Despite a few bumps in the way with teacher illnesses and snow closures it has been a wonderful start to the year at SLH Dance Academy and pupils have all been working really hard in their classes!

Whilst we are on February half term we just wanted to keep you updated with the latest news and some dates for your diaries!

Term Date Reminders

There are NO classes w/c 17th February – 23rd February due to half term

Classes resume- Monday 23rd February – Saturday 5th April (6 week term)

Next Show Date- 11th and 12th July 2026!

Following the success of last years show we have already booked the theatre for our next big show! Our biannual show is always the highlight of the school calendar and chance for pupils to perform in a professional theatre! It may seem a while away but it always comes around really quickly so please block out the weekend of 11th and 12th July 2026 in your diaries NOW!

Come and watch our Choreographic Competition Saturday 1st March

Grab your tickets here to watch our 2025 choreographic competition.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/slhdanceacademy/slh-2025-choreographic-competition/2025-03-01/15:00/t-jznryjz

3.00pm @ Priory School, Lewes

Just £4 a ticket!

We have over 20 entries from pupils in reception all the way up to year 10! A great variety of performances in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary, musical theatre, street dance & more! A mix of solos, duets, trios & quartets all choreographed by the pupils themselves!

There will also be a special small showcase of performances by some of our senior pupils too! A real celebration of the pupils creative talents and an event not to be missed!

Student Success

We just wanted to give a special shoutout to the following pupils for their success this term!

Congratulations to the G5/6 Senior Ballet girls who are all progressing on to pointe for the first time! Dancing on pointe is often seen as the pinnacle of a ballet dancers training and this a credit to all the years of hard work and training the girls have put into their ballet classes. Well done we are very proud and excited to see you progress onto this stage of your training.

Huge well done to Camille and Amelia who both participated in So You Want to Dance’s competition in Brighton at the end of January. The girls both danced beautifully and achieved the following amazing results-

Camille Lyrical Solo- 1st Place

Amelia Lyrical and Character Solo’s- 2nd Place

The girls are also competing at various festivals in Tunbridge Wells, Eastbourne, Uckfield, Burgess Hill, Worthing, Hastings and East Grinstead over the coming months and we wish them lots of luck as they take to the stage again!

Huge good luck to Spencer who is performing with Brighton Theatre Group in their production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory @ the Theatre Royal Brighton this half term.

It is set to be an amazing and very professional production and we hope he has a wonderful run! There are a handful of tickets left if you want to go and support him. He is performing in the Thursday and Saturday shows! https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/brighton-theatre-group-presents-charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory/theatre-royal-brighton/calendar/2025-02-19

Interested in extra performance opportunities?

If your child takes ballet classes with us then maybe consider auditioning for South Coast Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker this December. We have had a few pupils successfully audition and participate in previous years so take a look at the info here: https://southcoastballet.co.uk/auditions-workshops/

Bring a friend week

We had a lovely time at our special “bring a friend” week for some of our classes! It was lovely for pupils to share their love of dance with their friends and we hope those that took part had fun! If your child has a friend that wants to join them at a taster class then do let us know and we will try our best to accommodate them.

Summer Fete Performances

We would absolutely love to do some more performances this spring/summer at local fetes/fayres in Lewes! If you are part of a school pta and involved in the running of their school fete then please let me know if you are looking for performers as we would love to give some of our dancers the opportunity to perform and showcase their talents! Or if you know of any other local performance opportunities then do also get in touch!

Free Taster class for all current pupils

If your child is interested in adding another class to their weekly schedule then don’t forget all current pupils are invited to a free taster class of their choice! The start of a new term is the best time to try so get in touch today to book a space for after the half term.

Other News!

Finally I would love to share with you all some personal news that you may or may not already know, I am pregnant! My husband and I are absolutely over the moon to be welcoming a little brother or sister for Florence this Summer! I will be teaching up until the summer holidays and am already in the process of arranging maternity cover for September onwards! Fear not though as much like last time I will be still popping into classes with the little one and keeping things going behind the scenes during my maternity leave.

Thank you so much for all your support as I have navigated the early pregnancy months on top of numerous winter bugs this term!

Thanks so much for making it to the end of this newsletter and wishing you all a fun filled half term!

Sophie and the SLH team xx

 

We hope you have all had a wonderful Summer and pupils are looking forward to getting back to their dance classes very soon! We’ve got a fun term planned and can’t wait to welcome pupils back and meet lots of new faces too!

Please see information below for the start of term…

Term Dates

Monday 16th September –  Saturday 14th December 

(No Classes w/c 28th October due to half term)

(No afternoon/evening classes Tuesday 5th November due to Lewes Bonfire- these classes will be run on Tuesday 17th December instead)

12 week term

Dates for your diary…

Monday 28th October- Halloween Holiday workshops – more information to be sent soon!

Saturday 30th November- Choreographic Competition

Timetable

Please check your invoices carefully for your child’s class time/day. A reminder of the timetable is here:

Uniform

Please click here to see full uniform requirements for classes and where you can purchase this from! Don’t forget we also have a second-hand selling page on Facebook.

Choreographic 2024

Entries for our 2024 choreographic competition are now open! Chance for pupils to get creative and choreograph their own routines in our fun and friendly competition. Open to all school aged children and above, please see emails on how to enter!

Reminders for the new term…

• Please remember to arrive promptly to classes and ensure students are dressed and ready to go so they don’t miss out on important warm ups.
• If your child has an epi pen/inhaler or similar please ensure they bring this to ALL classes and the teacher is aware where it is kept.
• Don’t forget to remind pupils to bring a water bottle with them to class!
• Please try and encourage younger students to use the toilet where possible before their class.

We have also been reviewing our safe guarding policies for all our classes and would just like to flag up the following.

• Pupils must be supervised at all times before and after classes.
• If someone different is collecting your child to normal then we must be notified in advance. You are welcome to use a password system if you prefer for this.
• All primary school aged child must be collected by an adult (we cannot let them go with older siblings)
• Written permission for children in year 7 & 8 must be given if they are allowed to walk home by themselves.
• Parents of our pre-schoolers must wait onsite in the parent waiting areas.

You can see a full copy of our safeguarding policy here.

What’s new at SLH this September?

Free taster class for current pupils…

Don’t forget all current pupils are welcome to a free taster class of a new style of dance of their choice. Just drop us a quick email and we will send you some more information on suitable options for them!

Recommendations

We would just like to say a big THANK YOU for all the recommendations you have been giving over the summer! It is truly appreciated and means the world to us!

If you would like to help us spread the world about our classes this September then please feel free to share this advert to friends that might be interested or on any whatsapp groups you may be part of.

Finally don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news!

Here’s to a fun filled Autumn term!

Sophie and team SLH Dance Academy xx

There is lots on offer next term at SLH Dance Academy! If you are interested in booking a taster session please click here…

Get your tickets here!!

@ The New Bury Theatre Hurstpierpoint College, West Sussex, BN6 9JS

 Sun 7th July 2024- 10.30am & 1.45pm performances

Join SLH Dance Academy in celebrating their 10th anniversary with an uplifting showcase of spectacular Ballet, Modern, Tap, Musical Theatre, Lyrical and Jazz performances.

With a cast of over 100 children aged 4-16 years this is set to be a wonderful celebration of the many talented and versatile performers at the school! Come and celebrate with us the joy of dance!

Help us celebrate and get your tickets now!!

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/slhdanceacademy

I cannot believe we have reached the Christmas holidays already, this term has flown by! We have had so much fun and have loved watching pupils get stuck into their grades and classes! Children have been full of energy and everyone has worked so hard and made fantastic improvement!

We would like to thank you for your continued support and for taking a little bit of time to read through this newsletter ahead of next term!

Term Dates

Saturday 6th January – Wednesday 27th March

11 week term

NO classes w/c 12th February due to half term

Invoices

As always your space in class is rolled over each term unless we are told otherwise and our 4 week notice period applies. Invoices for next term are being prepared and will be sent out in the next few days.

Over the last two years we have been able to absorb increased running costs keeping class fees consistent, however as a result of increased hall hire and general running costs over the past 12 months we have made the decision to increase class fees by 50p per class from January. We pride ourselves on providing high quality classes and thank you for your co-operation and understanding in us having to make this small increase for the first time in a couple of years.

2024 Summer Show

As we enter the New Year plans and preparations will be full steam ahead for our 2024 show!!

Don’t forget to save the dates in your diary as this is the highlight of the school calendar and an event your children won’t want to miss out on!

Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July 2024 @ The New Bury Theatre, Hurstpierpoint College

More information and sign up forms will be sent out in January so keep an eye on your inboxes!

Does your child fancy trying a new style?

Ahead of our 2024 show we will be inviting all pupils to try a new class in January if they wish. If your child would like to participate in more dances in the show then January is the perfect time to start them off with a new style ahead of show rehearsals starting in the spring.

Don’t forget we have Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Lyrical for all ages/abilities. All current pupils are invited to a free taster session in a new class of their choice! Just drop us a message to discuss suitable options!

Exams

We would like to congratulate the following pupils who all took ISTD ballet exams this term! We had a 100% pass rate with lots of brilliant Merits and Distinctions! We are so proud of your hard work and commitment in the run up to these exams!

Primary Ballet- Beth, Laila and Holly

Grade 4 Modern- Amelia, Anouk, Ava, Camille, Emily & Mariette

We have more exam sessions planned next term and will be in touch in the new year if this will involve your son/daughter.

Recommendations

I would just like to say thank you for all your wonderful recommendations this year it is greatly appreciated! A huge number of our new pupils come from word of mouth so please help us spread the word about our classes in January by sharing our timetable with friends who may be interested in getting their child involved in dance!

Finally, myself and all the SLH team would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year! We hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating with your loved ones and we look forward to seeing everyone again in the New Year!

Best Wishes,

Sophie and all the SLH team! xxx

Hi Everyone!

Firstly, I would just like to start off by saying a huge THANK YOU to each and every one of you for all your support this last year whilst I have been on maternity leave and becoming a first time mum! It has been a juggle keeping SLH Dance Academy running and ensuring I don’t miss out on that precious time with Florence but this has been made so much easier by having all your wonderful support! A massive thank you must also go to my fantastic team of teachers who have kept our dancers busy with some brilliant classes whilst I have been off. Everyone has made brilliant progress and I am sure have been inspired by their teachers!

Florence has just turned 1 and I am delighted to say that I will be returning to teaching on a Monday and Tuesday in September! I will also be back regularly in the office answering emails and most importantly making preparations for lots of exciting events! There is lots for our dancers to look forward to including holiday workshops, a choreographic competition, exams and our big 2024 SHOW!

Please read below lots of important information regarding the new term!

Teachers

From September the SLH team of teachers will include Ellie, Star, Katie, Holly, Lottie & myself. All of who your children will have met last term!

We say a fond farewell and thank you to the lovely Miss Charlotte who covered my Tuesday classes for the last year whilst I was on maternity leave. We were extremely lucky to have her over this period and I am so thankful for her in providing some of our pupils which such wonderful ballet and tap classes on a Tuesday evening!

It is a little late but I would officially like to welcome Holly and Lottie to the team. They have done a brilliant job the last couple of terms in getting to know pupils and everyone has loved their classes so far with them! They are a great inspiration to our pupils and I know they are going to be much loved members of SLH!

Holly will be taking our new tap and modern classes on a Wednesday evening and Lottie will be taking over my Saturday morning classes @ Malling Community Centre. I look forward to popping in regularly to these classes and co teaching with the girls at times!

If you would like to read more about them please visit our staff section here.

Term Dates

Monday 11th September – Monday 11th December

NO classes w/c 23rd October due to half term

NO Musical Theatre classes Monday 25th September due to Star being involved in Matilda with LOS.

**Please note all Sophie’s Monday and Tuesday classes don’t start back till 18th/19th September and will finish on 11th/12th December to ensure a 12 week term.**

New Classes

We are thrilled to be adding a new day of classes to the timetable on a Wednesday evening @ South Malling Primary School.

Infants modern and Tap combo class for receptions – year 2’s

Grade 2 Modern for Years 3/4

Modern for Years 5/6

Drop Sophie a message to book a taster!

Does your child fancy trying a new style?

September is the perfect time to try a new class as many classes are starting new grades and routines! Don’t forget we have Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Lyrical for all ages/abilities. All current pupils are invited to a free taster session in a new class of their choice! Just drop us a message to discuss suitable options!

Uniform

September is also a great time to ensure your child has the correct uniform for their class. Click here to check what they need for their grade and information on where to purchase it from. Don’t forget you can sell any old uniform on our second-hand Facebook page too if you wish so get ahead of the game now in preparation for the new term. We have lots of new pupils joining us so it is a great time to pop your preloved items on there. Visit Second Hand selling page here!

Please remember uniform is a must for all classes for health and safety reasons and also to ensure our pupils look professional and feel the part!

Dates for diary

More information will be sent out in due course regarding the below events but for now pop these dates in your diary so you are available!

October Half term Workshop- Monday 23rd October or Tuesday 24th October TBC

Ballet Exam Day- Sunday 10th December

Christmas Dance Workshop- Monday 18th December

Choreographic Competition-TBC

2024 SHOW Weekend- Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July 2024 @ The New Bury Theatre, Hurstpierpoint College

Exams

We would like to congratulate the following pupils who all took ISTD exams last term and achieved outstanding results! We had a 100% pass rate with some exceptional marks! A real testament to their hard work and commitment!

Primary Ballet- Orla and Hope– DISTINCTIONS

Grade 4 Modern- Amelia-92/100 and Camille 88/100

Grade 5 Modern- Amelie

We have a big ballet session planned for early December and will be in contact soon to those pupils who we feel are ready to take an exam.

Other Successes

We also have a handful of pupils who have taken on extra opportunities in the last few months and we want to congratulate them on their success and for representing SLH so brilliantly!

Well done to…

Amelia.C who has participated in numerous festivals over Sussex with her first lyrical solo! You have performed with such confidence and grace well done!

She also successfully auditioned for South Coast Ballet production of “Nutcracker”. She will be performing at the Congress Theatre Eastbourne on Saturday 25th November. We are so proud of you and know you will shine! It would be lovely to have lots of her dance friends and fellow SLH pupils to go and watch so do buy your tickets here…. https://www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/events/southcoastballetnutcracker

Camille, Anouk and Evie who have also participated in festivals over Sussex with their lyrical trio. They placed 1st at Crawley which is a huge achievement, well done girls!

Spencer, Lola, Georgie, Gabriella, Olive, Evie & Jessica who all successfully auditioned for LOS production of “Matilda” running 26th-30th September. We are SO excited to watch you and are very proud! It’s set to be a fantastic show directed and choreographed by our very own Star , so get your tickets now to see them perform here: https://www.losmusicaltheatre.org.uk/tickets/

Recommendations

Finally I would just like to say thank you for all your wonderful recommendations so far this year it is greatly appreciated! A huge number of our new pupils come from word of mouth so please help us spread the word about our classes in September by sharing our timetable with friends who may be interested in getting their child involved in dance! Your help in making our return to classes next term a success is as always much appreciated!

Here’s to a brilliant, fun filled term of dance!

Best Wishes,

Sophie and team SLH Dance Academy x

What a brilliant start to the school year we have had! It has been so lovely to see all pupils thriving in their dance classes and there has been some great progress made by pupils!

We have welcomed many new faces to SLH and we hope your children have settled in well and are enjoying themselves. Thank you for all your lovely recommendations too, it means the world to us!

We have lots of exciting events in the pipeline so please see below details of some important dates for your diary…

Watching Classes

We are really looking forward to welcoming parents back to watch classes at the end of this term. This is a great opportunity for you to see your child in action and see the progress they have made this term.

Due to rising Covid numbers we have however decided to do this very cautiously and will be limiting numbers on how many adults can watch per child. You will be informed by email with more information on this nearer the time along with our Covid mitigations that we will have in place too.

See below dates of when you can watch your child’s dance class:

Tuesday 30th November- Miss Lucy’s classes

Monday 6th December- Miss Sophie’s classes (NOT South Malling Primary after school ballet club)

Monday 6th December- Miss Zara’s MT classes (last 20 minutes of each session)

Tuesday 7th December- Miss Sophie’s classes

Saturday 11th December- Miss Sophie and Ellie’s classes

Monday 13th December- South Malling Primary after school ballet club (last 15 minutes)

Term Dates

Monday 1st November- Saturday 11th December

**South Malling Primary ballet club finishes on Monday 13th December**

Christmas Workshops

We are running another holiday workshop on Monday 20th December!

This time it will be Christmas themed and will be full of festive dancing, fun & games!

Perfect opportunity for you to do some last minute shopping/wrapping while your children have some Christmas fun with us!

Infants- 9.45am-12.15pm (Receptions – Year 2)- 2 SPACES REMAINING

Juniors- 12.30pm-3.00pm (Year 3 – Year 6)– SPACES AVAILABLE

£15.00 per child and limited spaces available.

Email Sophie to book slhdanceacademy@hotmail.com

Photoshoot

I am in the process of arranging a photo shoot with a professional photographer in the new year to get some new and updated pictures for our website and social media pages. If your child would like to take part in the shoot please register your interest and drop me an email! (Please ensure you give permission for your child to be featured on our website and social media pages if you wish to get involved)

Uniform

Thank you for making sure your child is wearing the correct uniform to their dance classes. It makes such a difference when they are neatly groomed for class and we appreciate your efforts in doing so.

Visit our online uniform store if you need to purchase any new uniform items/shoes etc: https://slh.mydancestore.co.uk/

Our branded SLH hoodies and bags make lovely Christmas presents and they can be purchased here: https://getmekitted.com/slh-77-c.asp

**Order by 12th December from get me kitted to receive your order for Christmas**

Don’t also forget to join our second hand fb selling page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slhdancesecondhanduniform

Choreographic Competition 2022

Saturday 5th March

Opportunity for children to get creative and choreograph their own solos, duets, trios, quartets to perform in front of an adjudicator! Entries will open this term so watch this space for more details on how to enter…

Show 2022!

Saturday 9th July and Sunday 10th July

@ The Croft 2 Theatre, Burgess Hill Girls School.

This is the highlight of the school year and will be bigger and better than ever so get the dates in your diary now as your children won’t want to miss out! This is for our school aged children +

More details to be sent in the New Year…

Exams

Wishing some of our Primary & Grade 2 Ballet pupils lots of luck as they take their ISTD Ballet exams this Decemeber.

Next exam session will be Feb/March 2022 and you will be notified in the new year if this involves your child

Taster classes

We do still have spaces in some of our classes so if your child wishes to try a new style of dance then please get in touch to get a taster booked in ahead of the end of the term. Perfect chance to try a class before the New Year.

Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Tap, Ballet and Modern classes available!

Your recommendations to friends are always much appreciated so please feel free to pass on our details to anyone who you think may be interesting in joining us for a class!

Other

We kindly remind you that if your child ever wishes to stop a class with us that 4 weeks notice is provided please. This allows us time to offer the space to someone else on our waiting lists and ensures that hall costs, teacher expenses are covered. Your place in class will be rolled over each term unless we are told otherwise so it is vital that you let us know in advance please.

Here’s to a great end to 2021 and lots of exciting opportunities for the New Year!

Sophie and the SLH team Zara, Ellie and Lucy xx