RSCDS Brighton Branch
RSCDS Summer School July 2007
What Katy Did Next
Katy Sweetman, whom many branch members will have met and danced with, joined RSCDS Brighton Branch at 5 years old and is still with us at age 19. Initially, her aim was to learn the many steps and formations in Scottish Country Dancing, which she achieved very successfully.
Following this, Katy decided to include the more energetic highland dancing in her repertoire with its more complex and challenging steps. Having gained many medals in both forms of Scottish Dancing and showing such loyalty and support to our Branch, Katy was put forward for the Pat Harvey Memorial Scholarship at St. Andrew's Summer School in 2007. This was clearly a memorable experience for Katy as many members will have read in her resumé of the event in Brighton Branch Newsletter 56. [The picture shows Katy at the Summer School - Katy is on the right.]
By the age of 18, Katy had become a very competent dancer in country and highland, gained many medals, danced in demonstrations, joined in Dances and Grand Balls on Saturday evenings and started to help the younger children.
However, this was not the end of the road for "Our Katy"
There was another goal to reach and at age 19, Katy went for an audition to dance in the Corryvrechan Scottish Dance Display Team based in the Bristol area, where she is currently attending University. Corryvrechan are a very successful group, having won many events and they have danced extensively in the UK and abroad.
It was such a pleasure to receive a telephone call a few weeks ago (Autumn 2008) from Katy, to be told that she had been accepted into the Corryvrechan Team. Katy has found the group very friendly, says the standard of dancing is amazing and is really looking forward to being part of the team - she apparently has had to buy four different types of dancing shoe already, not to mention the extra outfits they use for displays!
The extra icing on the cake was hearing that they were most impressed with her knowledge of both country and highland dance steps. Also, special mention was made of her pleasing manner and the way she always smiles whilst dancing, all of which Katy says she learned from her Friday classes with us at Brighton Branch.
This is very rewarding news for the teaching of Scottish Dancing in Brighton Branch and long may the enjoyment of Scottish Dancing continue for Katy and all of us who participate in the activity.
Denise Staton, April 2009
Back to the Pat Harvey Memorial Scholarship page