From a young age I knew I wanted to dance. I started dancing at the age of 3 in South Africa and at the age of 13 years I furthered my dance training at The Hammond School in Chester, a vocational school for professional dance training and the performing arts. It was whilst training here I completed my National Diploma in Professional Dance as well as gaining the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance qualified teaching status, passing with Distinction.
My school was founded in 2003 and it has grown to over 200 pupils with a waiting list for places. The Sarah Louise School of Dance offers students the opportunity to learn classical ballet, commercial jazz and contemporary dancing. All students who take classical ballet lessons are offered the opportunity to take Royal Academy of Dance ballet examinations, a syllabus that has worldwide recognition and also, unlike other syllabi count toward UCAS points. Being a performing art school student's are offered regular opportunities to take part in the schools much anticipated dance showcase productions as well taking part in many professional dance workshops.
Teaching dance is not just my vocation but my passion. I thoroughly enjoy taking dance out into the local community encouraging children of all ages to join in. I take particular pride in helping children develop in confidence and as their ability to dance improves watch as they gain a sense of achievement. Students that dance together develop life long friendships. They learn how to work within a team, supporting and encouraging each other. They learn patience and self discipline as well as how to be understanding to the needs of others.
Alongside the running of The Sarah Louise School of Dance I have also taught GCSE and A-Level Dance at Northallerton College and have gained qualified teaching status in secondary education. I continue to teach dance classes in many local primary and nursery schools, offering a fun and inclusive alternative to physical education classes. These classes allow youngsters to develop their co-ordination, musicality and encouraging them to socialize with other children.
I also work as a teaching mentor for The Royal Academy of Dance and have successfully trained and mentored many dance teacher trainees. The Sarah Louise School of Dance employees all have dance experience and have successfully passed dance examinations up to a major level. They have plenty of teaching experience and are all fully CRB checked.
The Sarah Louise School of Dance prides itself in offering a professional, reliable service that sets a good example to all its students.