Dear Members,
What an interesting month June has been so far, and we still have the Pink Jukebox Trophy on 25th June to look forward to!
While many of us were enjoying the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we were confronted on social media by a well-known ballroom coach expressing views that are not acceptable in the 21st Century. I personally have received comments on this from around the world.
We have written to several organisations asking them to investigate the matter. At the last count, our Facebook post on this had reached over 28,000 people – several of whom commented that they were shocked by what they had heard.
While the views expressed by the one individual are deplorable and have upset many, I am greatly heartened by the positive reactions from the many dance organisations expressing their commitment to equality and diversity within the dance community. To date these have included Marcus Hilton MBE of the British Dance Council, the World Dance Council, Arthur Murray, Associated Board of Dance, Northern Counties Dance Teachers Association, and I am sure I have missed others.
All of this shows how important it is that we have places where equality dancers can dance in a welcoming environment. Many of our affiliate members are dance teachers and schools who play a crucial role in this. While we already have a few affiliates based outside London, we are keen to add to the list, so please let us know of any relevant teachers and studios and encourage them to become members.
As you know, our grants and scholarships scheme has been in place for some time now and I am delighted to say that we have just made our first awards. We have made a scholarship available to Helen Pryde from Lancing and a grant available to Equality Dance for the Equality Fun Competition on 1 October.
Don’t forget to buy your tickets for our Gala Ball on the 24th September. There is a substantial discount for members and in addition early bird prices are available until 31 July.
Stay safe, and keep dancing,
ANSELL
Chair of UKEDC