WELCOME We aim to give you an insight into how our school works and what we have to offer. I opened the Bernadette Heys School of Theatre Dance over forty years ago, and since then it has gone from strength to strength and we now have over two hundred students. With a dedicated team and friendly environment, our aim is for every lesson to be enjoyable. Owning my own ballet school was a childhood dream of mine and with a lot of hard work and dedication I got there. This experience means I listen to children who aspire to be a performer or a dance teacher, and encourage each to follow their own dreams. With their commitment, I will help them along the right path and offer them many opportunities. Some amazing people support me who are fundamental to the success of the school today. My daughter, Yvette, has now become a partner in the school and has brought fresh new ideas that will keep the School moving forward for many years to come. Whether dance is your passion or a hobby, there is a place for you at the Bernadette Heys School of Theatre Dance. Not every pupil is destined to be a professional dancer however we can guarantee that you will grow in confidence and also make friends and unfortgetable memories.
Miss Bernie
CONTENTS Our Approach page 1 Our Founder page 3 Our Teachers and Staff
page 5
Our Uniform page 7 Examinations page 9 Our Shows and Costumes
page 11
Dance Extra and Scholarships
page 13
Progression page 15 Our Patrons page 16 In The Words of Our Parents and Students
page 17
Contact details page 19
OUR APPROACH Infant Our classes for the infant members run for one hour per week. This hour is spent studying Ballet,Tap and Theatre. We work on creativity and imagination at this young age as technique will develop with age. From their first lesson we work on discipline as this is a vital skill for dance and performance. Even the youngest students know how to follow instructions and know their rules of look, listen and quiet with hand actions.
Junior and Senior Junior student classes are one and half hours and senior students work up to two and a half hours. The extra time is needed as the students progress onto higher examinations and begin to cover more subjects to a higher standard, learning technique and starting to build up strength. The students learn all subjects during class as each compliments the other and ensures they are well rounded dancers. We teach every subject in one lesson, which means students do not have to come to the studio on different days for different subjects. This approach is helpful for both parents and students as travel expenses are less and also the child has more time to pursue other hobbies. Another benefit for senior students is when studying for academic exams they can still commit to their dance class as it is only one evening a week. We also offer extra classes and private lessons for students wishing to develop their dance skills beyond the weekly class.
1
2
OUR FOUNDER AND TEACHER Bernadette Heys Bernadette began dancing at the age of five at Doreen France School of Dance in Tap and Theatre, then at eighteen she continued to study ballet at the Illingworth School of Dance. She went on to achieve the IDTA teaching qualifications at Constance Grant Theatre School under Judith Silvester. By 1974 Bernadette had opened The Bernadette Heys School of Theatre Dance in the Old Cooperative Building in Huddersfield. In 1977 the school had moved to Marsden. Throughout her career Bernadette has choreographed and produced shows and pantomimes for local schools and theatre Companies including Marsden Operatic Society, Slaithwaite Carr Lane Methodist Society, Honley Players, Gilbert and Sullivan, Saddleworth Operatic Society and Delph Players. She has enjoyed working with many charities and organisations over the years, donating show proceeds and taking part in charity fund raisers which include Roy Castle Tapathons. Bernadette works with local schools developing dance in P.E.lessons and also at special needs centres bringing dance and movement to help people with development and physical restrictions.
3
‘With her never ending energy and desire to give the very best to her students at all times, she has that rare quality that enables her to impart the joy of dance no matter how much talent is in the room.’ Andrew Ward
4
OUR TEACHERS AND STAFF Yvette Flaherty Yvette began dancing at the age of fourteen months at Bernadette Heys School of Theatre Dance, at eighteen her training continued at Northern Ballet School, graduating with a National Diploma in Professional Dance. She achieved the IDTA teaching qualifications under Bernadette Heys and IDTA examiner Nigel Edgar. She has taught in New York, USA at Frenchwoods Festival of Performing Arts. Choreographing dance and musicals for ages 7 – 18. She has choreographed and performed in shows and pantomimes for schools and theatre companies including Honley Players and the school’s touring company Cabaret Troupe. Becki Pogson Becki began dancing at the age of three at Bernadette Heys School of Theatre Dance and has achieved IDTA teaching qualifications through the school. She has been a Freelance teacher in primary schools and a supply teacher to other IDTA dance schools. Becki also enjoys performing in pantomimes and projects including the school’s touring company Cabaret Troupe. Trish Haigh Trish has been our book keeper and administrator since 2002. She also enjoys chaperoning the infant classes and has the very important role of backstage show coordinator of the school’s annual shows.
5
6
Girls A leotard and tights with skirts or leggings added depending on subjects and grade requirements. In a ballet class, girls are required to have a classical bun.
Boys
OUR UNIFORM Each class has a set uniform, which we require the students to have. The benefits of the uniform include: • When learning classical ballet, tap or theatre craft the teachers need to check that the student’s body alignments are correct and muscle placements are not going to cause injury • The students are not distracted by clothing in lessons • This is the correct attire when taking IDTA examinations
7
The basics are a leotard or t-shirt and shorts. Long hair needs to be tied up due to health & safety. This is a standard that we are proud of and are keen to maintain. It is commented upon when examiners or guest teachers visit the school. All our uniforms can be bought directly from us and we do not charge high street prices.
8
EXAMINATIONS Our examining body is the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and covers the full spectrum of dance styles. Taking exams is optional but each class works towards grades in the core subjects. We start examinations with students as young as three years old. The children are assessed on basic skills in a ‘lesson’ conducted by one of our teachers. These build confidence and prepare the children for examination conditions where they dance unaccompanied from the preparatory grades at around five years old. IDTA Graded exam levels Preparatory Primary Grade 1 to 5 in Ballet, Tap and Theatre Craft. Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. These are professional exams and are recognised college and university qualifications. They are also useful for CV’s should their career lead to a profession in performing arts or dance. Performance medals run alongside the grades as well as adult medals and special needs awards. Our large teaching staff enables the school to work with the students as individuals and work at a speed that is comfortable for them. Our classes are based on individual ability and progress not age, therefore children will not always be in the same classes as at school.
9
10
OUR SHOWS AND COSTUMES Our annual productions showcase the students’ work and progression. The shows are the highlight of each year, so it is important that each show brings new challenges for both the school and the students, with fresh ideas and new numbers. We perform all the different styles taught and often include musical theatre numbers, which also involve acting and singing. All our costumes are supplied by ‘The Wardrobe’ the school’s in-house costume department. Many can be hired to the students, this means parents do not have to sew and also keeps costs down.
11
12
DANCE EXTRA Dance Extra courses take place during school holidays and are for students who demonstrate exceptional talent or ability. The aim of the course is for the students to get a wider understanding of different aspects of dance and to gain enjoyment through improving their skills. The first of these courses took place in Summer 2006 and due to its success we now hold annual junior and senior courses during the summer and one day workshops during other holidays. In the past we have studied ballet repertoire from Sleeping Beauty, La Fille Mal Gardee, Coppelia, Peter Pan and Swan Lake. We have also held classes in contemporary, jazz, tap, costume design, stage makeup, anatomy and nutrition. The teachers and students all have a great time, they work hard but also have lots of fun. Dance Extra allows students to be creative and try new things whilst still improving on their core skills.
SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND Bernadette set up the Scholarship Trust Fund in 2008 to raise money for the students to attend workshops or to bring guest teachers in to the school. We want to be able to offer our students the best opportunities and broadening their dance experience is a great way to do this. In 2009, twenty one students successfully auditioned to perform in The English Youth Ballets performance of the Nutcracker. The Scholarship Trust Fund was able to offer each student £100 towards their performance costs.
13
We have also been able to sponsor over twenty students to go to London for Dance Forward’s five day Easter course and also the Northern Ballet Summer School. In 2012 the Scholarship Trust Fund started the private lesson scheme. Each month the teachers select a student to receive four one-to-one coaching sessions taken over a period of four weeks. These are awarded to students who have worked hard in class and are striving to improve.
14
PROGRESSION
OUR PATRONS
The school has nurtured a wealth of talent and we would like to share a few of our success stories with you.
We are honoured our patrons include Jo Gartland, a special needs nurse and accomplished dancers and directors, Wayne Sleep and Andrew Ward.
Martyn Garside A Graduate of Royal Ballet School Worked at San Francisco Ballet and Ballet Boyz Jack Hallinan A Graduate of The Hammond School Worked at Moulin Rouge, Paris, toured with Spirit of the Dance and for Celebrity Cruises Ellie Senior A Graduate of Northern Ballet School Worked for Carnival Cruises James Stephens A Graduate of The Royal Ballet School Contracts with Boston Ballet and Vienna Festival Opera Bryan Mottram A Graduate of The Hammond School Worked for Royal Caribbean Cruises
15
Jo Gartland MBE I am proud to be a patron of the school, having been involved in many ways over the last 32 years both as a pupil and also as a parent. I have observed the steady growth of quality, commitment and achievement of the school and have been proud to witness pupils of all ages and abilities grow in confidence and development at their own level. I hope to continue to be involved for many years to come Andrew Ward I am delighted to be a patron of the school. In 2004, after inviting Bernadette to help at a Wayne Sleep workshop I organised in Leeds, I could see she was the head of a successful dance school. She had a command and respect from the children that most parents could only dream of. Some students have danced with the world’s top companies including The Royal Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. Also students are currently at top vocational schools Elmhurst and Royal Ballet School; testament indeed to her skills as a dance teacher! However, it is not just the very best that succeed after leaving Bernadette’s world of dance, students move on to different walks of life having developed into kind, caring and confident people.
16
IN THE WORDS OF OUR PARENTS AND STUDENTS Fantastic dance school, amazing teachers who are very patient and professional. I have two daughters who have both danced here learning Ballet, Tap,Theatre Craft and they love it!
Clare Dorotiak, Parent Our five-year-old daughter, Martha, is a great dancer. This is all thanks to the Bernadette Heys School of Theatre Dance. Martha, who happens to have Down’s syndrome, really enjoys her time at the school and has come on tremendously in such a short time.
Mark Travis and Tracey Holland, Martha’s Parents After being a member of the school for 21 years I feel I am part of the family. The support and opportunities offered through the dance school over the years has allowed me to experience so much, from shows, charity events, local festivals & cabarets. The time I spent teaching at the school also made me realise my passion for teaching and gave me the confidence and experience I needed to apply and become a primary school teacher, a job which I truly love. Now 24 years old I am proud to say I am still a member of the dance school. I also run my own after school dance club and Miss Bernie and the team continue to support me with this. Dancing is a huge part of my life and always will be.
Jenna Smith, Student
17
18