute to the dance world, to then be the subject of such mockery enduring one of those narrow minded, patronising smirks which barely lasts five seconds. But it's those painful five seconds that spitefully ridicules the immense effect dance has over an enormous range of areas, especially when that ridicule has left the mouth of a public figure. Dance work that is produced helps communities, provides vibrant arts and entertainment (and what a dull world it would be if it didn't), and enriches a range of lives from the young to the elderly. I once took a community dance workshop aimed at older individuals over a certain age led by a dance educated female who had taken the time to run the organisation. After speaking to the elderly that attended, all agreed that the experience had changed their lives and had in actual fact given them life, as they felt that not a lot had existed for them previously. Dance had enabled them to socialize, give them something to do and look forward to, enlighten some creativity in their lives and had given them a sense of purpose and well being.

David Willett's dismissal of dance education is honestly quite obscene. It is rather distressing that an art form such as dance, that provides such a positive creative sector, is brandished with such a negative attitude. It clearly reveals a lack of thought in regards to the economic value that dance as a field bestows to the entertainment and arts industry. Would these comments dare apply to other art forms? Music? Drama? Thought not. As previously mentioned, it not only takes a great mind, it also takes genuine character to persevere with the challenges dance education administers. If this is taken away, then such talented individuals will pass on their efforts and energy elsewhere, because they have the means too. However, despite A Level Dance being so demanding in nature pushing various intellectual limits, dance educated students will continue to fight for its vitality, even Labanotation (!) just to prove its worth. And on that note, I think it would be a particularly wonderful suggestion to leave the likes of David Willett pondering over such a word as 'Labanotation'...