From General news

Back in the studio from Dec 2nd – Note temporary venue change for Acro & Street

SK Dance studio teacher

As we approach the end of the November Coronavirus national lockdown, we’re really looking forward to resuming classes in the studio. However, the current rules mean we can only resume studio classes for children and students at this time. Adult classes will remain on Zoom until further notice.

NOTE VENUE CHANGE FOR ACRO & STREET

Studio classes for children and students will resume at The Vale, with the exception of ACRO and STREET classes on Wednesdays which will run at Shevington Youth Club, just until the end of this term.

Until the dates below, classes will continue on Zoom.

RETURN TO STUDIO DATES

  • Wednesday Acro & Street resume at Shevington Youth Club on 2nd Dec
  • Friday Mummy & Me returns to The Vale Studio on 4th Dec
  • All Saturday classes return to The Vale Studio on 5th Dec
  • All Tuesday ballet classes return to The Vale Studio on 8th Dec
  • Tuesday student classes return to The Vale Studio on 8th Dec
  • ALL CLASSES AT THE SAME TIMES AS PRE-NOV LOCKDOWN

Big thanks to all our wonderful SK Dancers and teachers for taking part in our Zoom classes. Your commitment and professionalism impresses us always.

We’re really looking forward to dancing together once again, but until then, please drop us a line if you have any questions. As you’d expect, our Covid safety measures remain in place as below.

Susan x

Important safety processes

Drop off & pick up
To keep numbers in the building to a minimum, please drop off and collect your child after class. We understand that parents of younger children will prefer to wait and this is absolutely fine, but only on adult per child please. Social distancing should be observed whilst you wait.

One way in and out
Please enter the waiting room via the usual door (round the back of the hall). Children should enter the studio via the internal door. After class, children will leave via the external studio door, where they should be collected. Please note that this area is not covered, so you may need to bring a brolly in bad weather!

Hand hygiene & masks
Hands must be sanitised using the products provided when you enter the building. Dancers need not wear masks, though parents & guardians using the waiting room should wear a mask at all times.

Kitchen & changing room closed
Kitchen facilities will not be accessible, so please ensure dancers and those waiting bring their own drinks. Dancers should come ready for class as the changing room will not be open.

Studio cleaning
The dance studio will be cleaned after each class when floor, barres and any other equipment used will be wiped down. To give time for cleaning, your class will be shorter than usual (i.e one hour classes will be 50 mins). We thank you in advance for your understanding.

Studio spacing for dancers
Our studio is equipped with free standing barres, which means we can configure them to ensure maximum distance between dancers when working at the barre. For centre work, the studio floor has been marked out into two metre squares and younger dancers will be encouraged to stay within them. Older dancers can use the squares to help maintain a 2m distance as they use more of the floor.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update: Temporary closure of SK Dance Studio

Coronavirus update

As you’ll be aware, the Government has today announced that schools in England will close on Friday this week as part of efforts to help delay the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

We’re heartbroken

In line with this advice, it’s with a very heavy heart that Susan has today announced that SK Dance Studio will also temporarily close after classes on Friday until further notice. We’ll keep communicating via our Facebook and Instagram pages, so please do look out for updates.

Dance show postponed

Given we don’t know at this point when we’ll be able to re-open the dance studio, we have no choice but to postpone our show that was scheduled for July 3rd and 4th. We know this is really disappointing given how hard all our dancers have been working, but we will reschedule as soon as possible, probably in the Autumn. Please do keep practising your dances at home!

Virtual classes hopefully coming soon

Susan is really keen to ensure dancers have the opportunity to continue their dance education and their routine at this time. Her intention is to run some classes virtually. Like many small business owners, Susan now has a lot to do to work through her continuity plans, so your patience at this time is very much appreciated. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible with the details.

In the meantime, please stay safe and take care of each other.

The SK Dance Studio Team x

Ballet dancer Violet appointed as ambassador for Russian Pointe Brand

Russian Pointe Brand ballet ambassador

Big CONGRATULATIONS to SK Dance Studio ballet student Violet who’s been appointed as an ambassador for dancewear company Russian Pointe for 2020.

As an International RP Dancer, she’ll be representing the brand throughout the whole of this year, so watch out for her posts on Instagram – search her Instagram handle @violetmaedancer to follow along, or visit her account here.

As well as her classes with SK Dance Studio, Violet is currently in her third year of training on the Cecchetti Associates programme where she’s trained by a faculty made up of ex professional ballerinas, Royal Ballet School trained teachers and tutors from the likes of Tring Park and The Hammond.

She also takes a weekly class with Royal Ballet School trained ex London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet) ballerina Kate Simmons as part of the KS Dance Classical Associates programme.

We’re sure you’ll be an amazing ambassador Violet – Congratulations!

Photo by: Dancer’s Lens Photography

Russian Pointe Brand ballet ambassador

SK Dance Studio’s Grace is off to dance in New York

Dancers Backstage at SK Dance Studio Wigan Show

GRACE IS DANCING IN NEW YORK TONIGHT!

We’re so excited for SK Dance Studio pupil Grace who’s dancing at the Town Hall Theatre on 43rd Street in New York TONIGHT!

The Town Hall Theatre is one of New York City’s premiere performance spaces for music, dance, and other performing arts. It seats around 1,500 people, so it’s sure to be a fabulous experience for this young SK Dance Studio pupil.

Grace will be taking to the stage with the Inspirations performance dance group, with whom she performs alongside her ballet, tap and modern training at SK Dance Studio.

The Inspirations are a dance show team who take part in a variety of performances. They were formed to support Rock FM’s “Cash for Kids” charity and through their events, have helped to raise thousands of pounds for underprivileged children in Lancashire.

We’re sure you’ll be amazing Grace, and can’t wait to hear all about your stateside adventures!

Please join us in wishing Grace good luck!

Photo: Dancer’s Lens Photography

Dancers Backstage at SK Dance Studio Wigan Show

Isabel offered place on the School of Ballet Theatre UK’s Associate Programme

SK Dance Studio, Wigan - Ballerina

Huge congratulations to SK Dance Studio ballet pupil Isabel.

After her recent successful audition, she’s been offered a place on the School of Ballet Theatre UK’s Associate Programme. This prestigious training school is attached to the professional ballet touring company, Ballet Theatre UK.

What’s more, Isabel has also secured a place on their summer intensive course and will be off to train with them in just a few short weeks.

“Isabel has been dancing at SK Dance Studio since pre-school age and has blossomed into a beautiful dancer. She is particularly focused on her ballet studies and has worked incredibly hard on her technique” said SK Dance Studio Principal, Susan Kielb. “I’m thrilled that Isabel has been offered a place – it’s testament to all her hard work and dedication”.

As well as training at SK Dance Studio, Isabel also trains weekly with ex professional ballerina and Royal Ballet School graduate Kimberley Berkin as part of the PDE Associates programme in Leeds.

Please join us in congratulating Isabel on her amazing achievement.

Photo credit: Dancer’s Lens Photography.
http://www.instagram.com/dancerslens
http://www.facebook.com/dancerslens

SK Dance Studio, Wigan - Ballerina

Violet wins Cecchetti Ballet Associates place for 2nd year

SK Dance Studio, Wigan - Ballerina

CONGRATULATIONS to SK Dance Studio ballet pupil Violet on securing a place for the second year of her training on the Cecchetti Ballet Associates programme.

Existing associates must audition along with new applicants in order to keep their place, so this really is great news. Violet will continue training in September with the Northern Cecchetti Associates group.

The associates programme is run by the Cecchetti Society Classical Ballet Faculty of the ISTD. It offers young dancers the opportunity to work with an array of amazing teachers who trained at, or teach at top schools such as the Royal Ballet School, Tring Park and The Hammond.

As well as training at SK Dance Studio, Violet also trains weekly with ex professional ballerina and Royal Ballet School graduate Kimberley Berkin as part of the PDE Associates programme in Leeds.

“Violet is a very dedicated dancer with a particular passion for ballet. Her first year of training on this prestigious programme has really helped her hone her craft, particularly her performance quality thanks to repertoire as well as technique classes” said Susan Kielb, Principal of SK Dance Studio. “I’m sure she’ll go on to build on this during her second year of training and bring everything that she learns back to SK Dance Studio to apply in her exam classes.  We’re all very proud of her”.

Please join us in congratulating Violet on her achievements!

Photo credit: Dancer’s Lens Photography
http://www.instagram.com/dancerslens
http://www.facebook.com/dancerslens

SK Dance Studio, Wigan - Ballerina

Tapathon 2017 – SK Dance Studio attempts World Record for Children in Need

Tapathon 2017 at SK Dance Studio

Today, a group of tap dancers from SK Dance Studio in Appley Bridge, Wigan, attempted to break the World Record for the biggest ever tap dance. Along with tap groups from all over the country, SK Dance Studio’s tappers performed a set routine at 1.00pm exactly. It was all part of the Tapathon 2017 event organised by The Performer’s Project.

As well as being a world record attempt, the event was all to raise money for BBC Children in Need. All together, SK Dance Studio and it’s supporters raised at whopping £530 for the charity, via entry fees, a raffle and sale of cakes and refreshments.

Susan Kielb, Principal of SK Dance Studio said “I’m so proud of everyone who has given up their time today. The dancers were all brilliant and we have some fabulous supporters who donated raffle prizes and cakes for our bake sale. All this helped us to our bit for this very worthy charity”.

A selection of dancers from across SK Dance Studio’s classes took part, including some members of the adult tap dance classes, some of whom have been tapping for around 6 months only. What a fabulous achievement!

Some of our adult tap dancing class do Tapathon 2017 at SK Dance Studio

Tapathon 2017 at SK Dance Studio

Tapathon 2017 certificates at SK Dance Studio

Ballet dancer from SK Dance Studio wins Cecchetti Ballet Associates place

SK Dance Studio ballet pupil wins place on Cecchetti Ballet Associates Programme

11-year-old SK Dance Studio ballet pupil, Violet Stout, is celebrating success this week after learning she’s won a place on a much sought-after training programme for talented young ballet dancers.

Violet has been studying ballet at SK Dance Studio since she was just two years old, and in the last few years in particular, has really stepped up her commitment and is showing great promise.

With encouragement from her teachers, including dance school principal Susan Kielb, Violet applied for entry into the September in-take of the highly prestigious UK Cecchetti Ballet Associates programme, which is much respected in the ballet world.

She was invited to audition in early June 2017.

Audition success for the Cecchetti Ballet Associates

“The audition was really tough” said Violet. “Not only was it a really hot day, but there were so many very talented dancers there, all competing for a place. I knew I’d have to work extra hard to stand a chance of success, and I was determined not to let this dream opportunity pass me by. I gave it my all”.

This week Violet learned that her hard work had paid off when she received a letter offering her a place on the programme. She’ll begin training with the Northern Associates group in September, where she’ll be taught by a professional faculty in the world renowned Cecchetti method of classical ballet training.

About Enrico Cecchetti – Possibly the greatest ballet teacher of all time

This rigorous method of teaching was developed by Italian ballet maestro Enrico Cecchetti (born in 1850) who taught legendary ballet dancers such as Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinskyz. British pupils of Cecchetti included Marie Rambert, founder of Ballet Rambert and Dame Ninette de Valois, who founded the Royal Ballet School based on the Cecchetti method.

“There’s a huge amount of competition to gain a place on the Cecchetti Associates programme, so we’re proud as punch that Violet has been successful” said Susan. “This is such a fantastic opportunity for her to further her ballet training and I know she’ll fully embrace it and make us very proud”.

Alongside her Cecchetti Associates classes, Violet will maintain her existing class work with both SK Dance Studio and the Manchester Ballet Associates, where she trains every week with Royal Ballet School graduate and former professional ballerina Kimberley Berkin.

Congratulations Violet!

Click here to learn more about Cecchetti Ballet in the UK.

SK Dance Studio smashes Tapathon 2016 for Children in Need

tapathon2016 SK Dance Studio, Appley Bridge, Wigan

On Sunday 20th November 2016, 48 tap dancers from SK Dance Studio in Appley Bridge, Wigan joined thousands of other tap dancers across the UK in an attempt to break the World Record for the biggest EVER tap dance.

As well as a really fun thing to be involved with, Tapathon 2016 tap dancers helped to raise money for BBC Children in Need, with dancers paying a £10 entrance fee each to take part.  In addition to the entry fees, the generous SK Dance “family” also raised an additional £187 for this very worthy cause via a bake sale and a raffle.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped on the day, and to the generous local businesses who donated prizes for our raffle, including:

Were SK Dance Studio's tap dancers world record breakers?

We were SO close to the World Record this year we could almost smell it.  In fact, we were just 116 dancers short of breaking the World Record for the largest ever tap dance.  7,484 tappers took part across the whole UK but sadly, we didn’t do it this year.   HOWEVER…. and here’s the BIG and IMPORTANT point that all our tap dancers can all be really proud of…  YOU helped raise a whopping £38,000 via Tapathon for Children in Need, and that’s an amazing achievement.

Well done everyone and here’s to finally getting the record next year!!  Regardless of the outcome, our dancers absolutely LOVED taking part and were really proud to play their part in raising money for Children in Need.

You can read more about SK Dance Studio’s preparation to take part in Tapathon 2016 here.

Tapathon 2016 at SK Dance Studio, Appley Bridge, Wigan

Check out our video which tells the story of SK Dance Studio and Tapathon 2016

We get set to break the world tap dancing record with Tapathon 2016

SK Dance Studio tap dancers prepare to break the Guinness World Record for the largest ever tap dance with Tapathon 2016

Dancers from SK Dance Studio are gearing up to break a world tap dancing record and hope to help smash last year’s total of £36,000 raised for BBC Children in Need too.

For the second year running, SK Dance Studio in Appley Bridge is taking part in the national “Tapathon” event, which takes place at hundreds of locations across the UK on Sunday November 20th.

Around 40 of SK Dance Studio’s dancers will be joining in this year, representing children from the primary class, all the way through to the SK adult tap dancing group.

Tap dancers will be performing a funky tap routine, choreographed to X-Factor finalist Fleur East’s hit ‘Sax’.

The Guinness World Record for the largest ever tap dance currently stands at around 7,500

SK Dance Studio’s tap dancers will be performing the exact same routine, at the exact same time as thousands of other dancers in hundreds of locations UK-wide. Collectively, they hope to smash the Guinness World Record for the largest tap dance which currently stands at 7,596 persons dancing simultaneously.

“We were so close to breaking the World Record last year, but didn’t quite get there” said Susan Kielb, principal of SK Dance Studio. “Although our dancers were a little disappointed, they all loved being part of the record attempt and were really proud to have played their part in raising such a phenomenal amount for Children in Need – around £36,000 in fact. This year we’re back again, with our fingers crossed and our tap shoes ready to smash it”.

Good luck to everyone taking part in Tapathon 2016

The Tapathon 2016 routine will be performed twice back-to-back starting at exactly 1:00pm on the record attempt day.  “Good luck to everyone taking part, especially those at other dance schools across the Wigan borough” said Susan.

You can watch a video and learn how SK Dance Studio’s Tapathon 2016 efforts played out here.

SK Dance Studio tap dancers prepare to break the Guinness World Record for the largest ever tap dance with Tapathon 2016

Pictured: One of our little tappers wears last year’s Tapathon attempt t-shirt, surrounded by some of the SK Dance Studio tap dancers who’ll be hoping to smash the Guinness World tap dancing record with Tapathon 2016.