4 June, 2024
“dyslexia doesn’t define you, it just gives you special powers elsewhere”
These are the words of an incredible young lady. A very special talent, who, as a young girl lacked confidence in her ability at school, and grappled daily with feeling like she was “getting left behind”. A young girl who has since blossomed into a feircly determined, suprememly talented, hard working, competitive, yet kind and compassionate soul. Jess Taylor, who has been awarded a place at The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television, is an example to her peers and role model to the next generation of dancers coming through the ranks at DN Dance.
Jess Taylor Early Years Photo Collage
After learning that one of the younger dancers was struggling at school with dyslexia, Jess came to me and asked if I would share her story. She felt it might help others struggling with dyslexia to find some inspiration, to find their self confidence elsewhere like she has in dance. A typically “Jess” thing to do!
In Jess’s own words, this is her story:
Throughout primary school I struggled with words and reading. I felt like I was behind in class, and I wasn’t as confident as my classmates. However, when it came to dancing, I did feel confident. It was a place where I felt strong, a place where I could even help others who needed it. Somewhere I thrived.
I found out I was dyslexic as I transitioned to high school. I was always taught that if a problem is thrown your way, just throw a solution straight back at it. So, I learned to speak up and get help in school, and I channelled my energy into the things I was good at, dancing and performing.
Having dyslexia can affect how you learn and memorise information, which impacts self-confidence. My brain simply doesn’t like to learn from words written on a page. However, memory and confidence are two key skills needed for dancing, and I felt quite strong in this. I wondered why that was, and I discovered that people with dyslexia often have strengths in other areas, like:
-
- Wonderfully Imaginative
- Strong Visual Memory.
- Excellent Puzzle-Solving Skills.
- Brilliant Visual Spatial Reasoning.
- Great at Connecting with Others.
Dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia are diagnoses that can make certain methods learning difficult, and, as well as being a nightmare to pronounce, that is all they should be viewed as. I now realised that these diagnoses shouldn’t be viewed as a hurdle or disability, but simply as a guide to help us to find our preferred ways of learning, our strengths and talents in other fields, and for me that is dance (my happy place).
Knowing that other friends, family, and celebrities have had dyslexia and thrived, told me that dyslexia doesn’t define you it just gives you special powers elsewhere. I now know I am not alone, and if reading this blog (how ironic) helps just 1 more person, it will make me happy that they know they are not alone too.
We caught up with Jess’s mum too, as we wanted to hear her perspective on the journey Jess had been through with Dyslexia and Dance.
“When Jess was diagnosed with dyslexia, we finally had the answers to all the questions that we had been asking for, for years. Why does it take her so long to complete schoolwork? Why does she get so frustrated? Why does her work not make sense, when she has spent so long on it? We had seen the signs, but it had taken so long for diagnosis and support from school that, for Jess, dance became her happy place, her classroom, her world! No pressures, no frustration just release. Dance allowed her to be confident, to show the world that this defined her, not her dyslexia.
Jess loves to perform both on and off stage. Dance developed her passion for the arts, and she now incorporates acting and singing with DN. We worried that reading scripts, learning lines, and following music notation might affect her love of performing, but instead found that this love gave her the strength and determination to overcome the dyslexic barriers and allowed her to be the positive person she is today.
We honestly couldn’t be prouder of Jess and hope that this inspires others in similar situations to turn that negative into a positive with the right mindset and passion. Jess strives for perfection in everything she does, and over the years, she has learned that perfection is not always attainable but if you work with your strengths, they might just help your weaknesses!”
I reflected on this story for some time before sharing and I can’t help but attribute a Jess’s success, in part, to the courage and support shown by her family. I can only imagine that it took courage to support her in persuing her talents and interests when the presures of a society are all too often focused on academic endeavour as the only ‘safe’ or ‘valued’ future propsect. Also, the guidence and support that allowed her to develop the confidence she now exudes in dance and performing on any stage.
I have a tremendous respect for everything that Jess has achieved, and I only hope that this blog can give hope and inspiration to someone else embarking on a similar journey.
Written by Lindsay Bleakley
04/06/2024
14 March, 2024
Introducing our fabulous new Head Student, Megan Ross. DN is proud to have Megan will take over the role for our 23/24 year, we are thrilled to have you on the team!
With the most gorgeous soul, Megan is very much at the heart of DN. Attending classes for 13 years, Meg has grown up in the studio and has become part of the family. She is a wonderful role model for all our students, following and promoting our DN values. Little ones just adore seeing her around the studios.
As her role of Head Student Megan will assist at event days and shows across all ages. As well as representing DN in and around the studio, welcome new families and always looking out for others in the buildings.
4 March, 2024
We couldn’t be more proud of our DN Company Dancers who have achieved the awesome feat of qualifying to represent Team Scotland at the Dance World Cup 2024 in Prague. Thirty three of our talented dancers are gearing up for the experience of a lifetime and we’ll be following their journey, step-by-step, on this very blog.
We are delighted to thank our amazing sponsors and supporters who’s kind donations have made it possible for so many of our dancers to have the honour of representing their country as elite dancers.
But first, I’m delighted to share the story so far (below), as composed by one of our wonderful dance moms.
by DN Dance Mum, Barbara (H)
In the vibrant world of dance, the sparkle of talent often shines the brightest.
The Journey to Qualification: The journey for DN Dance’s sparkly dancers began with dedication, passion, and hours of rigorous training. From large group performances featuring all 33 dancers to smaller groups of four, duets, trios, and captivating solos, the team displayed style technique and performance across various dance styles. The genres include ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, song and dance, street, and hip-hop/commercial. Over 120,000 dancers from across the world audition and making it to the last 7,000 is already awesome.
Age is Just a Number: One of the most inspiring aspects of DN Dance’s qualification is the diverse age range of the dancers, spanning from 9 to 17 years old. This not only showcases the inclusive nature of dance but also reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing talent from a young age. Some of these sparky dancers have been with DN Dance since they were four years old. The dancers, regardless of their age, share a common enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming Dance World Cup in Prague.
Preparing for the Grand Stage: With their qualification secured, the sparkly dancers are now immersed in preparations for the grand stage in Prague. The dance school, known for its commitment to excellence, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Team Scotland makes a lasting impression at the Dance World Cup.
The Variety of Styles: What sets DN Dance apart is its ability to seamlessly blend a variety of dance styles into their performances. From the grace of ballet to the energy of hip-hop, the dancers embody the essence of each style with finesse. Our aim is to captivate audiences and judges alike at the Dance World Cup.
The Excitement Builds: As the dancers gear up for their journey to Prague, excitement is palpable among both the performers and their supporters. The Dance World Cup is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of the art form and an opportunity for dancers from around the world to come together and share their passion.
Raising Funds: As you can imagine, there are lots of costs involved in taking a group to such a prestigious event, and we are now looking to raise funds to help ensure each dancer can share in this opportunity. We are hoping to raise funds through events, activities, sponsors, and supporters. Drop an email to the DN Company Parents Committee if you would like to find out about events or if you can sponsor or support us in anyway.
Thank you all and watch this space!!
13 December, 2022
We are delighted to announced that after our recent session of RAD and ISTD exams in November 2023 we have had 100% pass rate. Congratulations to everyone who participated, we are so proud of you all!
RAD Exams
- RAD Pre-Primary Ballet: Aimee & Bethany
- RAD Grade 1 Ballet Class: Amy, Catriona, Isobel, Julia, Lucie, Lucy, Marcella, Mila
- RAD Grade 1 Ballet: Amber, Ava-Jane, Daniela, Eve, Eve, Jessica, Stefaniak
- RAD Grade 3 Ballet: Ava Rose, Elysa, Emma, Grace, Keziah, Kyla, Molly, Nicole, Valentine
- RAD Grade 4 Ballet: Annabel
ISTD Exams
- ISTD Grade 1 Ballet: Aria, Ava, Brooke, Cadha, Darcy, Evie, Isla, Kara, Katie, Kayla, Lily, Mia, Sadie
- ISTD Grade 5 Ballet: Callie, Emma Bo, Emma Br, Emma D, Hanna, Jasmine, Laila, Leilah, Maja, Ruby, Weronika
- ISTD Grade 1 Tap: Alana, Amber, Ava-Jane, Daniela, Elowen, Eve F, Eve G, Harper, Jessica, Lily, Maja, Mila, Nina
- ISTD Grade 2 Modern: Amber, Ava, Eliza, Ellis, Georgia, Lacey, Millie, Rebecca, Rosie, Ruby, Scarlett
- ISTD Grade 4 Modern: Alexandra, Amy, Annabel, Elsie, Holly, Iona, Isabella, Isobel, Madison, Yasemin, Zoe
Why do we study both ISTD & RAD Syllabi?
At DN Dance we offer students the opportunity to sit exams in both the ISTD and RAD syllabi. Both examination boards offer an excellent pathway for progression of skills and techniques in classical Ballet. We study both syllabi because we believe dancers will benefit from the strengths of each syllabus.
Our interpretation of the difference is, the ISTD syllabus teaches a precise build-up of techniques whereby exercises learned in the early grades are built upon systematically as you progress up the grades. It teaches a wide range of vocabulary and requires dancers to learn how to combine different steps on request of the examiner – like sight reading in a piano exam (for example).
Comparatively, the RAD exam syllabus is centred around learning pre-set exercises – like playing a set piece of music in a piano exam – as well as a range of dance choreography and repertoire of different styles to include character (character uses traditional instruments from the country they are studying. For example; In Grade One the children study the Russian Style, Grade Two is Hungarian, Grade Three is Ukrainian and Grade Four is Italian)
There are clear benefits to both syllabi, teaching expert execution and beautiful development of work which is why we are proud to offer students the opportunity to learn both.
9 November, 2022
Emma in costume for dance shows in 2012 & 2021
My First Student
I sit at my desk writing this story with a heart full of mixed emotions seeing our beautiful Emma Buchanan move on from DN Dance to embark on her next great adventure, to become a professional dancer!
Emma was my very first student when I launched Dynam-nic Dance back in 2010. I remember little Emma so fondly, with her gorgeous red hair and super flexy left leg, walking up the stairs at the MGA academy on the very first day of DN classes.
On one hand there is a sense of joy seeing Emma pursue a career in dance, training at Hamilton Theatre Arts. On the other, there is sadness that she has come to the end of her incredible journey with DN. But there is also tremendous pride in having watched and supported Emma to develop from a small and shy little girl into the confident, talented, and beautifully technical dancer that she is today.
It has been one of my great pleasures to watch her grow over the past 12 years, becoming the first student to complete the full DN journey from preschool right through to professional college.
Emma Performing Bat Out Of Hell in 2021
Favourite Memories
Emma’s mum (Julie) told us about her favourite early memories of Emma’s dancing, she said: “This is difficult, there so many memories. From little Emma coming home and practicing her ballet and tap exercises “hot sand”, “pick up the flowers”, and “over the mountains”. To watching her perform pantomime in the St Serfs church, Emma loved doing the pantos. Then all the dance shows, wow! Emma just loved them and never wanted them to end. Then there’s her journey being a member of the DN Dance competition team (DN Company) and all the experiences Emma has had competing. Most recently, having the opportunity to dance for her country at Dance World Cup 2022 in San Sebastian, which is something very special and I’m so grateful that she was given the chance. DN Dance to us is just one extended family, which I hope we will always be part of it.”
Emma told us “I’ve loved every minute at DN, there’s so many memories to choose from and I wouldn’t change any part of it. I think my favourite memories are doing the DN shows. I loved learning all the dances, the atmosphere at the theatre, and watching the younger dancers doing their dances was always cute. She told us “I’ll miss going to DN and seeing everyone but it’ll always be home. I can’t wait to see what happens at DN and watch how it grows even more. I’ve loved meeting all the teachers throughout the years and interacting with other classes. It’s always felt like a family environment, everyone helps and takes care of each other.”
DanceAbet Show in 2014 at the Pleasance Theatre
Dance shows
Emma has featured in every one of our biennial DN Dance Shows between 2012 and 2022. Our first ever show back in 2012 was called The Toybox. Little Emma played the part of a ballerina who climbed out of the Toybox and made all the other toys come alive. Ten years later, in what would be Emma’s last DN show, we performed the Toybox show again. This time Emma emerged from the Toybox as a fully grown 17 year old ballerina to bring the toys to life again. It was such a beautiful moment for everyone involved with the school.
Emmas First Exam Results
Dance Exams
Emma showed huge potential from a young age. She was always in a class above her age, continuously being pushed. Emma has always been a great technical dancer and has shone in her dance exams. She told us “I’ll never forget the feeling of the first distinction I got in ISTD Primary Ballet, then Grade 4 Modern, and my most recent distinctions in ISTD Grade 6 Ballet and Intermediate Modern“. We were always so proud of her for her work ethic and commitment at exam time.
Emma In Team Uniform
Competition Team
Emma was one of the original members of our dance competition team (DN Company), which we started in 2017. There are so many wonderful memories, but the ones that Emma remembers most fondly are “the first team competition going through to a final in Blackpool, performing ‘Lullaby of Broadway’ and taking part in my first workshop, as it was the first of many times travelling with the team“. Then more latterly, Emma competed for Scotland at the World Cup in San Sebastian. She told us: “one competition experience I’ll never forget is having the chance to compete at Dance World Cup, which I would never had been able to experience without DN“.
Emma with Jane, Chanelle, Bev & Nicky
Messages from her teachers
We are super lucky at DN Dance to have a core group of teachers in Chanelle, Jane and Beverley who have grown with us and who are now part of the fabric of DN. Of course, the team wanted to add a few of their own words and wishes for Emma.
Miss Chanelle:
“I am so proud of Emma’s achievements and excited for this next chapter in her dance journey. It has been a pleasure watching Emma grow into such a gorgeous dancer and even more gorgeous soul. She has been an inspiration for our younger students in her later years at DN, and will remain one of the DN Family forever”
Miss Jane:
Emma with Miss Jane
“I feel very privileged to have been able to be a part of Emma’s dance journey at DN. Emma was one of our first ever competition team members way back in 2016 and I feel very lucky to have watched your progression from your first performance at a charity competition to shining bright at the dance World Cup – Wowzers what a journey!”
“I have loved watching you grow and develop from a young girl with so much passion and raw talent into a young woman with exceptional technique, explosive talent and drive to take her dreams onto professional training and future career. You have been a true inspiration to your peers who have put you on a very deserving pedestal and your beautiful soul and caring nature has helped our youngest of team members feel safe and confident as they have began their own competitive journey.”
“We are so excited to see what your future holds and look forward to cheering for you from the audience. Always and forever team DN xxx”
Miss Beverley:
It’s always been a pleasure teaching Emma throughout the years and seeing her develop into the dancer she is today. Emma has shown great resilience and determination to improve and master her skills as a performer. I’m so delighted and proud that she is continuing to pursue a path in dance and I can’t wait to go and support her in her first college show next year.
Saying goodbye to Nicky
Emma, you’ve been a dream to teach and a great example to the other students. We’ll miss seeing your beautiful face each day at class, but you will always be one of the family at DN Dance. Now go and fly with all our love and admiration!
Miss Nicky xxx
8 September, 2022
It is with great pleasure that we announce Rose as our new Company Dance Captain.
Rose has been with DN Dance for over 10 years and is an original member of DN Company, competing for DN Dance nationally and internationally. Recently Rose ranked 14th out of 83 finalists at the 2022 Dance World Cup with her Young and Beautiful Lyrical Solo.
Rose shows a mature approach to her work and comes prepared weekly to classes. Her preparations in competitions are also not overlooked. She is always clued up with all our Company dances and counts down to the second! Additionally, Rose helps at our holiday camps and shows a great support to younger students offering encouragement.
Rose’s role as Company Dance Captain will be to aid teachers in classes, help out with company days/competitions, run dances and be a support to all company members.
I’m extremely excited to be chosen as the first Dance Captain at DN! It’s a glance at a supportive leadership role that I’ve always hoped for and I can’t wait to see what opportunities it opens up. As I’ve danced for over 10 years of my life, i’m looking forward to passing on my knowledge and passion to those beginning and continuing their dance journeys. Much love for my family at DN, I can’t thank you enough. – Rose Hamilton
As always, I am a super-proud Dance Mum. Rose has danced from the tips of her toes since she was four, and DN Dance have always helped her shine. I love that she has been chosen as your first Dance Captain. I know that she will work hard for the team, encouraging them and helping them to shine on stage as a whole team. – Barbara Hamilton
We look forward to seeing her take on this new role with confidence and maturity. We are so proud of you. Congratulations!
31 August, 2022
A big thank you to all who took part in our inaugural DN Dance Golf Fundraiser event on Sunday 26th of September. It was a great turnout with 53 players across 14 teams, and lots of prizes to be won. We’re delighted to have raised a total of £1054.45 which will go towards additional training and development opportunities for our dance competition team.
Team prizes
Our two main prizes are the team awards, for “lowest team net score” and for “most team birdies (gross score)”. The winning prize for the team with the lowest team net score is a 4-ball voucher to the prestigious Archerfield Links Golf Club in East Lothian, and for the team with the most team birdies (gross score) is a 4-ball voucher a the fabulous Pitfirrane Golf Culb in Dunfermline.
Lowest Team Net Score
Congratulations to Andrew, John, Josh & Lindsay from team “Purple Rain Men” with a superb result of Net 55. Two other teams finished with Net 56 and missed out on competing for the prize by one stroke. One of those teams failed to take advantage of the bonus handicap point available to teams in which all players wore two of the three DN Brand colours (Pink, Purple & Grey), showing once again that golf is a game of fine margins and you have to take your chances.
Results in order of lowest to highest net score were as follows:
- Purple Rain Men – (Net 55)
- Woodfield Weasels – (Net 56)
- Avoca – (Net 56)
- Happy Whackers – (Net 57)
- Golfers United – (Net 58)
- Ellwood Ball Washers – (Net 59)
- Ronnie’s Boys – (Net 59)
- Seniors +1 – (Net 59)
- Ted Strikers – (Net 61)
- Calderwood Sharks – (Net 61)
- Morlands Mauaurders – (Net 61)
- Taylor’s Tornadoes – (Net 62)
- Wee Angry Birdies – (Net 62)
- Yule’s Boys – (Net 64)
Most Team birdies (Gross Score)
Congratulations to the winners Michael Watson, Ross Waters, Tony Aitkin, and Grant Allan
from team “Golfers United” who scored an excellent tally of 8 birdies in another extremely tight competition which saw 3 teams tie on 8 birdies a piece. Golfers Unitied took the victory on the countback with 4 birdies on the back 9.
The results for most team birdies (gross score) are as follows:
- Golfers United – 8 birdies
- Avoca – 8 birdies
- Woodford Weasels – 8 birdies
- Purple Rain Men – 7 birdies
- Ellwood Ball Washers – 5 birdies
- Seniors +1 – 4 birdies
- Ronnie’s Boys – 3 birdies
- Happy Whackers – 3 birdies
- Ted Strikers – 3 birdies
- Morland’s Maurauders – 3 birdies
- Taylor’s Tornadoes – 2 birdies
- Wee Angry Birdies – 2 birdies
- Calderwood Sharks – 1 birdie
- Yule’s Boys – 0 birdies
A special mention goes out to Yule’s Boys who’s team included our youngest competitor by far, at 9 years old. Superb effert getting involved this year.
We had 6 opportunities for players to win an individual prize, with 2 Longest Drive holes and 4 Closest to Pin holes. Prizes were limited to one LD prize and one CTP prize per person, to ensure the prizes were split amongst the players as fairly as possible. Winners of the longest drive & closest to pin competitions each receive a sleeve of premium Srixon Z-Star Diamond balls, a bag of premium tees, and the following prizes:
Congratulations to the winners of the longest drive competition, with drive distances verified by Golfshot GPS. The winners are:
