Internal Awards

Participation in the competition for Counterpoint's internal awards is compulsory for Upper and Vocational students - either as the choreographer of a dance, performer or both. Lower School entrants must perform as soloists or in groups of no more than four. Upper School entrants can perform solos or duets only. There are two awards given for two categories of entry in each genre.

The Amy Doughty Cups for Lower and Upper school Ballet choreography

(Awarded prior to the Easter break)

Amy is of course one of our school patrons, she has been awarded the RAD solo seal award and is a dancer within Independent Ballet Wales. To learn more about her go to our patrons page. Since the Independant Ballet Wales company are renowned for their innovative and unique choreography we are proud to have a cup in Amy's name. Here is just a snippet of what the press have to say about IBW;

"These young ballet pioneers deserve wider support. Catch them if you can!"

The Dancing Times.

"This charming and gifted company."

The Daily Telegraph.

The Jackie Connolly Trophies for Lower and Upper School Jazz Choreography

(Awarded prior to the Christmas break)

We have named our jazz chorographic trophies in memory of Jackie Connolly. Jackie was an inspirational lady who lived in Mumbles and attended our adult dance classes. She always spoke of how she loved dance, and her daughter Leila even attended our school from a young age. At Counterpoint we remember Jackie as a fit, healthy and happy person who approached all she did with a zest for life and love of people. She would involve herself in numerous activities with great energy and enthusiasm, not only remaining young at heart but young in appearance. Sadly Jackie became ill with motor neurone disease and passed away in 2002, in her early fifties. Her daughter Leila has written some thoughts about her Mum;

"My mother was an inspiration to all around her, a vibrant vivacious woman who thrived on all activities that involved some get up and go. She would be thrilled to have a trophy named after her, to inspire others to live life to the full and enjoy the wonderous capabilities of their bodies. From as early as I can remember my life was full of music and dance of all genre's, with my mother willing me to enjoy a life of dance, that she had not been fortunate enough to afford. Together we enjoyed a life of dance and music, which even though she has passed away has continued to play a prominent role in my life. I thank her for this every day and continue in my work to educate young people in the outdoors through activities and dance, as this award shall also do. I hope this award is enjoyed by many in the future, as my mother always told me, the future is in the youngsters hands and fitness is first to keep a healthy mind."

Leila Conolly

(Leila is 6th from the right, on the front row of the picture above, taken in 1988!)

The Joyce Pitt Trophies for Lower and Upper school Tap choreography

(Awarded prior to the Summer break)

 The school principle talks about Joyce;

 

"I had the pleasure of meeting Joyce when she brought her grandaughter Catherine to a tap class over twenty years ago. It wasn't long before Joyce herself had joined the ladies Tap Class! Whilst Joyce was not only a very young 60 year old amidst a number of 20 to 30 year olds, she was always the star tapper on the front row. Joyce had learned to tap dance as a child. Joyce's love of dancing was evident, she was always a cheerful member in class. The support she gave me in those early days whilst establishing my school was always appreciated. She believed in my aspirations and was an inspiration to all around her. She performed with our ladies in our shows and it wasn't until Joyce became seriously ill many years later that I realised she had been ill for a while. You would have never known, she was the life and soul of any class and always had time for everyone.

Joyce was talented with a natural quality of movement, style and technique. She was an inspiration to all and danced until she no longer could.

She will always be truly missed. In memory of Joyce, her friendship, and her inspiration to dance, the Joyce Pitt Award is introduced."

Sheila Cunliffe

(Catherine, Joyce Pitt's granddaughter, can be seen to the left of Leila Conolly in the picture above)