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Berry Academy of Dance
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Fantastic Four at Miss Dance 2016
Well, not one to be outdone, our very own Miss Alexandra O’Brien took today’s Miss Dance heat by storm! A huge congratulations to Alex on securing her place in Miss Dance of Great Britain 2016.
So, let’s count it up: Rebecca Hanneman, Bree Quinton, Bridie Thorpe & now Alex! We didn’t think it possible to top our excitement from last year when we had 3 of our pupils in this prestigious competition, but here we are: the Fantastic Four.
Miss Dance takes place in June at the Winter Gardens Theatre in Blackpool, and is a national competition hosted by the International Dance Teachers’ Association, whose syllabus we follow. After competing in heats across the country, 50 young dancers are brought together on this immense stage to perform in front of a whopping 3,500 people.
Get your sandwiches packed and your best cheering voices warmed up because this year’s Miss Dance is going to be pretty special! 4 down, 1 to go, can we make it the Famous Five? No pressure Charlotte!
Mirror, mirror…
Thanks to your continued support and the mammoth efforts of our fabulous Fundraising Committee we have been able to purchase these mirrors for class! Mirrors help dancers perfect their technique – a nice enhancement for our lessons!
Berry Talented Dancers & A Modern Champ
As always, we were incredibly proud of our Berry Babes who danced in the International Dance Teachers Association’s Theatre Dance Awards at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester last weekend. To be nominated to dance in the scholarships is huge achievement in itself, and pupils who demonstrate excellence in their grade exams are invited to dance in this prestigious annual event.
Our young dancers were nominated for the following grade exams:
Grade 4 Modern Jazz – Jack Skelton, Eve Wainwright
Grade 5 Tap – Jack Skelton
Grade 5 Theatre Craft – Eve Wainwright
Intermediate Tap – Rebecca Hanneman, Bree Quinton, Charlotte Stones & Bridie Thorpe
Advanced 1 Modern – Rebecca Hanneman, Alexandra O’Brien, Bree Quinton, Charlotte Stones & Bridie Thorpe
We were delighted to see our students perform as marvelously as ever with, of course, lots of support from their number 1 fans, Team Berry! Congratulations to all of our pupils who performed, particularly Rebecca Hanneman & Bridie Thorpe, who were awarded Special Commendations in the Tap Performers category.
The highlight of our weekend (and quite probably the month, at least) was the Modern Jazz Performers category. You can imagine our delight when our very own Bree Quinton was announced as winner!! Cheers and screams all round from Team Berry. A massive well done to Bree and her teachers & family, particularly mum and former pupil Stacy – a hard-earned victory.
Bree and the very proud Miss Rebecca & Mrs Berry
Of a possible 6000 pupils across the IDTA network, 300 are nominated to dance in the scholarships. The standard is incredibly high, and our girls & boy lived up to that. Well done to all of you, not to mention your teachers for their hard work! Thanks to the mums, dads, nans, aunties, siblings, cousins, friends (etc.!) who continue to support the children and the school in every new exciting chapter.
Class Timetable January 2016
We’re looking forward to getting back into the swing of things tomorrow, Monday 4th January, and would like to let you know that some class times have changed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via Facebook (www.facebook.com/SBSOTD) or email at sharonberryschool@gmail.com
Please note that all private lessons are not running the first week back, and will begin week commencing 11th January.
Saturday Timetable – First Class Back 9th January 2016
| 10.00-10.30 | Juveniles | Prep Theatre Craft | Primary Theatre Craft |
| 10.30-11.00 | Prep Tap | Primary Tap | |
| 11.00-11.30 | Grade 1 Ballet | Prep Ballet | Primary Ballet |
| 11.30-12.00 | Grade 1 Modern | Prep Modern | Primary Modern |
| 12.00-12.30 | Stretch | ||
| 12.30-1.15 | Grade 1 Theatre Craft | Grade 2 Theatre Craft | Grade 3 Theatre Craft |
| 1.15-1.30 | Lunch | ||
| 1.30-2.15 | Grade 1 Tap | Grade 2 Tap | Grade 3 Tap |
| 2.15-3.15 | Grade 4 Theatre Craft | Intermediate Theatre Craft | Advanced 1 Modern |
| 3.15-4.00 | Intermediate Tap | Advanced 1 Tap | |
Monday Timetable – First Class Back 4th January 2016
| 4.30-5.15 | Grade 2 Ballet | Grade 3 Modern |
| 5.15-6.00 | Grade 4 Ballet Boys | Grade 2 Modern |
| 6.00-7.00 | Grade 4 Ballet Pointe | Grade 5 Modern |
| 7.00-7.45 | Stamina | |
| 7.45-8.30 | Intermediate Ballet | Advanced 1 Theatre Craft |
| 8.30-8.45 | Joint Pointe | Pre-Associate Theatre Craft Part 2 |
| 8.45-9.30 | Advanced 1 Ballet | |
A Berry Happy New Year To You
Well, what a year 2015 has been – perhaps one of the best? While Christmas has been creeping up on us we’ve been getting into the mood with some fantastic events; special mention for the Christmas Fayre organised by our fabulous Fundraising Committee and not forgetting the fandabbydozy Christmas Concert! We were thrilled to sell out all the tickets and see so many friends and family there to support us, and well done to the pupils and staff for putting together a brilliant show.
In the spirit of the new year we’re reflecting on this one. So here goes, we hope you enjoy looking back. In 2015 we’ve been…
- Raising the roof at Miss Dance 2015…
Three of our very talented cohort, Misses Rebecca Hanneman, Bree Quinton & Bridie Thorpe performed in the Final of Miss Dance 2015 held at the immense Winter Gardens Theatre in Blackpool.
- Bursting with pride at Billy Elliot’s latest cast member…
This year our pupil Bradley Mayfield took on the role of Michael, Billy’s best friend, in the smash hit Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre in September. After an extremely successful 11 years on the West End, the show will close its doors in April 2016 – we’re very proud to say that the very first Billy was a Berry Boy and so is the last Michael!
- Backing up Gary, Howard & Owen to 40,000 people…
In June Mrs Berry was given a very special mission: Get together an ensemble, a troupe if you like, of adults to perform on the stage with Take That during their 3 dates at Sheffield Arena. Like with most challenges, Mrs B tackled this one with aplomb, and the choreography was learned, the songs already tattooed into our brains, and the performances were smashed.
- Strutting to Burlesque success…
Our former pupil, Miss Alice Wilson, alias Didi Derriere, stormed to victory in the national grand final of Miss Burlesque Idol 2015. Congratulations!
- Getting engaged…
Congratulations to Miss Alicia and her new fiancé Dan on their engagement! We can’t wait for the wedding.
- Waving off (temporarily we hope) a very talented young man…
One of our pupils, Frankie Beetlestone, had his talent recognised by the clever folks at Sylvia Young Theatre School; after a competitive entry process, Frankie was invited to carry out intensive musical theatre training alongside his studies at the school in London.
- Training the teachers of tomorrow…
Our class helpers undertook their first teaching qualification exams and passed with flying colours (Honours). Well done to Molly Barrrowclough, Megan Clixby, Elle Longden-Lyons, Charlotte Stones & Leah Tucci for achieving their Pre-Associate Theatre Craft Part 1.
- Continuing to represent on the West End…
Former pupils and part-time teachers Matthew Croke and Devon McKenzie-Smith continue to divide their time between musicals in London and our pupils up here in Sheffield. Matt finished his second stint in Wicked as understudy for Fiyero and has gone on to join Sheridan Smith in Funny Girl at the Chocolate Menier Factory. Dev has been performing alongside Beverley Knight in Memphis, a brand new musical which took place at the Shaftsbury Theatre.
- Enchanting audiences in a little place in France…
One of our biggest achievements this year was transporting a group of 36 very excited young dancers to Disneyland Paris in the summer to perform to park guests on the Videopolis stage. The children performed magically, the staff put together fantastic routines, and as per usual, the fans (mums, dads, nans, grandads, brothers, sisters and friends) were their usual, enthusiastic (if a little wild) and noisy selves. What a wonderful few days, we hope you treasure the memories as much as we do.
- Sparkling in Blackpool (again)…
A little group of our pupils this year took part in Northern Star, a talent competition held in Blackpool incorporating the disciplines of dance, singing and musical theatre. Not only were we thrilled to see all our pupils put through to the final, we were incredibly proud to see Eleanor Jackson take runner-up!
- Oh no you don’t-ing across South Yorkshire…
This year our pupils make up the Junior performers in three pantomimes in the area. At Rotherham Civic, going to the ball with Cinderella, are Abigail Bridger, Megan Bridger, Grace Mitchell, Leila Steer, Lilli Walker, Evie Wright & Laylah Xaba. Back in Sheffield at the Lyceum, Eva Cadet, Maddie Dunn, Maisie Ganley, Lucy Holcroft, Eleanor Jackson, Megan Moore, Megan Thorpe, Renée Warren and Aliyah Xaba are performing in Aladdin. Up the road at City Hall are Ewan Revill and Jack Skelton, also performing in Cinderella.
- Competing at dance festivals around the region…
Whether at Goldthorpe, Cantley, Two Counties or Penistone Festival – we’re very proud of our pupils in the hard work they put in and the good sportsmanship showed throughout these competitive events. Particular mentions to Miss Isabelle Sykes, winner of Senior Bursary at Two Counties Festival.
- ‘Working’ overseas in places exotic and beautiful…
Miss Lois was missed this year as she took up her 9 month contract in the Costa del Sol working as part of the hotel entertainment team. Our former pupil Hollie Glossop was also the dance captain on a 6 month contract in Malta. Since then she has embarked upon the Marco Polo as part of the cruise ship’s entertainment, recently checking in from Portugal.
- Channelling our inner Kate Moss…
Four of our pupils, Abigail Bridger, Maisie Ganley, Rebecca Hanneman and Jack Skelton were selected by to appear in Images Dance Costumes’ 2015 catalogue. Further to this, Jack, Rebecca, Bridie Thorpe and Conner Povey have been modelling for the 2016 catalogue, which is out now.
- Dancing our socks off in Manchester…
At the International Dance Teachers Association’s Theatre Dance Awards, pupils who were specially selected during their grades exams danced in front of adjudicators and choreographers at the Dancehouse Theatre. Emily Gay, Liberty Shepherd and Eve Wainwright were beautiful in their Grade 5 Ballet section. Meanwhile, Rebecca Hanneman, Alexandra O’Brien, Bree Quinton, Charlotte Stones and Bridie Thorpe were fantastic in both Intermediate Modern Jazz and Intermediate Theatre Craft. We were especially thrilled when Rebecca, Bree and Bridie were awarded special commendations for their Theatre Craft, and Bree and Bridie also received the honour for their Modern Jazz performance.
- Breaking records left right and centre…
Bridie Thorpe has smashed the record previously held by Rebecca Hanneman for IDTA grade exam results; our extremely talented young lady achieved her Advanced 1 Modern Jazz qualification with a stunning 96 marks.
- Ramping up for a spectacular 2016…
Our pupil Jack Skelton has two nominations under his belt for Grade 4 Modern Jazz and Grade 5 Tap, while Rebecca Hanneman, Bree Quinton, Charlotte Stones and Bridie Thorpe were nominated for their performance in their Intermediate Tap exams. These four girls and Alexandra O’Brien were also nominated for their Advanced 1 Modern Jazz exam – so we’re looking forward to Scholarships next Spring.
Alexandra, Bree, Bridie, Charlotte & Rebecca are also working towards Miss Dance 2016. Bree, Bridie & Rebecca have won heats and already secured their places in the final next June, while it can only be a matter of time for Alex and Charlotte; we wish you all the best girls.
Well there you have it. Coming up in 2016, All Good Things, our bi-annual school production – stay tuned for more details. We wish an incredibly happy and prosperous new year from our family to yours.
See you back at class Monday 4th!
Burlesque Star
An immense congratulations to our former pupil , who took the title of Miss Burlesque Idol last week! After heats across the country, the competition hotted up at London’s Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square with the Grande Finale.
On stage as her alter ego, Didi Derriere, Alice performed her heart out like the blonde bombshell she is, drawing from her theatrical training at Arts Educational School and of course here at Sharon Berry School of Theatre Dance. The audience loved it, and more importantly, so did the judges.
In a packed house, our lovely Alice stepped up to take that ever-important crown. Congratulations Miss Didi Derriere! We wish you all the best, and can’t wait to see what you do next.
To read an interview with Alice, please click here. To find out more about Alice’s work as Didi Derriere, please click here.
Disney Magic…
Relive our magical trip to the perform just down the road from Sleeping Beauty’s castle… enjoy!
Winter Wonders From The Fundraising Committee
This newsletter comes from our in-house Fundraising Committee, comprised of parents, teachers and friends of the school. We thank them for their continued support and hard work.
A big thank you to our pupils, parents and friends of the school for the fantastic and
continued support in the fundraising efforts which have helped us to purchase new
dance costumes, new audio equipment and contribution to Disney travel arrangements
during this last year. Future funding being generated will help towards next year’s
school production All Good Things (see details below) and portable dance mirrors are
also being considered as an investment to help all pupils with their continued dance
training.
We are delighted to announce the forthcoming key events up until the end of the year.
Tuesday 24th November – Ladies Jewellery Party Malin Bridge Club (Gas Club)
7.00pm onward
A wide range of modern and contemporary jewellery and accessories will be available
to purchase just in time for Christmas. Pick up a few items to glam up that little black
dress or treat your friends or loved ones to one-off bespoke items. Friends and family
all welcome.
Saturday 12th December – Christmas Craft Fayre St Thomas More Community Centre
11.00am onward
Come along to kick-start your Christmas shopping
early. A wide range of Christmas crafts and gifts will
be available. Family and friends all welcome.
Saturday 19th December – Christmas Concert Thomas More Community Centre
12.00-1.00pm and 1.30–2.30pm
Sharon Berry pupils will be finishing
the school year with a Christmas
concert guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit. Following last
year’s popularity two separate performances will take place at 12.00
and 1.30pm. Tickets £2.00 adult and £1.00 children/senior citizens.
Tickets on sale at Saturday class or can be ordered via Facebook
page.
Saturday Tuck Shop and Weekly Bonus Ball (£1.00 entry) still available to all aged
16+ years.
2016 SCHOOL PRODUCTION – ALL GOOD THINGS
Show Dates: 14th – 16th July @ Montgomery Theatre – Surrey Street, Sheffield
Dress/Technical Rehearsals 12th & 13th July
Pupil Rehearsal days 30th June, 2nd & 9th July
To find out more, please click here.
If you can offer any support or help or would just like to get involved in fundraising
initiatives please do not hesitate to speak to one of the Committee Members or email
SBSTDfundraising@outlook.com.
Berry Nice Hat Trick
More congratulations to yet another of our brilliant pupils, Miss Bridie Thorpe, who has today won her place in the Grand Final of Miss Dance 2016! We’re now at a stage where all three girls who performed at Miss Dance this year are now through to the final again – a bit of a school record!
Bridie won her heat at Pershore with her new routine to Michael Jackson’s Dangerous, and proved herself pretty dangerous to the competition. Well done to Alex and Charlotte who also danced their socks off and performed brilliantly, as per usual… it’s just a matter time.
Congratulations again Bridie, see you at the Winter Gardens.
Berry Academy of Dance 