7 days to go

If you’re wondering why there’s been no blog for a while it isn’t because of any major hitches. (As I write that I am crossing everything it’s physically possible to cross.) It’s just there’s been so much to do: press releases; signing off brochure copy; a meeting about the visit by a member of the Royal Family to Pavilion Dance, as well as writing the annual report for the accounts, preparing Board papers, getting the DanSCe Dialogues logo signed off – super design by the way, watch this space!
In the midst of this we’re packing up the office and taking some boxes across ready for the big move on Tuesday. It is like moving house but on a larger scale and tempers fraying somewhat. I’ve just met the Surveyor doing the rounds with his clip board checking off what still needs to be done. Not much really: it all looks – well – superb – no other word for it. I can’t wait to get in next week and play in the new dance house! It feels, looks and sounds good – solid, full of character, excellent acoustic in the Ocean Room, smooth gray vinyl floors, gleaming mirrors – and just as I’d imagined it to be, full of light. All that’s missing now is the movement, but next week we’ll have artists in and we’ll all be reminded that the purpose of this building is to encourage art, energy, friendship, collaboration, good health through the magic and mystery of dance.
A major project like this almost totally dependent on good human nature – the capacity to see beyond personal interests to the bigger picture and the greater good. Sorry to reach for clichés but it’s quite an emotional time for me, thinking back 43 years to when I first walked in the Stage Door at Pavilion Theatre to dance on tour with the Royal Ballet, staying in digs on the West Cliff, sewing ribbons on pointe shoes, eating walnut cake between shows at Fullers Cafe in Westover Road, to now – when I am proud to be able walk around a dance centre which I hope will outlive me and that has been created through the skills and efforts of the many who have put heart and soul into the project
So if I end this week’s blog with 7 days to go with a tear in my eye – then I hope you’ll forgive me.

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