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DRAMA PUPILS IMPRESS GCSE Drama pupils certainly impressed with performances of their practical assessments given in the Studio Theatre. They had to present a monologue showcasing performance skills developed over their course. The majority of preparation for monologues this year was done online during the period of remote learning. As part of this, Miss Hall invited Andy Johnson, author of The Excellent Audition Guide , to talk to the pupils

resonated in the pupils’ final performances. They produced a spectacular afternoon of live theatre which demonstrated courage, professionalism and talent. Well done to the PVI Drama class of 2021!

about how best to prepare their pieces. He focused on encouraging the young actors to have courage and generosity when performing and reminded them never to be afraid of taking a risk. His wise words

BREARLEY WIN HOUSE DRAMA

The House Drama Competition may have moved online this year, but there was no shortage of creative ingenuity, dramatic flair and technical accomplishment shown in each of the films produced by the four Houses and screened in front of an invited audience in the Theatre. In their different ways, each chose to exploit the comic possibilities of Zoom meetings to highly successful ends. We were delighted to have the charismatic contribution of the Mr David Zachary as judge this year. Praising the efforts of all, he awarded Montefiore House not only Best Script but Best Performer (Odessa Rontogiannis, PVI) also. However, it was Brearley House which deservedly claimed the overall trophy

and Rosie Wright, PVI was thrilled to collect the Cup on behalf of the House for what Mr Zachary referred to as its "inspired" entry. Congratulations to everyone who took part.

SCHOOL OF DANCE LOCKDOWN SUCCESS The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing’s International Choreographic Competition 2021 moved online this year. Some 131 entries were selected from across the UK, Europe and South Africa. This year’s competition was adjudicated by Susan Lucas, a former Senior Soloist at Birmingham Royal Ballet. The ISTD stated that participation in the competition was, “a remarkable achievement and testament to the creativity and resilience of our young dancers during the global pandemic.” Many creative young dancers from the IPS School of Dance worked hard on their choreographic project entries. When the announcement of the competition winners came through, we were delighted that two Senior School pupils, alongside several other Master Dance Programme peers, did exceptionally well. In the Middle Solo Category, Maya Topolski, S8 was Awarded Second Place for ‘In Flight’. Miss Lucas was delighted by this

classical variation, sensitive use of music and Maya’s fine classical line. The Senior Solo winner was Sophie Meacock, LVI for her Contemporary dance, ‘Trapped in Time’, with music by Ezio Bosso. The adjudicator complimented Sophie on her intelligently contrived piece, which was

Sophie Meacock, LVI

inventive, pertinent and used an intriguing range of movements to convey the passing of time. IPS is exceedingly proud of Maya and Sophie who participated at this extraordinary time and created superb and entertaining performance pieces. A great deal of work and practice led to their successes and the pupils richly deserve their Choreography Awards. Miss Mary Goodhew, Head of the School of Dance