Adaptability is required to succeed in the ever-changing Dance and Theatre industry. Many new ventures in theatre are a mix of numerous styles of which create innovative genres which are 'regularly looking to alter people's perception of the [dance] scene by merging contemporary and commercial dance forms' as stated by distinctive dance company Inko Dancers[1]. To start merging these genres and getting used to the diverse rhythms and techniques it is important to begin at young age to explore the different styles in a fun and creative way. This is the first motive of the new classes at the Myra Tiffin Performing Arts School which has recently been described as ‘one of the most successful schools in Buckinghamshire who provides a safe environment for the pupils to be in and has a family, friendly and happy atmosphere' www.mkweb.com [2]
Our second motive to create this new timetable involves the children who attend dance classes as a hobby. “Among children and teens ages 6 to 19, 15 percent (almost 9 million) are overweight according to the 1999-2000 data, or triple what the proportion was in 1980.” [3] As a dance teacher it is vital that exercise is kept fun and up to date to motivate children to stay healthy. Our new classes will engage the children and motivate them to return each week, the classes will focus on different styles and techniques and rather than following the teacher the whole lesson, time will be allocated for their own development and creativity. Recent studies of the brain and learning processes by Eric Jenson have shown that ‘classrooms that encourage the exploration of alternative thinking, creative insights and multiple responses are healthier for a growing brain’ [4]
The classes are to be taken by Rosina Andrews, who has just graduated from three years of full time dance training at Performers College . The college that she attended 'provided a balanced curriculum that provided the necessary challenges and encouraged standards that are obtainable and reflect the intended profession.' www.performerscollege.co.uk [5] which she believes is essential to a constructive learning process and wants to encompass this into the children’s training a younger age
The first new class is Musical Theatre as defined in the Oxford Dictionary. 'Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining music, songs, spoken dialogue and dance.[6] The above elements are primarily practiced separately, in her classes Rosina aims to begin to apply these elements and work on the children’s development of performing simultaneously attributing to the final product of a musical theatre piece. This will refine their cognitive skills by increasing co-ordination, indispensable in everyday life and for the student wishing to pursue Musical Theatre, create an lesson of practice from a younger age.
Secondly, a new class aimed at our younger students, Hip-Hop. Introducing this class to the schools timetable is to integrate a different style from a younger age, a vigorous yet fun form of exercise. 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 confidence as ‘’Confidence is one of the most important affective variables of success’[7]
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 gradually 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]
Each class will be tailored to the age and experience of the specific group focusing on improving their weaknesses and boosting their strengths even more, most importantly nurturing the progress of each individual child with a friendly, focused and fulfilling teaching environment, varying from week to week, suppressing boredom, boosting confidence and overall improving the well being each student.
[1] Kay, R, 2009 , About, available from < http://www.inkodancers.com/> [Accessed 22nd November 2009]
[2] Lowe, V, Unknown, Dance, available from < http://www.mkweb.co.uk/clubs%5Fsocieties/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=10252> [Accessed 22nd November 2009]
[3] Unknown, 2000, Statistics, available from http://www.overweightteen.com/statistics.html [Accessed 15th December 2009]
[4] Jensen , E. (1998). The New Winds of Change, Teaching with the Brain in Mind. USA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Deve;. unknown.
[5]Unknown, 2008, Home, available from
[6]Musical Theatre, Oxford Dictionary
[7] Reyes LH, -The Elementary School Journal, Vol. 84, No. 5, Special Issue: Mathematics Education (May, 1984), pp. 558-581 (article consists of 24 pages)
[8] Unknown, 2008, Course Details, available from <


