Page 13 - DANCE Guide 2022

Patricia Yvonne Overington
has been teaching dance and drama for over 50 years and has been an examiner for over 40 years with EDTA Inc.
FOR this life member of Education in Dance Theatre Arts (EDTA), examining students and seeing their response to all aspects of the syllabus is a privilege and honour. “You are placed in a position of trust to evaluate the ability of candidates presented to you,” she says. “I hold great pleasure in being able to award a successful result and inspiring students to continue their dance training.”
Patricia has been a qualified teacher for more than 50 years. While she finds it very rewarding to see students succeed, her main aim is to teach them the love of dance. “I receive a lot of satisfaction from seeing students do well, especially the ones who have struggled and succeeded through hard work and determination. I have remained in contact with many students over the years.
I have also taught their children, which gives me great pleasure.”
To become an examiner/assessor with the EDTA, teachers need to complete and successfully attain all necessary examinations. It is also important to have the ability to communicate with the students to put them at ease and be able to
bring out their best. “Once you have completed all examinations you are required to go through a process of training with a Senior or Fellow examiner to finally qualify and be accepted as an EDTA examiner and adjudicator,” she explains.
Patricia believes exams builds students’ confidence and self esteem. They also give them encouragement to advance to the next grade and a challenge to perfect their work, gradually building up their technical achievements.
“I was 10 years old when I commenced dance classes,” she says. “I first qualified in Cecchetti Ballet and then SATD Ballet, Tap and Jazz.” EDTA offered examinations in all facets of dance and drama. Patricia is attracted to EDTA’s challenging and enjoyable syllabus compiled for students of all ages and all facets of dance, including speech and drama. Examinations range from the tinies through to major grades, attaining assistant teacher and full teacher qualifications, and many opportunities to perform. “Performing is an important and most enjoyable part of students dance training,” she says.
Patricia Overington with her student Ettienne Montzka-Caceres.
WEBSITE:
www.edta.org.au
PRESIDENT:
Patricia Yvonne Overington
HISTORY:
EDTA Inc is dedicated to the promotion of dance and theatre arts in the Asia Pacific Rim. Uniquely Australian in origin, it offers children through to adults an all- encompassing training system where all theatre arts can be combined and studied.
EDTA was founded in 1974 and in 2003 the association was incorporated and registered as a not-for-profit association to allow further growth and artistic development. EDTA has new and exciting syllabus in all facets, choreographed by talented and professional people, who are committed to continued development.
STYLES/GENRE:
Classical ballet, modern contemporary, lyrical ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, speech and drama, European (Polish, Hungarian, Russian), Spanish and Highland.
GRADING/MARKING SYSTEM:
The training incorporates precision and fine technique with the artistic finish demanded by professionals. Graded examinations from beginners to major levels, graduations and teaching qualifications are available in all facets. Students receive a certificate, report and medal for their participation.
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS:
Teaching qualifications are available in all styles; teachers must have attained Members Technique & Diploma to be a qualified teacher. Associate Technique & Diploma are Assistant Teacher qualifications.
EDTA also welcomes new members & recognises qualifications gained from other dance organisations. The Association provides continuing opportunities for teachers through refresher courses and seminars.
COMPETITIONS/AWARDS:
EDTA Classical Ballet Awards, Troupe/Solo/ Duo & Choreography Competitions, Speech & Drama Festivals.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022 | WWW.DANCEAUSTRALIA.COM.AU | 63
EDUCATION IN DANCE THEATRE ARTS INCORPORATED (EDTA INC)