Testimonials

“The children have thoroughly enjoyed their time working with Clare. They look forward to the sessions and are very enthusiastic when they talk about the dances they are learning. It has been amazing to see the potential and creativity the children have shown which can be rare to see due to the children's Autism. The children have shown an increase in physical skills, imagination and communication in dancing sessions and the dances /skills they have learnt with Clare have helped and supported their dancing in PE lessons. The outcomes we have see have 100% exceeded what we thought possible when planning the project in September. Clare's skills and enthusiasm with the children have been fantastic and she has adapted her routines to the needs of our children superbly. She has been an inspiration and has shown us new ways and approaches to teaching dance.”

“Children are able to recall and demonstrate a range of movements which over the sessions have improved. Children enjoy and respect the dance tutors and respond well in these creative sessions. Less involved children have more opportunity to take part or copy more creative ideas.”

“Children who have difficulty learning in class have been able to remember facts about the Vikings through dance activity.”

“One little girl (K) is very shy and reluctant to speak. In most dance sessions she wasn't keen to join in and we were considering whether it would be best for her not to come. Clare was determined to get K to join in and gave her lots of positive encouragement. In the last 3 sessions K participated, watching Clare, following instructions and smiling. In the last session we asked K if she wanted to dance and she nodded. Dance proved to be a very positive experience for K.”

“The sessions are fun and interactive and aim to encourage all participants - students have the opportunity to take part in a physical activity that may not be available to them otherwise. We have students who visibly gain confidence during the 50 minute sessions, students and their peers can see how far they have come from the first to final steps of a dance piece.”

“The workshop was a great success. The students thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and some even went on to run a street dance workshop themselves with younger students at the school as part of their Arts Award Skills Share. Thank you Dolly for all your hard work.”

“This term we have had quite a few children who have never took part in any form of dance sessions, and you can see their confidence growing and determination to learn new skills and movements. They also have much more physical development when coming for every session.”

“We would like to thank our instructor Lucy as she has been professional, energetic and has developed good relationships with our pupils. She has engaged all of our children and made sessions fun whilst also setting high expectations of them.”

“I have been really impressed with the sessions. When passing through the hall over the half term there has been a clear progression in the skills and the children are really engaged and on task.”

“Lots of positive energy from the class. Well behaved and enthusiastic to participate.”

“Really pleased with how well everyone remembered the steps. Everybody worked hard and were very excited to learn. Worked very well together, very eager to get the dance perfect.”

“Behaviour and concentration have improved so much.”

“This is a fabulous opportunity for very young children (reception yr1 and yr2 in this school) to enjoy a more rounded education through after school provision. I have been amazed at how quickly these children have been taught and remembered routines for dance. It has certainly helped them improve physically and personally.”

“The children in year 3 have demonstrated a greater enjoyment of exercise through dance and I have introduced a 5 minute dance session 3 times a week after registration to continue this enjoyment.”

“The children have thoroughly enjoyed their dance sessions. They have shown lots of progression in their ability to be creative, move creatively and follow direction. They have shown us lots of enjoyment over the past 6 sessions and has given me lots of ideas for better dance sessions especially in terms of their ability.”

“Good variety of different movement, children enjoyed the sessions.”

“The children respond extremely well to a type of exercise which they can relate to, the dance teacher is really great at keeping the children engaged and they all actively participate.”

“Warm ups and cool downs particularly good at giving children the opportunity to vigorously exercise.”

“The project has had a totally unexpected impact across the entire school that has become known as 'The Hilton Dance Explosion'. I originally thought I had organised an after-school dance club, but this has been the catalyst for the expansion and development of dance across the school. The stage area has been matted and dance mirrors are (hopefully) being installed before the end of term. We are currently planning a 'Danceathon' for next half term to raise funds to further develop dance across the school through the purchase of further equipment and resources and are hoping to improve the sound and lighting systems in the hall. All these new opportunities have had a big impact on the children in terms of their confidence, skills, attitudes and behaviour. Children that had been disengaged from PE and sport are now coming to dance on a regular basis, and through the support of their friends and peers have developed the confidence to try new things and perform in front of their friends and even the whole school. Behaviour of some of the older girls in particular has improved as a result as dance being used as a reward, and relationships between staff and these children has improved as they have supported them and often supervised their practices. The children have appreciated the help and support of the staff and in some circumstances dancing has given staff something positive to say to these children that all too often only get negative attention. Overall, I honestly can't speak highly enough of the entire project and the impact it has had in school.”

“Many of the children enjoyed the Dance workshop they took part in and therefore experienced an increase in positive relationships. Some initially found performing embarrassing but by the final session all children had increased in confidence when performing.”

“It involved the boys who thoroughly enjoyed the sessions – many would not have selected to take a Dance class but were surprised at how much they enjoyed it.”

“Children who are below average in learning were able to demonstrate their skills and ability in dance and therefore grew more in confidence.”