Honorary Award to Mr. Albie Matthews

Albie Matthews commenced dancing after he returned from Italy

after the war. He started training with a British couple who had

immigrated to South Africa – Joe and Dorrie Martin. Later he

joined the Mundah Berks and Harry Bateman Dance School,

where he was trained by Adelaide Rosenberg.

In 1957, he turned Professional. He qualified in both Ballroom and

Latin American Dancing, gaining his Licentiate in both. During his

competitive years, he was 5 times undefeated Latin champion as

well as Western Province Ballroom and Latin champion. He retired

from Competitive dancing in the 60’s having been in every final in

Ballroom and Latin American.

Mr. Matthews demonstrated an

unwavering commitment to DANCE

He worked tirelessly with Mrs. Matthews

to promote DANCE

He studied and passed his Scrutineering exam in England. He trained

and examined many of the Scrutineers in South Africa. He was the Co-

Chairman with the late Bobby Irvine at the WDC World Professional Latin

championships held in Sun City. He represented South Africa at all World

Dance Council meetings held annually in Blackpool.

He worked tirelessly for dancing right up to the time of his death. He was

deeply saddened by the split in dancing. He wanted the dancers to be

free to dance wherever and whenever they wished. He was a Champion

for Freedom to Dance. He worked on the rules and the constitution of

the then National Council. He was invited to be on the panel of

Adjudicators for the WDC World Professional Ballroom Championship

held in Wintergardens Blackpool.

Mr. Matthews championed FREEDOM TO

DANCE principles

Mr. Matthews was an Ambassador for South Africa

He invited many International couples

Mr. Matthews played a pivotal role in maintaining

good relations with the World Dance Council (with WDC President - MBE Donnie Burns)

Mr. Matthews was Founder Member of NSRI

Besides dancing, Albie had a great love of the sea. He was the Founder Member

of the National Sea Rescue Institute. He later became the National Chairman of

the NSRI. He was also President of the South African Power Boat Association.

He organized the World Power Boat Championship to be held in South Africa. He

was the South African delegate of International Motorboating Council.

Today we honour Mr. Matthews LIFETIME COMMITMENT

Mr Matthews passed away on 10 December 2007 and will be remembered for

his significant contribution to life and dance.

Honorary Award to Mrs Jessie Liddell

In 1992 the formulation of the first unified body of dance in South Africa,

bringing together four major role players, namely, two formerly white

Associations, South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA) and

Republic Dance Teachers Association (RDTA) and two formerly black

Associations, Africa Dance Academy (ADA) and Southern African

Confederation of Dance (SACODA). The mediator of this Unity was

chaired by Mr. Bill Irvine MBE from England who was invited by the North

West Government during the 1994 Rumba in the Jungle.

The completion of that Unity Talks saw the birth of the first Professional

Body of Dance called the South African National Council of Ballroom

Dancing (SANCBD) with its first President being Mrs. Jessie Liddell.

The SANCBD became the national controlling body of all professional

teachers and dancers, regardless of their continued private affiliations,

governed through one constitution and promoting dance through common

syllabi.

Mrs. Liddell was the first President of SANCBD

IMPERIAL SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF DANCING

• 1954 Associate Cecchetti Ballet

• 1955 Associate Ballroom

• 1958 Licentiate Latin American

• 1961 Licentiate Ballroom

• 1969 Fellow Latin American

• Life Member of the ISTD

SADTA Fellow & Examiner in Ballroom and Latin American

Honorary Life Member of the SADTA and also of the SAD & DSC

Achievements

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

Successful competitive career during the 1960s with Mr.Jack Liddell, whilst living

in the U.K., and from then onwards had a good record as Teachers and coaches

in Kwa Zulu Natal.

Adjudicated in Miami and Boston, USA, a World Professional Championship in

Vienna, and also the Blackpool Professional Invitation Team Match on 4

occasions.

Main instigator of the SA Dance & Dance Sport Council, of which I was Acting

President during the formative years and then the FIRST OFFICIAL PRESIDENT.

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

Contributed to the development of dancers like

former World Champion Nicole Cutler

Today we honour Mrs. Liddell for her Selfless and

Outstanding Service to DANCE in SOUTH AFRICA