The Rich Tradition Continues

Hastings Musical Festival has a rich tradition of Dance.  The first dance classes appeared in March 1930 with the inclusion of National and Character  dances and Classical or Operatic dances, with piano accompaniments, unlike the present day when tapes and CDs are the norm.

Over the years, the range of dance styles was expanded, and for a period country dancing was also included, with a Morris Dancing class.  As entries increased, the time allocated to the dance section  of the Festival grew from one day in 1947 to nine days currently.

The Festival offers classes in all aspects of dance, both classical and stage, and although country dancing is no longer represented, Hastings Musical Festival would be happy to consider classes again should the demand arise.  Solos, duets and groups from 6 to 20 dancers in both modern and classical disciplines prove to be very popular. Included in the 2010 syllabus are new classes for trios and quartets in modern, classical and song and dance.


In addition we hold three very special competitions.  Dancers who have gained 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in Ballet and Character are invited to compete for three medal classes.  The Bronze Medal is open to dancers aged 10 to 12 years, and the Silver Medal to dancers aged 13 and 14 years.  For those older dancers aged 15 and under 20, we have  the Phyllis Godfrey Championship, when those dancers gaining marks of 85 in Ballet and Character and having been awarded 1st 2nd and 3rd places are invited to compete.  If a dancer is fortunate to achieve an exceptional mark of 90 in this competition, then the Hastings Musical Festival prestigious Gold Medal will be  awarded.


Vicki Milford
Dancing Section Secretary