Dalcroze UK is 100!

Dalcroze UK exists to support and promote the teaching and training methods developed by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze and his pupils: to engage the whole body in the process of musical perception, learning, creativity, and expression. We are one of the oldest music education charities in the the world. In 2015 we celebrate the centenary of the original Dalcroze Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, founded in 1915.

A Brief History…

Dalcroze UK grew out of the tradition of training begun by the London School of Dalcroze Eurhythmics (LSDE) as well as the work of the Dalcroze Society UK. In 2015 Dalcroze UK became the name for the professional body that promotes Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the UK and internationally through classes and courses, training, research and publications.

Three Dalcroze organisations that sprung up around the time of World War I have each played their part in the establishment and successful continuation of Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the UK.

London School of Dalcroze Eurhythmics (1913 – 1955)

Percy and Ethel Ingham founded the LSDE in 1913. Its graduates went on to spread the Dalcroze method throughout the world. The school ceased to operate as a separate organisation in 1955 and the Dalcroze Society UK has supported Dalcroze training in the UK ever since. Emile Jaques-Dalcroze visited Britain many times, first to demonstrate his teaching (1912) and soon after as visiting principal of the LSDE, where he assessed students until 1939. He became a dear friend of the Ingham family. Delegates from the worldwide Dalcroze community celebrated the centenary of the LSDE’s foundation at the First International Conference of Dalcroze Studies, Coventry University (2013).

The Dalcroze Society UK (1915 – 2015)

Marie Eckhard founded the Dalcroze Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1915. Its goals were to provide lectures and demonstrations of Dalcroze Eurhythmics throughout the country as well as to publish papers and pamphlets. “In 1926 the Society incorporated as a voluntary body ‘to promote in the British Empire’ the method and Dalcroze teachers” (Odom & Pope 2013: 9-10). In 1965 the Dalcroze Society organised a year-long series of events to celebrate the centenary of Emile Jaques-Dalcroze’s birth. In 2002 it became the Dalcroze Society UK and in 2015 changed its name to Dalcroze UK.

The Dalcroze Teachers’ Union (1916 – 1977)

In 1916 a group of Dalcroze teachers led by Winifred Houghton formed the Dalcroze Teachers’ Union (DTU) “in order to maintain the standard of work and to protect the interests of Dalcroze teachers” (Odom & Pope 2013: 10). Percy Ingham and Emile Jaques-Dalcroze fully endorsed the DTU. It played an important role in connecting Dalcroze teachers all over the world for more than six decades.

Odom, S. L. & Pope, J. (2013) Practical Idealists: Founders of the London School of Dalcroze Eurhythmics, A Centenary Essay. Coventry: Coventry University.

What People Say About Us…

A wonderful day. The offer of a free day was very generous and I also found the experience enriched my knowledge of Dalcroze immeasurably. An invaluable day.

Stephanie Jordan, Research Professor in Dance at Roehampton University, Participant, 2015 'Dalcroze Eurhythmics: Moving through the archive'

“I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to Dalcroze, many thanks.”

Anon, Participant, 2015 'Dalcroze Eurhythmics: Moving through the archive'

Why not join us today and become part of an energetic, fun-loving group of people who are committed to developing the impact of Dalcroze training in the UK?

Join us today!