So it’s that time of year when we reflect on the successes and achievements of our pupils and as I sit down to write I find myself overwhelmed by just what a fantastic year we have had!
As principal I strive to give our pupils a range of opportunities and hope they all realise how lucky they are! So, to summarise our year we must look to the numerous opportunities and try and select those that really stand out as something special.
We have many ‘strings to our bow’ with our Pantomime team, Competition team, our hugely successful Examination candidates and of course our wonderful school productions. Almost 150 pupils are given the chance to take part in around 50 classes a week and our extensive timetable of classes really does rival that of some of the vocational dance colleges. Children can take part in Ballet, Modern and Tap dancing examinations in addition to the non-exam classes – Contemporary, Jazz, Street Dance, Commercial, Musical Theatre and Fitness classes.
A particular highlight for our competition team was performing in the Liverpool Echo Arena back in November. The ‘North West Dance Challenge’ was organised by Smile Productions and our team brought home numerous trophies including one for the ‘Best Technique’. Our team has gone from strength to strength with members aged 9 to 17 years taking part in competitions around the country most weekends. The team represents our school in such a positive way and we are incredibly proud of all the members.
Once again we have been delighted to provide teams for LHK Productions Christmas and Easter pantomimes at the Liverpool Epstein Theatre. The dancers took to the stage along with a host of celebrity names in Aladdin at Christmas and Sleeping Beauty at Easter. This is a truly wonderful experience for all involved and I know the chaperones particularly enjoy the experience of being backstage with the hunky male celebrities!!
Our experienced teachers are all highly qualified to teach the examination work of the ISTD and RAD Dance exam boards and we are extremely impressed with the results from our exam candidates this year. We are now seeing a consistently high standard of work which is being rewarded with results in the high 90’s. These results reflect the commitment of our teachers to ensuring our pupils receive the best possible training in all aspects of dance.
To conclude my summary of the year I must mention our end of year performances at the Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park in Huyton. ‘Bonnie’s Birthday Bash’ took place over the weekend of 15th and 16th July. Our performers took to the stage in what was a truly wonderful representation of all our school has to offer. From our youngest little Bunny Rabbits who enjoyed their first stage experience at the tender age of 3 to our Ladies Tap class (ages undisclosed!!) we were treated to a wonderful programme of entertainment. There was dancing to the highest standard, singing and acting which was expertly produced by the wonderfully talented Zoe Taylor and a general feeling that these youngsters were having a fantastic time on the stage. The audience reaction was incredible and the positive feedback made all the hard work over the last few months worth it!
So, now we are in the midst of the summer holidays were we reflect on what a great year we have had and start to think about the forthcoming year. We are hoping to welcome new pupils to our school from September and are looking for girls and boys aged 2 and a half upwards. We are running a Free 3 Week Trial offer throughout the first half of the Autumn Term which entitles any new starters to 3 Free weeks of any one class within our school.
Anyone wishing to register for the 3 week trial should email info@hamiltondance.co.uk or call 0151 548 4776.