Last Sunday on behalf of the Sport and Recreation Alliance I had the pleasure of being a guest of the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) at their annual President’s Dinner and Carl Alan Awards Ceremony. The Carl Alan Awards have been dubbed the ‘Oscars of the dance world’ and a brief glance at some of the former winners, including Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman and Jayne Torvill, gives credence to this.
The dinner and awards were accompanied by a variety of spectacular performances, and included Hip-Hop Fusion and the British Amateur Ballroom champions Mark & Olga Elsbury. However, the personal thrill of the night came during the awards ceremony. The Sport and Recreation Alliance counts over 320 national governing and representative bodies as members, and it divides these members into six divisions. One of the divisions is Movement and Dance and it was great to see division members Lilian Aubrey, Jane Tumelty and its chair Colin Plummer shortlisted for awards. I am assured that each long-list was extensive, so to make the shortlist is a notable achievement.
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be their night, but I am delighted to report that fellow division member Derek Povey, co-founder and president of Streetdance International (SDI), the governing body of street dance/hip hop in the UK, was recognised for his excellent work in the promotion of the dance form with the Freestyle Outstanding Services to Dance Award.
Derek co-founded SDI with Jane Hollis in 1997 and it now has a membership of 300 professionals, holds the annual UK championships and has sponsored the England street dance team at the world championships.
On behalf of the Sport and Recreation Alliance I would like to congratulate Derek and all our other shortlisted members. All our members give selflessly to their chosen activity and it is pleasing to see their efforts recognised in this way.
Sallie Barker
Head of Services at the Sport and Recreation Alliance
