Academic Writing- take2

Versatility is necessary to succeed in the ever-changing Dance industry 'especially as dance companies diversify their repertoires' Dance Magazine [1]

Many new ventures in contemporary dance are mixed with other forms of dance and create new dance genres which are 'regularly looking to alter people's perception of the [dance] scene by merging contemporary and commercial dance forms' Inko Dancers [2]

To start merging these genres and getting used to the different feels, rhythms and techniques it is important to begin at young age to explore the different styles in a fun and creative way and this is the motive of the new classes at the Myra Tiffin Performing Arts School which is one of the most successful schools in the Stoney Stratford area which 'provides a safe environment for the pupils to be in and has a family, friendly and happy atmosphere' www.mkweb.com [3]

Rosina Andrews, who has just graduated from three years of full time dance training at Performers College, under the direction of Brian Rogers has planned a new timetable for Thursday evenings at the Performing Arts School that she used to train at before leaving to go to vocational college. The college that she attended 'provided a balanced curriculum that provides the necessary challenges and encourages standards that are obtainable and reflect the intended profession.' www.performerscollege.co.uk [4] which she believes is essential to valuable learning and wants to encompass this into the children’s training a younger age

The first new class is Musical Theatre.

'Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining music, songs, spoken dialogue and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an integrated whole' Wikipedia [5]

As stated above musical theatre combines elements, which are primarily practiced separately, in these classes Rosina aims to begin to practice these elements and work on the children’s development of performing more than one task at a time attributing to the final product of a musical theatre piece. Currently there are 45 running musicals in the Westend of London, so it is vital to be efficient in this collaboration of dance, song and drama if you want to succeed in theatre.

Secondly there is a new class aimed at our younger students, Hip-Hop.

Approximately 19% of children (ages 6–11) and 17% of adolescents (ages 12–19) were overweight in 2000. www.overweightteen.com [6] As a dance teacher to younger pupils it is vital that exercise is kept fun and up to date to motivate children to stay healthy. Although introducing Hip-Hop to the schools timetable is to integrate different styles at a younger age it is also a vigorous yet fun form of exercise. 'Benefits of starting dance early, in addition to teaching responsibility, teamwork, and commitment are avoiding childhood obesity, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and continued physical activity as they get older, building motor skills and making new friends' Vincent Iannelli [7]and most of all from our point of view at MTPAS is reducing the fear of the unknown (Hip-Hop style) so the children can grow and improve in there versatility which as stated before is essential in the dance industry.

The final class being introduced is aimed at our students hoping to continue their training at a higher level.

Advanced Jazz will enable our older pupils to gain the mentality, stamina and perseverance of a dancer at vocational level. We aim to slowly introduce techniques of further dance training before they leave for Dance College by treating them like professionals and creating an environment similar to what they would receive

'A first year at a vocational college establishes an awareness of a "dancers life style" for the purpose of developing a healthy, thinking, able dancer capable of further training in pursuit of a professional career.' www.Performers College.co.uk.[8] I aim to prepare the students mentally for what they are going to receive prior to entering the colleges for them to gain the most out of their training.

These classes are set to take place on Thursday Evenings at the Myra Tiffin Performing Arts School.

[1] Unknown, 2006, Dance Magazine, London

[2] Kay, R, 2009 , About, available from [Accessed 22nd November 2009]

[3] Lowe, V, Unknown, Dance, available from [Accessed 22nd November 2009]

[4] Unknown, 2008, Home, available from [Accessed 22nd November 2009]

[5] Unknown, Unknown, Musical Theatre, available from [Accessed 22nd November 2009]

[6] Unknown , 2000, Statistics, available from [Accessed 22nd November 2009]

[7] Iannelli V,Unknown, Youth Sports, available from [Accsessed 22nd November 2009]

[8] Unknown, 2008, Course Details, available from [Accessed 22nd November 2009]