Dance School of the Year Awards 2019
We were privileged to be invited by Anne Walker MBE to attend her prestigious Dance School of the Year Awards 2019 at a fabulous black-tie ceremony at Woodbury Park Hotel in the glorious Devon countryside.
After a memorable six-hour journey, Gerald (above) hosted an external Behind the Seams display showcasing the latest dresses as seen on this series of Strictly Come Dancing, which were hugely admired and appreciated by the knowledgeable guests. It was a true pleasure to share some insider information and a bit of Strictly magic with such an attentive audience.
It was an unforgettable event, from which, unfortunately, Gerald had to return that evening to host another Behind the Seams tour the next morning in our London studio. No rest for the wicked! For more information about our Behind the Seams tours click here.
The 2019 Dance School of the Year Awards drew entries from across the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia. Established seven years ago by Anne Walker MBE, Dance School of the Year encourages all dance teachers to realise what a hugely positive impact they have on society and the many young people they teach. The dance teacher plays a huge part in the lives of so many children – often for many years, and they are often the most consistent aspect in the lives of those youngsters.
When entering the competition, the school must consider all aspects of their business from what policies and procedures they have in place to the work that they do in their local community as well as sharing information about exams, shows and their own CPD. Teachers often say this is just as beneficial as actually winning as the process of entering has made them realise just how much their school achieves every year.
2019 saw a very high standard of entries as well as a greater number, across four different categories. 35 schools were shortlisted. across four categories. The judges this year were dance teacher, examiner and tutor Sarah Dickinson ARAD and award-winning entrepreneur and businesswoman Sarah Cressall. Both judges joined dance teachers and their guests for the announcement and celebration of the Awards before partying the night away.
Special thanks must go to the sponsors who ensure these Awards remain free to enter: Melody Bear and Melody Movement, Dancing Times, Class Talent, Royal Academy of Dance, Groove Child, Class Manager, UK Dance Class Championships and DSI London who brought some recently worn Strictly outfits (manufactured by them)to add even more glamour at the event.
Awards were presented as follows:
Under 100 Students Bronze - BrosnaCan Academy Silver - Live 4 Dancing Gold - Nicky Jenks School of Dance
100-200 Students Bronze - X-Academy School of Performing Arts Silver - Aimee’s Dance Academy Gold - Wendy Sandercock Academy of Dance
200-300 Students Bronze - The Dance Class (Ontario) Silver – The Vincent Martin School of Dance and Musical Theatre Ltd Gold - First Position School of Dance
300+ Students Bronze – Platinum Performing Arts Silver – Fiona Henderson School of Dance Gold – ACS Dance Centre
RAD Project B Award for Innovation in the teaching of Boys Dance: Natalie Vinson School of Dance and Drama
Award for Innovation: Abstract Dance & Performing Arts
Overall Winner Dance School of the Year 2019: Basingstoke Academy of Dancing