Dance
Dance refers to a form of expression or social interaction that can be presented in a spiritual or performance setting. Musical theatre involves the collaboration of singing, dancing and acting through characterisation.
At Thespis we believe that dance is an integral aspect of personal development. It can allow children in particular to express themselves and learn through discipline and commitment; most importantly it involves lots of fun.
Dance is a unique and personal experience that can be enjoyed by all at any age. The freedom for children to create their own work can provide a means of escapism from everyday life.
Students are encouraged to experience all disciplines of dance including ballet, tap and modern to help support roles of musical theatre; which is a collaboration of all dance forms.
Not only is dance fun it is also an enjoyable experience to keep physically fit. Private classes of tap and LAMDA musical theatre are available.
Elizabeth Self - Head of Dance
Since the tender age of two years old, I have always had a passion for the stage. Throughout my younger years I have trained in Ballet, Tap, modern, jazz and musical theatre being awarded exams and medals from numerous exam boards. Throughout my senior years I continued to dance and become actively involved in musicals in local and professional theatres in Essex. Shows have included ‘Singin in the rain’, ‘and ‘Annie Get Your Gun’. During my teens I have successfully passed auditions and performed in a variety showcase at The London Palladium as part of the chorus and principle dancer. I then attended a Performing arts college gaining amateur and professional experience in singing, dancing and drama. While at college, I was awarded I.S.T.D examinations in Ballet, Tap and modern, and LMDA medal examinations in Acting. During my time at college I worked in television, commercial music videos and castings.
I then completed a three year B.A Hon s Degree at Essex University in Drama working with professional playwrights and working with west end actors. Whilst at University I worked for three years in a London Saturday theatre school ‘Rascals’ teaching Drama and Dance to 6-16 years old. This gave me superb experience working with talented children on agencies and performances at The Broadway Theatre, Barking. I was then accepted at ‘Central School of Speech and Drama’ where I gained a PGCE with a Master’s Level qualification in Drama. I currently teach in Suffolk as a Head of Drama and Dance specialist.
