History of Ringwood Ballet Group - 3

Joan has failed to mention that the hub of the new ballet studio was and has been ever since - the kitchen. After years of working in different halls, often completely segregated people could begin to know each other. Weary parents were revived with tea and coffee as were teachers themselves. Mothers discussed problems from their children's classes or that ever recurring problem - costumes. Fees were paid and tickets sold. Small children appeared regularly in search of an elastic band or a spare pair of tights - just anything they failed to find in their ballet bag on the day.

At the end of 1975 the Artistic Director, Bernice Morrow outlined the direction she wished to pursue in 1976. As well as the General Syllabus course, she proposed introducing a Professional course for students suited to a career in ballet. These systems continued until her retirement in 1982.

Two problems of continuing concern to the committee were first, finding a suitable theatre for the performances and secondly, managing to achieve bookings for the desired dates. In 1975 and 1976 the Annual Recitals were presented at the M.L.C. Theatre in Kew, then from 1977 to 1979 at the Kew High School Community Theatre. The Annual Demonstration in 1979 was at the Nunawading High School Theatre.

During theis period a few months apart, both Heather Scott and Val Wilson resigned from the teaching staff. Val had had a very long association with the group having joined the committee in 1963 and she taught in the school for twelve years. Heather as well as teaching responsibilities at Ringwood, directed her own ballet school which was expanding and she wished to spend more time there. Val Wilson actually joined Heather's staff and taught at this school for a number of years.

From 1976 to 1981 performances of Peter and the Wolf were presented for kindergarten children. The sets were erected at teh far end of studio II with the audience sitting on rugs on the floor. This worked very well as the young children were able to see all the action and became very involved being so close to the performers.

In 1978 Luba Baksheev began teaching character dance to senior students. This was a new style of dancing and had a great effect on performances with very energetic routines and wonderfully colourful costumes. Luba had studied R.A.D. method to Solo Seal. She had performed as a soloist withthe Kolobok Dance Company and became Artistic Director of the Russian Theatrical Society. Luba continued to teach Character Dance and her work with the students contributed many exciting and colourful items in performances. She resigned in 1991.

In February 1980 a quote from the Gas & Fuel Corporation was accepted to extend a line from the gas main in Bedford Road into the park and on to the Studio at a cost of $1908.00. A quote submitted by V. Murphy of West Preston to install ducted heating was accepted at a cost of $2074.00. This replaced the electric heaters installed in June 1976. Again the project was made possible by funding from the Ringwood Council under the third/third/third scheme. The improved winter comfort with the acquisition of overall space heating was much appreciated.

The long awaited Ringwood Theatre became a reality in 1980 and the very attractive well equipped venue was opened on the 19th April with many celebrities in attendance. Various free performances were held throughout that week with supper to follow. The Annual Demonstration was held there on 9th of August and it seemed all our dreams had come true now that Ringwood Ballet Group had its own Studio and access to a nearby district Theatre.

At a Special Committee Meeting on 19th May 1980, the Vice President, Mrs Nadine Taylor, announced the death of the Group's President, Mrs Fay Fairfull who with her husband had been visiting America. This announcement came as an enormous shock to all. Fay was an early member of the Ringwood Ballet Group joining 12 years previously and had served as President for 8 years. In addition to the duties surrounding her office she had contributed as an indefatigable and creative sewer of costumes. Her three daughters were students at the school. The Fay Fairfull award was introduced in 1981 as a lasting tribute to our late President.

In November 1980 a second piano was purchased from Allans. An appeal to parents raised $600 and this allowed the piano, which was on lay-by, to be installed earlier than expected.

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