Launch postponed: gone but not forgotten.

 

I’ve just had word form the tireless crew in the Body office that this evening’s launch has had to be cancelled because of the inclement weather: Bugger! Still, they’re already talking about doing it as a Summer-times event – so keep those cowboy boots polished and an eye out for details. . .

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Wow! I just re-read Toby’s farewell blog and am once more a little overwhelmed at what we at the Trust are trying to achieve. And more so by the fact that it’s already been six months since Toby stepped down. . .

 

It’s been a very full six months, with Toby’s knowledge and expertise often missed. As many of you may know, we also lost Jan Webby from the Board at the AGM, and Maggie Hillock has since stepped down due to illness. Belated – but nevertheless heartfelt - thanks to them all for their service to the Trust. We welcomed Sandy Grey and Amanda Batchelor on board and have continuity through the ongoing service of Fleur de Thier and Kerri Fitzgerald. Megan Platt is on maternity leave having had a very special and much anticipated welcome of her own. We hope to have two other exciting board appointments shortly – watch this space!

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Well – it is with a real sense of sadness that I step down as Chairperson of the Dance and Physical Theatre Trust.
 
This is not solely related to the wonderful people with whom I have had the fortune to work with – my colleagues on the Board over the years, the staff of the Body Festival as well as the general public I have enjoyed meeting during all the Festivals and other events. Perhaps this would be a good time to offer my thanks to all of these wonderful people and wish you the best of fortunes.
 
It is sad to leave because of the excitement that I leave behind. The plans for the Trust, for the South Island Dance Network (and seriously – could that possibly be in a more challenging and stimulating phase of growth?) and for the Body Festival are all strategic and hugely potential. I shall miss being a part of things as these plans are brought to fruition.
 
I’ll be doing my best to assist the cause by working in the dance world from a more participatory capacity – with grand plans of choreography and innovation (well – who doesn’t have these?). I’m really looking forward to working with all the artists I can, whom I have only known recently from a more formal and administrative role. Looking forward to getting stuck in together.
 
The Board and the Network face some real challenges as they undertake their work. Whilst there is a huge surge in terms of community dance involvement in recent times (which must be encouraged and developed – a tremendous-sized job!), there is also a real lack of outstanding new and original dance works being put on stage – something that will place programming challenges on the Body Festival.
 
My best wishes to the Andrew Shepherd and the Trust as they continue their noble pursuits. How I shall enjoy watching your progress!
 
Toby Behan