CHRISTMAS WISHES 2020
A big thank you to everyone who has returned to the studio for classes and/or has joined us for Zoom lessons this year.
Thanks also to everyone who sent Claire the lovely Christmas drawings for our paper Christmas tree. Claire says 'It's such a shame we couldn't have a real tree at the dance school this year, but this has brightened up the Zoom studio no end!'
Claire would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone in the Claire Dobinson School of Dancing Team. "Teachers, assistants, helpers, head boy and girls, you have all been amazing this year. Heart felt thanks to you all." - Claire
CONGRATULATIONS CLAIRE AND DAISY - DECEMBER 2020
Both our star teachers have achievements to celebrate this month.
Claire has been elected Chairperson of the National Association of Teachers of Dancing North Midland Theatrical Area - a great honour and responsibility.
Miss Daisy has been awarded another brilliant Distinction for her Associate Gymnastic Dance teaching exam.
Congratulations to you both!
EXAM CONGRATULATIONS - NOVEMBER 2020
A huge well done to everyone who took exams in October. Claire was delighted with all the certificates, trophies and rainbows received - altogether we were awarded a fantastic 38 Merits and 90 Distinctions!
CLAIRE'S LOCKDOWN NEWS - MAY 2020
During lockdown Claire has been chosen to be part of a select group of ten examiners, teachers and NATD council members - including all senior members of the association - to discuss and develop ways to help to safely bring NATD dance schools out of lockdown. It is a great honour and Claire is delighted to be able to contribute.
Claire has also received news that she gained her Fellowship Stage Branch Tap examination, which she took under great stress on the day the nation locked down! She is yet to receive her mark as the office is closed, but is delighted to have gained the highest level teaching award in Tap.
In the meantime Claire has been co-choreographing the brand new Contemporary Dance Medals and says she can't wait to teach them in our school!
LOCKDOWN ART GALLERY - MAY 2020
Dance is only one form of art. While you can't dance, why not create a dance-related drawing or painting? Many of our dancers also enjoy drawing and painting, and we have created an online art gallery to showcase their work during the lockdown period.
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Click on the picture to visit our online art gallery. |
Please send Claire a scan or photograph of any dance related drawings and paintings you would like us to frame and hang on our virtual wall. The invitation is open to dancers' family members and artists of any age - anyone with a connection to the school.
LETTER FROM CLAIRE - APRIL 2020
Dear Dancers and their families,
I sincerely hope this letter finds you all well at this unprecedented time. I just wanted to get in touch with everyone as I am missing my dancers!
I have set up a Whats App group for anyone who would like to keep that social connection going. Please text your name to 07701 308 039 if you would like to be added to the group.
When the time comes that we are able to return to dancing I will, of course, post details on the Facebook page 'Claire Dobinson School of Dancing' and my own Facebook profile 'Claire-Louise Dobinson' as well as the website www.clairedobinsonschoolofdancing.co.uk. I will also email. I am sincerely hoping we may be able to safely return over the summer months. I am hoping we will be able to run classes during the summer holidays to make up for some of those we are missing now. I will keep you posted. The school closed after classes on Tuesday 17th March so we still have lessons remaining of the Spring term. There are two lessons remaining for Monday and Tuesday classes and three lessons remaining for Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday classes. These will be honoured as soon as we can get back to classes.
All examination fees are being carried forward. We will reschedule exams as soon as it is possible and safe to do so, giving the dancers time to prepare!I am also asking if any of our dancers would like to draw or paint a dance related picture? I would like to create a 'gallery' of artwork on the school website. This is open to everyone connected to the school, I know we have some very talented artists in our midst, children and adults! Please email or whats app a photo or send a scan of your artwork, I can't wait to see them!
A huge thank you to everyone who sent messages to me when the school had to close, it was very much appreciated. Several people asked after my mum Gloria, she is good thank you and sends her love.
Stay safe and well everyone, I am looking forward to hearing from you. Have as lovely an Easter break as is possible at this time and do take care.
With thanks and my very best wishes,
Claire
... READ MORE
20 YEARS OF DANCING
2020 is a very special year for us as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Claire Dobinson School of Dancing!
We are very proud of the achievements of all our fantastic pupils, students and graduates over the last 20 years, their outstanding exam results and fabulous performances. We have grown to fill our own dedicated studios, with Claire and Daisy's regular classes supplemented by a host of brilliant masterclasses from associate and visiting teachers. Watch this space for more exciting events as soon as Covid restrictions are lifted.
DANCING IN THE BOXING RING
One of Claire's more unusual pupils is boxing's rising star Kieron Brennan.
Twice East Midlands champion, Kieron has had 19 amateur fights and first represented England at the age of 15. He is planning to go professional this year when he turns 18. He trains 6 days a week with coach Robert Riley in Sheffield, and has regular private classes at the Claire Dobinson School of Dancing.
Claire tailors classes specifically to Kieron's needs - which she hugely enjoys! Based on ballet and contemporary training, the classes develop strength and balance, coordination, light footwork and techniques of shifting weight. Proud father Andy says 'Kieron eats and sleeps boxing - loved it since he walked into a gym at 29kg! He now boxes at 56kg and he's looking so strong and happy. He's been with Claire a few years now learning to move his feet and strengthen his legs which he loves - he seems to connect with Claire.'
We wish Kieron every success with his application for professional status and look forward to following his future career.
EXAM SUCCESSES
Huge congratulations are due to the pupils who took dance examinations in November and December 2019. Every single exam was passed with either merit or distinction - and three-quarters were awarded a distinction. Claire says 'This is an excellent set of results! Thank you all for your hard work.'