Press Release
For Immediate Release: 11 July 2011
The Bush Davies Teachers’ Award for Professional Development
A special award to be presented to a teacher in memory of a legendary school
1
Bush Davies School of Theatre Arts was a renowned dance and performing arts school in the United Kingdom. Founded by the dance teacher Pauline Bush in Nottingham in 1914 and later with branches in Romford and East Grinstead, it would become recognised as one of the foremost performing arts schools in the United Kingdom, until its closure in 1989.
Bush Davies School of Theatre Arts in East Grinstead was one of the best and most respected residential schools for the performing arts. Sadly now closed many of its pupils went on to successful careers with top dance and theatre companies around the world and in music, television and on stage. The school held its swan song on the 20th October 2010, with a poignant reunion for all pupils and teachers at Charter’s Towers, and a recreation of the famous Grand Defile in the Adeline Genee Theatre.
Bush Davies Schools of Theatre Artswas a centre of excellence for 75 years and has had a huge influence on the lives of many professional dancers and teachers. The school closed in 1989 and, following the death of Paul Leopold Kimm in 2010, it was decided to present an annual award to celebrate the legacy of Bush Davies.
The beautiful silver Adeline Genée statuette, once a very prestigious annual prize at Bush Davies, has been donated by Noreen Bush’s family to the ISTD. Along with a £500 prize, it will be awarded annually as a Professional Development Initiative to a teacher who wishes to use the Award for a special project or course they may wish to undertake.
Any teacher wishing to apply for the Award, should submit a proposal in writing to Miss Paddy Hurlings, Chair of the Theatre Faculties Board. A panel selected from the ISTD faculties will decide who the recipient should be each year.
Founded by Noreen Bush and Marjorie Davies were pioneers of Professional Dance Training and predominately Classical Ballet in the early years and their legacy has underpinned decades of remarkable teachers and dancers. Joyce Percy and Daphne Peterson were two former students of Marjorie Davies, and Joyce was made Principal of the Romford Branch of Bush Davies after Marjorie Davies passed away. When it closed in the seventies she and Daphne joined Paul Kimm, Noreen’s son, at Charters Towers in East Grinstead, Sussex. With their wisdom, leadership and a superb teaching faculty many of whom were major examiners for the ISTD or RAD, the School flourished and became, to quote Peter Brinson, ‘a centre of excellence’ for education and training.
Bush Davies Schools has an impressive alumnus of past students who have dedicated their lives and careers to the world of dance – from theatre artists and choreographers to examiners, teachers and artistic directors. Former students have also founded prestigious vocational schools that are highly respected throughout the industry.
In October 2010, more than 200 former students and teaching staff gathered together for a reunion at Charters Towers, East Grinstead, the former home of Bush Davies Schools. Former pupils and faculty of Bush Davies interested in obtaining a DVD of the film Bush Davies School – The Final Curtain should contact or call +44 (0) 1444 414401.
For further information about the ISTD, please contact Lucinda Hennessy in the ISTD Marketing Department on +44 (0)20 7655 8823 or email .
#ENDS#
Notes for Editors:
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) is one of the world’s leading dance examinations boards. Our dance teachers are highly experienced in teaching children and adults in a variety of dance styles ranging from Ballet to Ballroom and Salsa to South Asian Dance.250,000 of our examinations in a variety of dance forms are taken each year.Withmore than 7,500 members in over 50 countries, the ISTD provides a range of syllabi, courses and events across the globe.
For more information about the ISTD, please visit To find a dance teacher in your area, visit
1