Welcome to the very first edition of the Mad4Dance Newsletter! 🎉
We’re thrilled to introduce this new way of staying connected with our amazing dance family. This Newsletter is the perfect way to share exciting news, updates, and opportunities happening within our school.
Newsletters will be released every half term, providing important updates, information, and opportunities across all areas of the school, so parents and students are always in the know. Whether your child is just starting out or already pursuing a specific pathway, we’ll keep you informed on everything happening at Mad4Dance.
Most importantly, this blog will reflect the heart of Mad4Dance which is of course our wonderful students. We want to celebrate their creativity, provide inspiration, and spread love and empowerment within our community.
Thank you to all the families who are on this journey with us. 💜
Let’s do it!
— Chloe & Julie
Teacher Training Programme
We are excited to announce that over 15 students are now a part of our Teaching Assistant and Teacher Training programmes! This is a great opportunitiy for students who are eager to take the next step in their dance journey by supporting our younger dancers and developing the skills required to become inspirational dance teachers.
The programmes enable students to begin their career in dance teaching. Through regular studio support and monthly training sessions, our students are gaining hands-on experience and learning essential teaching skills, such as communication, choreography creation, safe dance practice, and understanding key policies like child safeguarding and first aid.
Our trainee students are already making a positive impact by assisting teachers during classes and motivating our younger dancers. In return for their commitment, they receive guidance and mentorship from our teaching team, along with structured training designed to develop their confidence, leadership abilities, and dance technique instruction.
The programme runs in conjunction with our “Foundations in Teachers Training” course, developed by Julie, which covers vital areas that set our students on the path toward becoming excellent dance teachers or assistants. This training will serve as a strong foundation for those interested in progressing further into our trainee teacher roles in the future.
We are so proud of the commitment and enthusiasm these students have shown this term and look forward to watching them grow and thrive within the Mad4Dance community!
ADP Performance at CYD Super Convention: Plus Exciting News Round Up!
Our Aspiring Dancers Programme (ADP) students have had an amazing few months, and we’re so proud of their achievements within our first half term.
CYD Super Convention Performance Our ADP students recently performed on the Main Stage at the CYD Super Convention in Liverpool - one of the UK's leading dance events. Our dancers took masterclasses with top industry professionals, networked with vocational colleges, and performed beautifully on the main stage. Our students only had 5 weeks in preparation for this huge event and I am so proud of them for their efforts as a team.
New ADP Students and Graduate Success!
Congratulations to Marley Weston, Jasmyne Walker, Lily Brown, Mila Allen, Megan Hills, and Edward Shinn—who recieved their invitations to ADP and began their extra training in September. A huge congratulations to our ADP graduates, Poppy Berry, Leyre Gomez, Matilda Duff, and Olivia Morgan, who have started their professional training at leading performing arts institutions, including Laine Theatre Arts, Wilkes Academy, and Emil Dale Academy. They’ve shared how ADP has prepared them for the professional world, and we couldn’t be more proud!
ADP Industry Mindset Training
This half term, our ADP students engaged in their first Industry Mindset Tutorial of the year, focusing on integrating compassion into their dance practice. These sessions challenge the myth of being "thick-skinned" and instead promote the importance of allowing emotional resilience to form. By introducing concepts from the Polyvagal Theory, which explores the connection between our nervous system and emotional wellbeing, ADP aims to equip students with the tools to navigate the challenges of the performing arts industry with emotional intelligence. Our Industry Mindset Tutorials foster self-awareness and compassion, helping our dancers develop personally and professionally while supporting their overall mental health.
Private Audition CAT Scheme
Additionally, we’re excited to announce that ADP has been scouted for a private audition for the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) scheme, in partnership with Swindon Dance. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to further their training and gain invaluable experience.
What is ADP at Mad4Dance?
The ADP programme was founded by our Deputy Principal Chloe in 2020 and it bridges the gap between local dance school training and the professional world. Students who recieve an invitation to train on an ADP programme gain access to additional technical and performance ADP training, pre-professional opportunities from photoshoots, networking events, to performances and also ADP's bespoke Industry Mindset Tutorials. Our M4D Rising Stars are constantly assessed for their readiness for our ADP Programmes.
Upcoming Events and Performances!
Please join us at the below events to support our students, learn more about our school and raise money for charity.
WABS Performance at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre – 24th November
The Western Association of Ballet Schools (WABS) is a charity made up of 7 local dance schools including Mad4Dance. Some of our students are performing in 'The Art of Dance' at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, featuring over 250 young dancers from seven affiliated schools. We'd love to see you there! CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS
Open Evening – 2nd December, 6:30 PM
Join us for our Open Evening to explore the various pathways offered at Mad4Dance. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our various programs / pathways and how we can help nurture your child’s dance journey.
Living Advent Calendar Event – 15th December
This festive celebration, organised by the Christchurch Rotary Club, brings the community together and raises funds for local charities. This will take place at Mad4Dance and will include a variety of routines performed by our Musical Theatre, Crew, Modern and ADP students and special Christmas pieces. Enjoy an evening filled with festive music, a raffle, and a chance to celebrate together. Doors open at roughly 6.30 PM. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you!
Introducing Our New 'We Shine' Scheme!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new We Shine Scheme as part of our newsletter! In the lead-up to each future edition, students will have the opportunity to nominate their peers and friends to be featured and recognised for the unique ways they shine.
As dance teachers, one of the most rewarding aspects of our job is witnessing our students embody our school values through acts of kindness, support, and hard work. Whether it’s helping a teacher, achieving a long-term dance goal, welcoming a new starter, or encouraging a friend, we want to celebrate these special moments. In each newsletter, we will highlight three nominated students from varying age groups as our We Shine Students, emphasising the positive impact they have within our dance community.
Every student shines in their own way, and the We Shine Scheme provides a platform for them to be recognised, empowered, and valued. We can’t wait to see how our students uplift one another through this initiative!
Student Pathways at Mad4Dance
We are committed to nurturing the individual aspirations and desires of each student through our school pathways. Whether your child is seeking a recreational experience, an exam-focused program, or a pathway that leads to a professional dance career, we have something for everyone.
Our vision is to use dance to inspire, nurture and empower children and young people, to shape their own futures. We want every young person who walks through our doors to feel seen, valued and inspired. The variety of pathways we offer are designed to support students in their individual journeys, fostering not only dance development but also personal growth and confidence.
We invite you to learn more about our pathways during our Open Evening on 2nd December. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the various programs we offer and discover how we can help your child thrive in their dance journey. We look forward to welcoming you!
Thank you!
As we wrap up this edition of our newsletter, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our M4D families and students. Your support, enthusiasm, and dedication make our dance community truly special. We are so proud of each and every one of you and look forward to celebrating more achievements together. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!
Chloe & Julie x
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