Tagged show

Dancers scoop awards and remember Melissa at SK Dance school show

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.

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”.

9 years ago

SK Dance Studio Show: Information for Parents

All our dancers are working really hard in preparation for the SK Dance Studio full school show. Our theme this year is “SK UK: The Great British Dance Tour”, so expect a treat for the eyes and ears as our dancers take you on a trip around Great Britain!

Please attend all classes: As we get closer to the show, it’s really important that dancers attend ALL of their show rehearsals, both those held during class time and those on stage at the theatre.

We’d ask for your support in avoiding absence from classes unless absolutely critical. Susan and Cara’s choreography uses patterns, partner work, group work and a lot of movement around the stage, so a missing dancer makes rehearsals difficult and impacts other dancers in the group.

Thank you in advance for your support with this.

Temporary Pre-Show Saturday Class Timetable starts Sat 21st May

To give dancers more rehearsal time during classes in the run-up to the show, we’ll be running a temporary timetable on Saturdays effective from Sat 21st May until Sat 25th June inclusive. The temporary timetable is as follows:

Babies: 9.30am – 10.30am. Rehearsing “Mary Mary” and “Pat-a-Cake”
Primaries: 10.30am – 12.00pm. Rehearsing “Rubber Ducky” and “Hiking”
Juniors: 12.00pm – 1.30pm. Rehearsing “Jockeys” and “Night at Museum”
Inters Tap: 1.30pm – 2.15pm. Rehearsing “Essex Girls”
Inters/Seniors: 2.15pm – 3.15pm. Rehearsing “Harry Potter” and “London Town”
Seniors Tap: 3.15pm – 4.00pm. Rehearsing “Billy Elliot”

On-Stage Rehearsal Timetable at Preston Playhouse Theatre

In the week prior to the show, we’ll be holding on-stage rehearsals at the theatre for all dancers involved. It’s really important that dancers attend ALL of their scheduled on-stage rehearsals. It’s where we ensure dancers are familiar with all of their stage entrances and exits, as well as spacing on the stage. It’s really hard for us to do this properly if some dancers are missing. All of the following rehearsals will be at Preston Playhouse Theatre:

Sun 26th Jun	Babies: 12pm to 12.45pm Primaries/Juniors: 12.45pm to 3.30pm Acro/Street Pupils: 2.30pm to 3.30pm Inters/Seniors/Students: 3.00pm to 6.00pm
Mon 27th Jun	Primaries/Juniors: 4.30pm to 6.00pm Acro/Street Pupils: 5.30pm to 6.30pm Inters/Seniors/Students: 6.30pm to 9.00pm
Tues 28th Jun	All dancers – Full dress rehearsal: Arrive by 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start
Wed 29th Jun	Students only: 6.00pm to 9.00pm
Thurs 30th Jun	All dancers please keep free: Either rest day, extra rehearsal if required, or extra show performance depending on demand for tickets
Fri 1st Jul	All dancers – SHOW: Arrive by 6.00pm for a 7.00pm start
Sat 2nd Jul	All dancers – SHOW: Arrive by 6.00pm for a 7.00pm start No classes at dancing on this day

Theatre address and parking

There is an NCP car park directly opposite the theatre. The theatre’s address is: Preston Playouse Theatre, Market St West, Preston, PR1 2HB.

Meeting for parents about show: Sat 21st May at either 10.30am or 1.30pm

Want to learn more about what to expect when participating in an SK Dance Show? Then come along to our parent’s meeting in which we’ll cover everything you need to know, plus it’s an opportunity to ask questions.

Buying Tickets

Tickets will be available to buy at dancing from Saturday 4th June onwards.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information and for all the support you give to both the school and our dancers as they prepare for their big performance!

9 years ago

Riverdance dress rehearsal: Sun 24th April at 2.00pm-3.30pm

We’re all getting excited for our upcoming performance at The Opera House Theatre, Blackpool Winter Gardens on Saturday 30th April 2106. As you’ll have seen in class, all our dancers have been working really hard and our Riverdance-inspired tap routine is really taking shape now.

A full dress rehearsal for ALL dancers taking part will be held on Sunday 24th April at Shevington Community Centre. Everyone will need to arrive, dressed in full costume, ready for a 2.00pm start. The rehearsal will last until 3.30pm. The fee for this session is £3, payable with your Saturday class fees on 23rd April.

We’d be really grateful if you’d make every effort to attend this rehearsal as it’s the final opportunity before the show for all dancers to work together.

It’s where we finalise spacing, and where we make sure that everyone knows their cues and places throughout the whole routine when all class groups dance at the same time.

It’s important that costumes are fully finished and worn by dancers throughout the duration of the rehearsal. If there are any ‘wardobe malfunctions’ this is where they’ll be spotted so they can be fixed before the Opera House show!

We’ve put together a full checklist below which includes all the information you need to know about costumes and hair. However if you have any questions at all, then don’t hesitate to ask us.

Costume for younger groups (11.30am class and younger):

Green velvet sequin-trimmed dress with white net underskirt
Plain white knickers (the high waisted ‘granny’ style with good coverage!)
White ballet socks
White tap shoes (tied with green ribbon – Susan to supply)
Stage make-up (blusher, blue eye shadow, red lips)
Hair “half up, half down” style as per image:
- Front section secured with plain elastic bobble
- Dressed with green ribbon (Susan to supply ribbon)
- For April 30th show, please curl damp hair overnight with curly rags or similar
- Neatly hairsprayed into place with plain bobby pins to secure

Costume for older groups (12.30pm class and older):

Green velvet sequin-trimmed dress with white net underskirt
Black opaque tights
Black tap shoes (tied with green ribbon – Susan to supply)
Black leather ballet shoes (those doing soft-shoe part of routine only)
Stage make-up (blusher, blue eye shadow, red lips)
Hair “half up, half down” style as detailed above and shown in image

Thank you for your continued support as we prepare for our Blackpool performance. With so many dancers and parents in the building at the same time, we know it will be a little hectic at the dress rehearsal on Sunday 24th April, so we thank you in advance for your patience. It’ll be worth it when your tap superstars make you so very proud on stage at the Opera House!

Click here for more information about tickets and other arrangements.