About Tina's School of Dance
Hello,
My name is Tina and I am the principal of Tina's School of Dance. I started dancing at the age of eight and have not looked back since. Through my childhood and teenage years nearly every evening and weekend was taken up by dancing. I became completely hooked and it did not take long for me to decide I wanted to teach. I competed all over the country and abroad. I loved performing, however, it was always in the back of mind that one day I would love to have my own school.
To cut a long story short I worked very hard and with a lot of support from my family, my school was opened in 1997. As well as teaching dance I am also qualified as a children's health and fitness coach and nutritional therapist.
The school has continued to grow and we have had fantastic exam and medal results right from the start with the U.K.D.D.F (United Kingdom Dance and Drama Federation). I opened my first dance studio in Stopsley in Luton in 2004 and we then moved to the current studio in Old Bedford Rd in 2006. It is much larger and has better facilities for the pupils and parents.
It was always my aim to have a dance school where the love of dance is established in everyone whether it is just for fun or as a possible career. I believe that this has now been achieved. I am very proud of the students and the high standards they achieve and also in the increasing confidence and awareness of themselves and others.
Every year the families and friends of the pupils get to see the development of the pupils in our show which is held at the Grove Theatre. Everyone has the opportunity to take part including the youngest children.
I am now the president of the U.K.D.D.F work as a senior examiner which gives me the perfect opportunity to see how other schools are developing using the syllabus.
In October 2009 we welcomed Kirsty Cailtin to the school as our street dance teacher. Kirsty is qualified to teach freestyle street dance and is a cheerleading coach. She has assisted in the acrobatics classes and continues to expand her knowledge of dance by studying ballet and modern. Now as well as working as a Teaching assistant at a local school and teaching at our dance school she is also studying for a dance degree on a part time basis. Kirsty is a great asset to the school and chorepgraphs fab routines for all ages. I have really enjoyed taking part in her adult street dance class. In March 2011 Kirsty qualified as a Zumba coach so we have now added Zumba to our timetable.
In May 2010 Diane Bell joined the team, as a class leader for some of the pre-school classes. Diane attended the same ballet school as I did as a child. She has been attending the adult classes for some time and now her children are all at school she is able to pursue her love of dance further once again.
Rachel Hunt has been at the school since the age of 4, she has taken exams in ballet, tap and modern up until senior level. She has also taken medals in ballet, tap and disco. Rachel has assisted with classes for many years gaining valuable teaching experience, she has choreographed many dances for the show and enjoys working with all age groups. Along with further senior exams to the highest level, Rachel is working towards her teaching qualifications and is a full time student at Hertfordshire University. She is now a class leader for the preschool ballet class on Saturday's and Monday's along with a beginners ballet class.
Tracey Batt has taken over the Drama club and runs an adult dance/keepfit class on Sunday mornings. She studied dance and performing arts at college after attending drama and dance classes throughout her childhood. Tracey is a highly motivating class leader and really enjoys
encouraging and teaching others.
We also have students helping during the younger classes, this is a great experience for them, currently Lauren O'Nions assists with ballet, tap and modern classes.
All the teachers and class leaders have enhanced CRB checks, insurance and first aid certificates.
We hope all new visitors to the site find the infomation they require, please get in touch to enquire about class times and fees.
Tina xx
