Elevations Dance Academy
| Published: 29th January 2008 15:38 |
AIMING HIGHER AT ELEVATIONS DANCE
Come along and dance yourself dizzy this year at Elevations Academy for Dance based in the heart of Chapel Allerton, Leeds.
BY HAYLEY ROBINSON BA (HONS) RAD IDTA UKA SATD BTDA PRINCIPAL OF ELEVATIONS
It is not a hidden fact that child obesity levels in the UK soar each year. The reason for this is simple- many youngsters prefer to sit in front of a computer all day rather than be outside running around having fun! However, even I would agree in line with many parents and carers that the streets are simply not safe enough these days to allow children to do this freely without us worrying for their safety.
Therefore, it is up to US (parents and carers) to ensure that OUR children are eating a healthy diet as well as maintaining some form of exercise. Been a professional dancer and teacher for over a decade, and now directing the local dance school, Elevations Academy for Dance based in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, I am very passionate about the fact that dance is a fun way to keep fit- and this is what I try to promote as a teacher. I encourage youngsters to come to dance classes in a safe environment in order to keep active You may tell a child to get on an exercise bike, to pump a few weights, to go for a run, to skip for hours...the idea may not appeal to many... but how about introduce the idea of learning how to dance like their favourite pop-stars - twisting their feet like Usher, shaking their ‘booty' like Beyonce- the idea of dance will surely appeal without the hidden knowledge that it will be keeping them fit! We have enjoyable classes of all genres for every age range from 2.5 years up to our golden years- where our oldest member is 72.
One parent brought her daughter to dance at Elevations back in 2006 as she was concerned about her daughter not getting enough exercise. Her daughter now partakes in 3 lessons (ballet, tap and modern-jazz) every week and continues to practise each night. Dancing has encouraged her to keep fit and she really loves it!
One of our golden years members, Maureen (72) recently had a knee operation in hospital. The doctors advised her to take up an active hobby. She commented, "Tap dancing is a great way to keep my knees going, if I sit still I seize up, if I keep active- it's great... walking does not appeal to me... nor does joining a gym but I thoroughly enjoy Elevation's Tap classes."
Susie (29), a member of Adult Street Dance says "Hayley really puts us through our paces in Street Dance. We start with a warm up to ensure we don't have any aches and pains in the morning, then she learns us a routine, which is different every week. It is really fun, and not too hard but not too easy- it is just right- Hayley makes sure we all pick up the routine easily and we really love it! I've never done anything like it before- I'm a complete beginner yet I really look forward to each lesson. I've definitely toned up a bit now- I am going to do the show this year as some ladies said it was a great challenge last year and they all went out afterwards to celebrate their achievement..."
Elevations Academy is based in central Chapel Allerton. We use two community buildings to host our lessons in order to ensure we are right on your doorstep. On Mondays and Fridays we use St Martins Institute, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays we use Chapel Allerton Primary School on Harrogate Road. We have over 35 classes per week for all age ranges.
For 2-6 year olds we have traditional subjects like ballet, tap and modern-jazz, as well as classes that are fresh and fun like musical theatre (singing and dancing), street dance (mild pop dance), princess and fairy ballerinas (fun ballet classes) and mini movers (an introductory class for different dance styles).
For 7-18 year olds we offer ballet, tap and modern-jazz. However, if you think your ‘too cool' for these, surely our street dance class (think MTV music videos) or our boys-only break dance session will appeal. We also have 3 fabulous cheerleading squads for girls of all ages. For those who love High School Musical, Grease, Cats...etc - our musical theatre and showstoppers class will be the right choice for you!
And for our adults, our Adult Street Dance classes are really popular for funky females who may want to loose a few pounds in an exciting atmosphere. These classes appeal to all age ranges (from early twenties to late fifties) and are suitable for complete beginners to those who may have a little experience. We also offer a adult jazz session which is a class guaranteed to have your head flicking and legs kicking like a true West-End star. Our adult tap is a nice, easy class for all levels which offers fun routines. If you are a regular reader of Company Magazine, celebrity Kelly Brooke swears by doing tap dancing to keep fit and trim... it is a dance form that is certainly on the up for adults. Finally for those who like to work up a sweat, our Adult Dancercise is a great way to dance yourself dizzy and shake off the pounds.
Whilst fitness is a primary advantage to dance and performing arts, it also provides potential career opportunities for youngsters. They have the chance to gain academic qualifications alongside their dance qualifications- therefore this is promoting achievement all the time. Like swimming badges, dance offers a same sort of system.
Furthermore, youngsters and our adult members get their chance in the spotlight- after all performing arts is all about performing! Every year we produce an annual show at the West Yorkshire Playhouse (or) St Georges Hall, Bradford. Last year we had the whole school take part in our production (even our tiny two year olds); in fact, we even had some of adults perform in a few numbers. They thoroughly enjoyed it... and have said they would do it again this year as it was so fun! Please note- show-work and examination work is purely optional at Elevations, we understand some members want to just take part for fun in classes.
If you fancy joining a class at Elevations, or wish to speak to the Principal about our classes please visit: http://www.elevationsacademyfordance.co.uk/ or telephone 07790 225385. Shake off the pounds! Classes range between £1.50-£3.50. Timetables and class descriptions can be found on our website. CRB Checked Instructors. Full Qualified Teachers. Fully Insured Performing Arts School.
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