Catalyst Dance

We have a few spaces remaining on our Summer Session 2016 to be held from 16-19th August at Broomwood Hall School, Wandsworth. Guest teachers include : Sam Archer (leading artist with Matthew Bourne's New Adventures and just been announced as 'Boris Lementov' in 'The Red Shoes') Nicky Griffiths (West End dancer and choreographer currently appearing in Jersey Boys, also Wicked, Hairspray, The Bodyguard and more) Andrew Wilson (Former soloist with Birmingham Royal Ballet and head of ballet and Bird College) For dancers aged from 12-18, (pre-vocational and vocational), four days of classes and workshops in ballet, contemporary and jazz dance in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Go to www.catalystdance.co.uk for more information or find us on facebook 'Catalyst Dance'.

We've had a lot of interest in our Summer School this year, but many people are not available on the dates that we intend to run it. It seems there's a demand for something later in the holidays, so we're considering moving it to either the week of 15th August or the 22nd August. If you would be interested in attending and are available on either of those weeks, then please comment below or get in touch via our website www.catalystdance.co.uk. You can also find out more on our facebook page; Catalyst Dance. Aimed at dancers aged 9 and over, our Summer Session at Broomwood School, SW12, includes classes and workshops in classical ballet, contemporary and jazz dance. Working with our experienced faculty, students will gain a greater insight into these dance forms, including a taste of what to expect when auditioning and performing professionally. Whilst being extremely hard work, and sometimes challenging, our workshops have a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We have over 20 years' experience of training young dancers at both a pre-vocational and vocational level, and understand that an all round approach to a dance student's well being is essential. All our teachers are returning this year along with some more fantastic names: Sam Archer (Contemporary). Sam was chosen by Matthew Bourne to play the title role of Edward Scissorhands, and has worked extensively with his New Adventures company as well as choreographing his own work. Helen Rymer (Jazz Dance). Helen was associate choreographer on Elf the Musical this year in the West End and has numerous other West End and theatre credits to her name, including White Christmas. Andrew Wilson (Ballet). Andrew is Head of Ballet Department at Bird College and was a Principal dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet. Lucie Pankhurst (Contemporary). Lucie has an extraordinary amount of TV, film, live performance and theatre credits as a choreographer including Horrible Histories, Bad Education (Channel 4) and The National Theatre. Steph Elstob (Ballet). Steph trained at Central School of Ballet and has appeared with Matthew Bourne's New Adventures, Michael Clark Company and has performed at Buckingham Palace with ROH. Nicky Griffiths (Jazz Dance). Nicky trained at Bird College and is currently playing the role of Lorraine in Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Thank you for all the replies, that's brilliant! She's wearing Bloch shoes. She's 13 and been dancing since she was 3, ballet 3 times a week and tap and modern as well, and has been on pointe for about 18 months. I get your idea about pushing away from the wall using only demi pointe DrDance, will definitely try that with her. I sent her home this week to practice pointing with a strong theraband too. She is a bit weak in her core and glutes etc as well. She hasn't really gained a full understanding of how to engage all that properly, so maybe it's just that. And interesting thought about short toes and long vamp Taxi, I will have a closer look next week. Thank you

I wonder if anyone could help advise me about a student of mine who is finding really difficult to rise up on to pointe. She has good feet and reasonable technique, although she could improve her core strength and use of turnout. She has a really good demi-pointe range and her pointe shoes are well broken in (but not broken) but she finds it impossible to make the transition from demi to pointe as she rises. She either has to do do one foot at a time or uses her upper body weight on the barre to get her up! Releve's are fine, she's ok once she's up, but can't control that rise. I thought it might be lack of strength in her intrinsic foot muscles, but she can do doming, piano playing etc, so I don't think it's that. Any ideas what her problem could be?

Thank you Kiwimum. That's so lovely to hear!

We're also going to be at 'Move It' this year. On Sunday 20th March we're leading a ballet rep class on 'Entrance of the Swans' from Swan Lake. The class is sold out now, but we'll be there to talk to anyone interested in coming to our Summer School and to answer any questions about it. 11.45 - 12.30 Studio 2

Hello dancers! We are really excited to announce that our Summer Session will be running again this year in the Clapham/Battersea/Wandsworth area, at Broomwood Hall School. Junior Summer Session Sunday 7th - Tuesday 9th August Intermediate Summer Session Wednesday 10th - Saturday 13th August Senior Summer Session Wednesday 10th - Saturday 13th August Aimed at dancers aged 9 and over, our Summer Session includes classes and workshops in classical ballet, contemporary and jazz dance. Working with our experienced faculty, students will gain a greater insight into these dance forms, including a taste of what to expect when auditioning and performing professionally. Whilst being extremely hard work, and sometimes challenging, our workshops have a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We have over 20 years' experience of training young dancers at both a pre-vocational and vocational level, and understand that an all round approach to a dance student's well being is essential. All our teachers are returning this year along with some more fantastic names: Sam Archer (Contemporary). Sam was chosen by Matthew Bourne to play the title role of Edward Scissorhands, and has worked extensively with his New Adventures company as well as choreographing his own work. Helen Rymer (Jazz Dance). Helen was associate choreographer on Elf the Musical this year in the West End and has numerous other West End and theatre credits to her name, including White Christmas. Andrew Wilson (Ballet). Andrew is Head of Ballet Department at Bird College and was a Principal dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet. Lucie Pankhurst (Contemporary). Lucie has an extraordinary amount of TV, film, live performance and theatre credits as a choreographer including Horrible Histories, Bad Education (Channel 4) and The National Theatre. Steph Elstob (Ballet). Steph trained at Central School of Ballet and has appeared with Matthew Bourne's New Adventures, Michael Clark Company and has performed at Buckingham Palace with ROH. Nicky Griffiths (Jazz Dance). Nicky trained at Bird College and is currently playing the role of Lorraine in Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre. Please look at our website for further details and get in touch if you have any questions. Annie and Annabelle

Thank you Janet, I'm sorry I missed that. I've made the signature now. I hope it's okay.

I hope this is okay to post here. I realise there may be a few dancers still looking for summer dance sessions and I'm involved with organising one. Aimed at dancers aged between 12 and 18 dancing at Grade 6 level or above, our Summer Session includes classes and workshops in classical ballet, contemporary and jazz dance. Working with our experienced faculty, students will gain a greater insight into these dance forms, including a taste of what to expect when performing professionally. Our Summer Session 2015 will take place at Broomwood Hall School near Clapham Junction between 12th and 15th August 2015 from 10am - 5.30pm. Find out more at www.catalystdance.co.uk or email us at catalyst.dance@yahoo.co.uk Thank you