KEEP
FIT ASSOCIATION
LABAN-BASED
MOVEMENT AND DANCE
MEDAU
MOVEMENT
CHEERLEADING
THE
FITNESS LEAGUE
KEEP FIT ASSOCIATION
Background
The Keep Fit Association (KFA) is dedicated to providing fitness classes
through Movement, Exercise and Dance to everyone, whatever their age,
ability, background or sex. Classes are fun, sociable, stimulating and
always enjoyable. Fitness is achieved through safe and supportive guidance.
All classes concentrate on the holistic approach using body and brain
to achieve long-term fitness improvement.
History
The KFA has been a National Association since 1956, although some area
associations have been in existence since the mid 1930's. Founder members
include Norah Reed who developed classes in the North East for factory
workers, and Eileen Fowler who appeared on radio and TV, to name just
two. Despite its long history the KFA has maintained its product right
up to date and current teachers can qualify to teach Youth, mainstream
Movement, Exercise and Dance, Mature Movers, Learning Difficulties, Exercise
to Music, GP Referral and Cardiac Rehabilitation.
Facilities and Equipment Required
Classes take place at schools, community and leisure centres, church halls,
and fitness and dance clubs, all over the country. Many are organised
by the teachers and more are available through Local Education. Youth
classes cover the 6 - 16 age range, are based on achieving fitness through
fun and creativity and organised as after school activities.
Mature Mover classes cover the over 50's, which also includes those in
residential and care homes. Mainstream classes, some Youth and Mature
Mover classes may use apparatus to challenge the body. This may include
ropes, scarves/materials, ribbons, balls, and clubs, which the teacher
or centre provide.
Individuals should wear loose comfortable clothes with layers to compensate
for body temperature changes. Shoes are recommended for impact work, but
the choice is left to the individual. Some class teachers recommend bare
feet especially when balance is involved.
Benefits of Participating
The primary benefit of participating is the fitness obtained through a
varied, enjoyable and safe class with support from all the class.
The additional benefits include belonging to a National association that
is committed to the fitness of both body and brain for all its participants
and members.
Local area and regional events and festivals provide an opportunity to
perform in demonstrations for those who want an additional challenge.
Variations
Classes support individuals but group work is performed depending upon
individual teacher objectives and the class response. Every two years
there are opportunities based on individual choice, to take part in competitions.
The next ones are planned for February 2003 at the Wintergardens in Blackpool.
A National showcase also takes place regularly at a prestigious venue.
In 2002 this is to be held at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 29th
June.
Contact Details
Keep Fit Association,
Suite 1.05,
Astra House,
Arklow Road,
London SE14 6EB
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LABAN-BASED MOVEMENT AND DANCE
Background
Covers choreography, performance and analysis, for anyone from beginner
to professional. It is not a style of dance, although it is often used
in a contemporary way. The principles of the work can be applied to other
styles of dance like jazz and ballet.
History
Rudolf Laban (1879-1958) was a major pioneer in the development of Modern
Dance in Europe. He evolved an exciting new approach to the study of dance
through his systematic movement analysis of the dynamic use of the body
in space. He taught and inspired Mary Wigman and Kurt Jooss and
has influenced such modern choreographers as Pina Baush and William Forsythe.
Today there are major centres of learning around the world, as well as
community dance groups in the UK.
Facilities and Equipment Required
Loose comfortable clothing is best. Leotards and tights are not necessary.
Bare feet are preferred, but shoes are worn if the type of work or the
floor makes them a necessity. Classes generally take place in community
dance settings including youth dance groups.
Benefits of Participating
You can work at your own rate to develop co-ordination, control and skill.
You can discover where and how to move and enjoy working with others to
create and perform work. Most people improve their posture, strength and
flexibility and their ability to move to all sorts of music.
Variations
The principles of Laban's work have also been used in the fields of movement
for actors, dance and movement therapy, personal growth and development,
industry and management (time/motion study and action profiling), dance
and gymnastics in education.
Contact Details
Laban Guild
Jan Nicol, Secretary
34 Tower Road
Strawberry Hill
Twickenham
Middlesex
TW1 4PE
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MEDAU MOVEMENT
Background
Medau Movement is the brand name of the Medau Society. Medau classes,
run by highly qualified teachers, often working with local adult education
services, offer an enjoyable and unthreatening way for girls and women
of all ages to get fit and maintain their flexibility through natural
whole body movement with an emphasis on rhythm.
Brief history
The Medau teaching method in this country evolved from the work of Hinrich
Medau in Germany in the 1920s. His realisation that women in particular
were ill-served by set (rather regimented) exercises practised at the
time, led to a more natural approach which emphasised the more fluid movements
suited to women's bodies. The use of improvised accompaniment and small
apparatus such as balls, clubs and hoops where the hallmarks at the time.
The Medau Society was recognised as a national governing body in 1952.
Facilities and Equipment Required
Classes need a clean, well ventilated hall or gymnasium. Equipment, provided
by the teacher, includes small apparatus such as balls, clubs or hoops,
possibly a percussion instrument such as a piano or bongos, and a good
sound system with a selection of suitable CDs or tapes. Participants should
wear comfortable and stretchy clothing, and bare feet are preferred.
Benefits of Participating
Medau work concentrates on the fitness factors without stress, and aims
for a rhythmic and harmonious quality of movement. Strength, suppleness,
stamina and co-ordination will all be improved and the cardio-vascular
system stimulated. All this in a sociable and friendly atmosphere with
lively music and absolutely no competition, but where participants can
develop their own potential.
Variations of the Sport
While the system works particularly well for women of 35+, classes now
take place for all abilities throughout the age-range, from ante-natal
and a mothers and toddlers, through to people in residential homes for
the elderly. Work in the community has developed to include specialised
classes for people with a range of disabilities. A part-time teacher training
programme culminating in the City and Guilds 7307 Further and Adult Education
Teacher's Certificate operates around the country as needed, and a full
in-Service Training programme meets the needs of qualified teachers.
Contact Details
Medau Movement
Mrs Lynd Bridges, Administrator
8b robson House
East Street
Epsom
Surrey KT17 1HH
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CHEERLEADING
Background
Cheerleading began in America as a support activity to various sports,
but has since developed into an international athletic discipline in its
own right with international rules and standards, now practised in at
least 32 countries world-wide. Involving cheers; chants; dance; tumbling;
partner stunts and pyramids, into dynamic leadership routines.
Brief History
On 8 November 1898 John Campbell lead the first Cheerleaders at the University
of Minnesota. Originally squads were all men, it was not until the 1920's
that women became involved. Fred Gastoff invented the vinyl pom in 1965.
Cheerleading came to Britain in 1982 following the first TV broadcast
of Superbowl, and the American Football League (now BAFA). Today there
are 93 squads registered in the UK, earning high profile competitive success
in Britain, Europe and America.
Facilities and Equipment Required
You will need a training hall with safety mats and a qualified coach.
Participants range from 7 to 30 years. BCA provides full support, rules
and safety guidelines, plus organises training workshops and qualification
courses. Cheerleading insurance is available through Perkins Slade. Our
450-page web site http://www.cheerleading.org.uk/
details every aspect of the sport and its requirements.
Benefits of Participating
Cheerleading is a worthwhile fitness and leadership activity, involving
teamwork, gymnastic and dance skills, promoting positive values of self-confidence,
maturity, responsibility and self discipline. Taking part in major events
and competitions both in Britain and abroad, participants have the opportunity
to shine and through leadership values encourage good sportsmanship by
their example.
Variations of the Sport
Competitive events include both team and individuals, with separate age
divisions for Peewee Junior and Senior, and all female plus co-ed categories.
Teams can range from 5 to 40 participants. Some squads are purely competitive,
some cheer for household name sports team, however the majority both cheer
and compete.
Text supplied by the British Cheerleading Association.
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THE FITNESS LEAGUE
What is The Fitness League's exercise system?
Background
A whole body approach aimed at improving overall fitness and energy levels
to enable you to get the most out of your life — whatever your life! Improved
physical fitness, body shape and well-being are achieved using exercises
to music for strength and flexibility. Above all, The Fitness League exercises
can be safely practised in friendly, welcoming classes all over the UK
and internationally, whatever your age or current level of fitness.
Brief History
Founded in 1930 by Mary Bagot-Stack an exercise entrepreneur who set standards
for an industry still in its infancy. She created a system of exercise
structured to the needs of all ages and abilities. It was, and is, made
available through highly trained teachers with the knowledge and expertise
to teach exercise to music in a professional, effective, and enthusiastic
way.
Facilities
Around 600 classes run by 180 professional exercise teachers in local
venues all over the UK.
Benefits of Participating
- Low impact exercise safeguarding against osteoporosis without risking
damage to weight bearing joints.
- Reduced stress levels
- Improved function of the heart and lungs
- Increased stamina, and joint mobility
- Improved circulation and energy levels.
Be Friends with Us
Dancing is one of the oldest and most sociable forms of entertainment.
Whether you're young or old there is a certain romance to dance. Ballroom
dancing has a grace and style all its own. A closeness that kindles friendship.
Latin American has its own raw energy to an exciting modern music that
allows a touch of flamboyance. To dance is to find an expression of oneself,
to enjoy life and make friends. We are here for all who want to have fun,
meet people and bring life into their lives. We not only provide lessons
to help you learn the fun of dance but have our own social dances. Dance
isn't just for special occasions.
Dance with Us
You'll really enjoy dancing whether it is a class, private lesson or social
evening. We're here to make sure you have fun even if you've never danced
before. Ballroom, Latin American, Old Time and Modern Sequence, Disco
or Keep Fit. All different styles of dance, each with its own style and
expression. Fun to learn and one of the most sociable forms of entertainment
there is.
Learn with us
You'll find helpful people qualified to teach you all forms of dancing.
You can select the dances you want to learn. We can teach you from your
first step right up to the most stylish expressions of dance that will
bring you a new found freedom and interest. You may even wish to take
part in our medal test scheme to prove just how good at dancing you've
become. Whatever your age you'll always find something new in dance.
From Your First Step
If you've never danced before we'll be pleased to show you how. Or maybe
you'd like to be able to dance better, feel better or just learn how to
stop treading on your partner's toes. Perhaps you've never danced the
Tango. We can show you how. The Foxtrot, Rock and Roll, Paso Doble, Rumba,
The Bolero...
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