Performing Arts College in Midlands
If you are looking for recommended Dance and Drama schools in Shropshire, The Carmichael School of Dance and Theatre Arts in Telford is hugely popular and has a fantastic record of achievements in helping dance and drama students gain maximum results in accredited examinations. They also perform bi-annually at Oakengates Theatre in Telford.
Our daughter loves to dance and we spent a long time trying to find the right school - as a child I never danced so this was a new world to me. Our experiences at other schools were less than ideal so we were cautious about introducing Emily to another class. Carmichaels has been an absolute joy. Emily has now been happily embedded there for four years and counting.
All of the teachers are supremely qualified and work tirelessly to ensure that each child is engaged and encouraged to progress. Holding the attention of the younger ones requires particular skill and I really liked being able to watch the classes as Emily settled in. As a parent we are frequently invited in for impromptu performances at the end of the classes - a super way to build confidence and share their experiences.
The School put an a biannual show at the local theatre. Clever choreography is used to allow each child to shine. I was particularly impressed with the behind the scenes facilities, younger children using the crèche with the senior girls opting to have their meals with the younger children throughout the weekend. The teachers thought of everything to ensure the children were safe and happy. More recently some of the children have entered festivals which has given them a new dimension to their dance experience, not just working on their competition routines, but also learning how to present themselves to the judges and above all else, building their confidence.
Emily's posture and coordination has noticeably improved and as I am a Strength and Conditiong Coach, I look at the classes to see how they facilitate this. I am delighted with the way they work with Emily, they have the balance of discipline and humour right, something as I parent I need to work on at times! Emily has been taught to listen to the phrasing of the music so developing much more than just dance.
What I particularly like is the friendships that Emily is forming, running to the older girls in the changing areas for cuddles and chats, learning to dance as a team and supporting each other through exams, competitions and life.
The school hold Christmas Parties, mini musicals throughout the year, guest dancers hold workshops for variety and development, there are theatre trips and much more. You can take part in as much or as little as you like so there are options for everyone.
I really can't recommend Carmichael's enough, it is so much more than a dance school. It is a community that allows the safe and happy progressions from tiny tots to young adults - in this new and fast paced electronic world, the dance school fosters friendship, fitness, fun, commitment and education.
We really appreciate the environment they create and I can't recommend them enough.
