7 minute read
Strictly Dance Space
Shirley Ballas brings her love of dancing to school pupils through the ISTD Find Your Dance Space campaign.
Pupils got the treat of a lifetime when Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas waltzed into school to share some dance moves as part of the Find Your Dance Space campaign to boost wellbeing and to showcase the benefits of dance to all.
The Queen of Latin spent the morning at Corpus Christi Primary School in Brixton to show how schools could improve their pupils’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing by offering dance lessons as part of their PE and extra-curricular activities.
The dance legend, who is a member of the ISTD, is eager to support the campaign, to see more schools offer dance classes. She taught the children a short routine to demonstrate how much fun it can be.
“Dance is a wonderful outlet that enables people to connect and express themselves, and I feel passionately that more children should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy it,” said Shirley.
“Dance is inclusive – everybody can take part, regardless of their age, gender, ability, or fitness level – schools can provide that link to enable children to dance.
“The benefits are enormous for our wellbeing. It’s a wonderful way to socialise and forge friendships, reduce loneliness, and is a great addition to traditional sports lessons. If schools were to bring in a trained teacher to offer safe, structured dance lessons, I think pupils and the school would reap the rewards immediately.”
During the dance session, Shirley partnered with the ISTD’s Richard Still and Malcolm Hill to teach the children some cha-cha-cha moves.
Pupil Jimi Powell, aged nine, who is a huge fan of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, said: “I think dance is important because it can express your emotions and release your happiness. It also keeps you fit and it’s fun to do. I’ve loved dancing with Shirley today.”
Co-Headteacher Jean Connery, said the school provides dance lessons and clubs to pupils, which have proved hugely popular.
“We’ve found that dance is a wonderful way to include all children – classes can be adapted to suit their ability – and it boosts overall wellbeing, builds teamwork and friendships, and is just really great fun,” said Jean.
“I know things are very hard for parents right now, and schools are also feeling it, but I do think it’s wonderful to encourage more schools to offer dance to pupils, perhaps through their Pupil and Sports Premiums. Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding could access dance provision in school. The Sports Premium could be used to train staff to extend the dance offer.
“I would advise any schools thinking about it to speak to a local, qualified dance teacher. The children will absolutely love it.”
Ginny Brown, Chief Executive of the ISTD, said: “Dance is inclusive. It brings so many benefits and can really be a force for good. It’s a powerful tool to bring people together and to improve our overall wellness, both of which are much needed as we rebuild after the pandemic. Schools play a vital role in supporting their pupils’ health and wellbeing and, by including dance in their curriculum, they might also help to create the dance stars of tomorrow!”
I feel passionately that more children should have the opportunity to experience dance.
We chatted to Shirley about the exciting day at the school, as well as more questions on all things dance.
When did you start dancing and why?
I started dancing at seven years old in the church hall because I heard some music coming from the other room and it just filled my soul with the most beautiful feeling. I enquired into whether they were going to do children’s dance classes and they did – that’s how I joined and never stopped since.
What does dancing mean to you and how does it make you feel?
Dancing means everything to me – I think I’m married to it. It’s just something I do 24/7, 7 days a week – Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Without it I feel lost. It gives me a warm feeling. I think you can get lost in a world of music and movement – it’s a form of escapism, I think. It really is a lovely feeling.
Why is the Find Your Dance Space campaign important to you and for dance in general? What do you hope it achieves?
This campaign has a simple message at its heart – get more people dancing. Dance is good for the soul, good for your physical health and mental wellbeing and you socialise whilst you’re doing it. I back the campaign because I want to see people of all ages dancing.
I recognise the importance of dancing with a qualified dance teacher – so as well as dancing being good for you in general, dancing with a trained ISTD professional ensures you learn dances in a safe environment, providing you with a good grounding of dance knowledge if you wish to become a professional dancer or a dance teacher.
You recently visited a primary school to spread the messaging of the Find Your Dance Space campaign. Why is it important for schools to have dance classes for their pupils as part of their sports offering?
I loved visiting the school to teach a cha-cha-cha lesson and to demonstrate how just in a short space of time, children in a class can learn something new and exciting, listen to some music and just dance.
Schools can access local dance teachers through the ISTD, and once you have them established in your school, the dance teacher can provide excellent regular classes and exercises as part of your schools PE and extra-curricular offerings.
As an ISTD member, what would you say the benefits are for people dancing with an ISTD teacher?
The teachers can give you a feeling that anybody can dance. They can teach you the basic steps, they’re going to make you feel great, if you’ve had a bad day there’s always someone to communicate with. There will be a social group around and there are so many benefits – the list is endless!
As Head Judge on Strictly, what elements of a performance are you looking at when deciding your final score?
My judging style is slightly different on Strictly compared to a major world championship. On Strictly, the dancers only have a few days to get ready, so I scan the body like you would in the airport. I look at the footwork, the leg action, how flexible they are, check if they are coordinated, do they understand a little bit about their posture? I can weigh that up by somebody just doing one La Cucaracha.
When you danced professionally, what was your favourite aspect of the art of performing?
When I was younger, it was all about dressing up and going to meet people that had the same passion as I had. The performing part of it has the thrill of the music and the fact that, if you’re doing a demonstration on the floor, you’re the only couple. Competing was huge for me – I loved demonstrating but I loved the thrill of competing and exceeding all expectations.
What’s your best dance memory?
I think my best dance memory was winning with Corky [Ballas] in 1996 when we were against all odds. Everybody, including family, said that we would never make it. I think there was a huge thrill winning with him as I really believe we did it against all the odds.
What are some of the most significant moments in your career to date?
Being paired up with Sammy Stockford when I was 17. Winning the British Championships in 1983. Winning again in 1995 and 1996 with a second partner. In between all of that, giving birth to my son, Mark. When he turned 10 and I retired in 1996, he decided he wanted to be a dancer – so that was a good memory for me. We were leaving our careers and he was starting his.
If you were talking to young dancers, what advice would you give around getting into the industry?
I would say do some research and find the best studio in your area. If it's in your heart and it's your passion, then move forward and do it. Whether you want to be a same-sex partnership or whatever partnership you want to be, you should do what makes you feel happy.
