We joined the school five years ago when I had the idea that my four year old daughter might like to try some ballet…… and discovered this was so much more than just a ‘dance class’.

Lead by the indomitable Miss Alana, and expertly administered by Miss Kim, there is nothing ‘amateur’ about this school.

Having said that however, there is none of the stereotypical pressure that you would associate with this environment.

Instead of ‘pressure’ we see passion, commitment, dedicated, encouragement, and love.

I am constantly heartened by the level of dedication demonstrated by the teaching team, which is clearly driven by a passion for fostering the best in each child, irrespective of whether that best is prize dancer material, or not and the personal qualities and leadership demonstrated by the senior students means all the children are continually surrounded by positive role models. My daughter will never become a professional dancer, but she is in an environment where commitment and discipline are recognised and rewarded, where outstanding personal qualities are modelled, where self-confidence is nurtured and personalities grow and flourish. And she is surrounded by a supportive dance family of students and parents who value and encourage each child exactly the same way. There are no ‘dance mums’ at ADS, just parents like me, encouraging children like mine.

My daughter isn’t just learning to point her toes and dance in a pretty costume, she is being given the opportunity to learn life skills that mean she will be a committed, disciplined, considerate and patient adult. Thank you ADS, for all that you give her – I pay for dance classes but get so much more in return, for which I am truly indebted.