Sylvia Lorden (UK)
Madame Genée examined me for my Intermediate and Advanced in 1943 during the Second World War.
At the time I was a pupil of Madame Lamiski in Birmingham and I travelled by train each day for my lessons which, in itself, was quite an adventure for a young lady in wartime.
Madame told me that I needed to gain Genée’s attention as soon as I entered the examination studio. In those days I had striking red hair which made it easier to be noticed! I thoroughly enjoyed both examinations. I recollect that there were four students for each examination. I got the impression that Genée was directing everything towards me whether I got my steps right or wrong. She would say to me “You are doing that incorrectly” and even if I [thought] I was doing it correctly I replied “my apologies Madame”. She then told us to do it again.
Felix Demery was the other examiner for my Advanced. During the examination one of my ribbons can undone. Madame Genée said to Mr Demery “Shall we let the student dance again?” The reply was “Yes”. To this day all my students are taught to correctly attach and tie the tapes on their ballet shoes!
When, after the examination, I related this to my teacher she said to me “Madame is looking for people who will Carry the Academy Forward”. I have never forgotten those words and now some 75 years later I still teach the RAD syllabus and enter my pupils for examinatiosn. I am proud to be a Member of the RAD.
I used to accompany my husband on trips overseas when he was the CEO of an International Scientific Organisation. It was often the case that when we attended the opening ceremony of these overseas events people would ask me what I did. When I responded that I taught the RAD ballet syllabus the response was often “My daughter takes RAD ballet classes” and “Could you give her a lesson?” I think I gave a lesson in our bedroom at Raffles Hotel, Singapore. The RAD is truly an international organisation!