Tagged Ballet

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.

SK Dance Studio reopening after Coronavirus on 5th September 2020

SK Dance Studio, Appley Bridge, Wigan

When Coronavirus closed our doors back in March, I don’t think any of us expected to be away from the studio and all our dancing friends for so long. Whilst I know it’s not been quite the same, it’s been a privilege for Miss Kimberley and I to continue teaching via online classes. We’ve both been blown away by the positive attitude of our dancers and the support we’ve received from both dancers and their families. Thank you – it’s meant the world.

New safety procedures
Now lockdown measures have eased and children are preparing to return to school, I’m also planning to re-open SK Dance Studio and welcome dancers back to classes in the studio. To do this safely though, we’ve put some new procedures in place which we’ll need everyone to follow. They’re listed below.

Re-registering to return from September
Whilst I’m confident that the specific measures we’re taking, combined with observation of general advice from the Government, will minimise any Coronavirus risk, I do appreciate that not all dancers or parents will yet feel comfortable returning to dance. If this is the case, I absolutely understand. You’re more than welcome to join back at any time you feel comfortable. Just get in touch when you’re ready.

If you are ready to get back to dance and you’d like to return in September, please send us a quick message so we know to expect you. You can message us via our Facebook and Instagram pages, or contact me directly (details for all above).

Temporary timetable – Please check your email
Until we get completely back to normal, we’ll be running a temporary timetable. All adult classes will be broadly at the same time as before lockdown, as will student, street and acro classes. They will just be slightly shorter to accommodate cleaning. However there may be a slight change to your child’s Tuesday ballet or Saturday class time, again with slightly shorter classes to make time for cleaning. I’ll be contacting each family individually to make sure you’re clear on the times

Show update
You’ll know that we were planning our school dance show for July. As we still have no indication of when theatres will be able to re-open, we’re not yet able to reschedule, but will keep you posted.

Thank you again for all you support throughout lockdown. We can’t wait to see all our dancers in the studio and get back to doing what we all love as safely as possible.

Susan x

Important new 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.

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

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

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.

Announcing our Nutcracker Ballet Workshop on Christmas Eve

Nutcracker Ballet Workshop at SK Dance Studio Wigan on 24 Dec 2016

We’re delighted to announce a very special festive dance experience coming to SK Dance Studio this Christmas Eve, 24th December 2016.

We’re very lucky to have Northern Ballet School graduate and ex professional dancer Nicola Ciotta with us, who comes all the way from New York where she now runs her own dance school.  Nicola will be leading the Nutcracker Workshop for us, which is designed to bring the magic of this timeless classical ballet to life for four to twelve year olds.

Nutcracker Ballet Workshop - 10am to 1pm, 24th December 2016 at SK Dance Studio in Appley Bridge

Boys and girls aged 4 through to 12 years old are all welcome, regardless of whether they’re an existing SK Dance Studio pupil.  And given the workshop spans a whole 3 hours, parents can use the time to do their last minute Christmas shopping, wrapping or other preparations!

Our Nutcracker Ballet workshop includes:

  • Ballet warm up
  • Learn choreography from the famous “Snowflake Scene”
  • Let’s be Clara
  • Dress up
  • Nutcracker story time
  • Paint & take home your own Nutcracker
  • And more!
  • Cost – £15 for full 3 hours including refreshments

Places are strictly limited, so contact us today to reserve your child’s place or to ask any questions.  You can send us a message via our Facebook page, or click here for phone, text or email contact details.

Nutcracker Ballet Workshop at SK Dance Studio in Wigan, Christmas Eve 2016

Ballet for the boys: Adult classes complete Ben’s fitness regime

Adult Ballet Class for men and women at SK Dance Studio Wigan

21 year old Ben Gambles from Wigan was a pretty fit guy. He ate well, trained at the gym three times a week and was a keen runner to boot. So when his friend Katherine suggested they join an adult ballet class together, he wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.

Ben thought his existing workout regime meant all his fitness bases were already covered

“With my gym regime and long runs, I felt pretty sure I was covering all the fitness bases already” said Ben.  “I’d never even considered a dance class before. I was worried I’d be no good and to be honest, I’d always thought ballet classes were mainly for girls.”  But despite his apprehension, Ben decided to give it a shot.  “I’ve always been one to try new things and I didn’t want to appear narrow-minded, so I just thought – why not?”

Ben and Katherine went along to the adult ballet class at SK Dance Studio in Appley Bridge, Wigan, taught by the dance school’s principal Susan Kielb.

“I was really nervous about my first class, but I needn’t have been” said Ben.  “Everyone was really welcoming and friendly. Although there were people with different levels of experience in the group, Susan made time to break the steps down. This really helped me to understand the technical aspects of the exercises and what I was aiming to achieve.”

After a couple of classes, Ben was hooked and keen to learn.

Ben found ballet uses lots of muscles he'd previously neglected

Adult Ballet Class for men and women at SK Dance Studio Wigan“Although professional dancers make ballet look easy, it’s actually one of the most physically and mentally demanding things I’ve ever done. But that also makes it one of the most rewarding” continued Ben.

“Ballet class offers a really thorough all-over workout and uses muscles that my usual fitness regime hardly touches. It’s helped me to build incredible core strength, has made me more flexible than ever before and has massively improved my stamina. All these things have positively impacted both my gym work and my runs. I generally feel healthier and more energised.”

As well as the physical benefits, Ben’s also noticed the positive effect of ballet classes on his mental wellbeing.

“Conquering new steps gives a real sense of achievement, but it’s not just about the technical aspect of the class” said Ben.  “Ballet is about bringing everything together to create something special – the steps; the way your body moves; your breathing; the music; how you feel; and your sense of timing. It’s great for the body, the mind and the soul.”

Ballet demands real power and strength - it's as demanding as any serious sport

Asked if he’d recommend ballet classes to his mates at the gym, Ben has no hesitation. “Absolutely yes – in fact I already have” said Ben.

“Don’t let the untrue stereotypical view of male dancers affect your decision to join a class. The power and strength required for ballet makes it more mentally and physically demanding than a lot of serious sports – it’s tough. Ballet needs more men and boys to get involved and since I joined SK Dance Studio’s adult class about a year ago, a couple of other guys have joined too. It’s been great to see.”

Ben has progressed into SK Dance Studio’s advanced adult ballet class and is now tackling much harder steps and enchainment.  “Susan is a fantastic ballet teacher. She encourages you to push yourself, because she knows what you’re capable of achieving and wants you to be the best dancer you can be. I think Susan enjoys the class as much as we all do.”

As well as the support of his teacher, Ben also values the camaraderie and team spirit within the group.  “If someone’s struggling, we’ll work together to go over things, or give each other big clap when we’ve conquered a step. It’s a really fun class – we laugh a lot.”

“I can’t recommend adult ballet classes at SK Dance Studio highly enough” he continued.  “If you’re thinking about it, then just go for it. You never know until you try and it might just be your talent.”

Why not try an adult ballet class for yourself? Come along to SK Dance Studio and give it a go!

If you’d like to try an adult ballet class at SK Dance Studio, then come along to either our class designed for beginners and improvers, or our separate class for more advanced adult ballet dancers. Click here for more information about our adult ballet classes and class times.

Dancers scoop awards and remember Melissa at SK Dance school show

Wigan dance school dancers win awards

Two pupils of SK Dance Studio in Appley Bridge were honored with special awards last weekend. Both awards were presented at the end of a second night’s performance of the dancing school’s show – “SK UK, the Great British Dance Tour”.

In front of a sell-out audience at Preston’s Playhouse Theatre, 14 year old Erica Walker (pictured right) was presented with the Victoria Trophy, traditionally awarded to the dancer who has shown real commitment and made the most progress during the year.

“Erica is such a hard worker and so focused during classes“, said Susan Kielb, principal of the dance school since 1974. “She’s only been dancing with us for around two years, but she’s stunned me with her progress”.

Erica, who studies ballet and modern classes at SK Dance Studio was delighted to win the award. “I was so surprised when my name was called out, I couldn’t believe it was me. When I started at SK Dance I felt totally out of my depth, especially when we started to dance en pointe,” said Erica “but through encouragement from my teachers I really gained in confidence. I’ve made many great friends whilst preparing for the show and despite my nerves, loved being on the stage”.

A special dance award to remember Melissa

10 year old Violet Stout (pictured left) was equally delighted to receive the Melissa Joyce Dancing for Joy Award, a very special trophy presented in memory of a talented former SK Dance Studio pupil from Appley Bridge who sadly died in 2001 after a battle with cancer, aged just 21.

image
Melissa Joyce – a beautiful and talented dancer who always danced for joy.

Presented every two years at the dance school’s show, the award is given to the dancer who loves, lives and breathes her craft, finding joy in every single step just as Melissa did.

“Violet has a lot in common with Melissa,” said Susan. “Her beaming smile when she’s performing and the 110% effort she puts into every class, performance and rehearsal is just the same. It’s been a joy to teach them both”.

“I really want to be a professional dancer when I grow up” said Violet who studies ballet, modern, tap, acro and street dance classes at SK Dance Studio. Violet is also part of a weekly ballet associates programme in Manchester, where she’s further honing her skills with ex-professional ballet dancers who trained at the Royal Ballet School. “My mum knew Melissa well and has told me what an amazing dancer and lovely person she was. I really hope I will make Melissa proud with my dancing”.

SK Ballet Babies now on a Friday or Saturday morning

Ballet Babies at SK Dance Studio Wigan

In November 2013 we launched a brand new dancing class to the SK Dance Studio time-table specifically aimed at 2 and 3 year old children. This special baby ballet class has been so popular that we’ve added an extra class to the timetable.

You can now choose either our 10.30am Friday morning class, or our 9am Saturday morning class.

This thirty minute class is designed especially to excite and engage little ones aged two and three years old and offers a truly magical introduction to ballet. SK Dance Studio Principal Susan Kielb explains: “We’ve had some really great feedback about our new SK Ballet Babies class which is especially structured to engage young children in age-appropriate ballet-based activities including dance, music, imagination and of course, lots and lots of fun” said Susan. “We found that many parents really wanted to bring their children, but couldn’t make the weekday class time, so we decided to add an extra class, this time on a Saturday”.

“The content and approach for the new Saturday SK Ballet Babies class is the same as that in the week. It’s a great way to get toddlers interested in a really rewarding and captivating activity that will keep on growing with them as they get older” said Susan.

Ballet is the ideal way to help your toddler child to develop a sense of musicality, build confidence, co-ordination and body awareness, as well as providing a great opportunity to make new friends and burn off some energy. At SK Dance Studio, we believe it’s never too early to introduce your child to dance.

How much do SK Ballet Babies classes cost?

SK Dance Studio’s baby ballet classes cost just £20 for a six week block and take place in our dance studio at The Vale, Appley Bridge, Wigan. You can start at any time during the course (we’ll simply adjust the price to reflect the remaining number of classes left in the block when you start).

“SK Ballet Babies classes are thirty minutes long, which we think is just about the right length for little ones. It’s not too short that our little dancers’ enjoyment ends just as they’re warming up, yet it’s not so long that children get too tired or lose interest” added Susan.

Contact us now to reserve your child’s place

To reserve a place for your child on either our Saturday or Friday SK Ballet Babies class, or if you’ve got any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email or via our Facebook page.

Like all our dance classes, Ballet Babies is taught by a fully qualified dance teacher (registered with Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing I.S.T.D. and the Allied Dancing Association A.D.A.).

Hope to see you soon!