This is where we keep you informed about all the latest developments at Harlequin School Of Dance & Performing Arts.
You can now find out everything about Harlequin School Of Dance & Performing Arts and what we offer online. Thank you for visiting our website! If you have any harlequin dance news you would like placed here then please consult Miss Lauren (If i dont know about it I cant write about it......)
Happy New Year 2018.... Bring it on, but looking back, 2017 - What A Fantasic Year For Hq Purple Palace!!!
We may be a small school but we purple peeps have some drive: This year our students perfomed in our Annual March dance show, attended 4 competitive festivals plus one Midlands Troupe day Competition. 5 of Harlequins best were invited by Independant Examiners to attend the IDTA Scholarship Awards in Manchester February 2018, students aged 8 - 18 attended Kings residential dance camp, a roadtrip to CYD, and 2 huge exam sessions (September & December), achieving an outstanding set of results. We have successfully auditioned to Dance at Disneyland Paris in May 2018. Evie Hall commenced her training with Lippa, Megan Giles entered her 5th year at Tring, Sophia Pilsworth successfully auditioned for Bird. We had numerous Bursary nominations, massive array of medal places at all festivals attended and brought home a selection of fantastic trophies for highest marks gained in Solos, Duets, Trios and Troupes in all age brackets and genres, not to mention overall section winners in several age categories and awards for technical proficiency. Three particular highlights were: Being awarded Best 'Musical Theatre' Trophy for Chicargo at Kings Festival in July, named October Midlands Festival Troupe Champions with the highest mark of entire day and Harlequin Dancer Megan Giles was awarded Dance Angels Nottingham regional Overall Champion. Oops - almost forgot 7 nominations for Manchester Awards in February 2019.......
Happy New Year - 2017 here we come!!! There will be a news letter coming home this week with lots of important bits n bobs on it - I have taken the time to write it and would be extremely grateful if you would please take the time to read it. Many thanks. x
Show Dates 2017: Belper School Venue. Provisionally booked for (tech runs, dress rehearsals and shows) Tuesday 14th, Thursday 16th, Friday 17th March plus w.c Monday 20th March through to and including Sunday March 26th (Mothers Day). You will not be needed on every date.... timetable will be drawn up shortly.
Our show timetable for choreography is now displayed on the timetable page of the Harlequin website. Some adjusted times to to class merge for show numbers and a couple of grade 1 lessons straight swapped (Wednesday to Sat)..... which may affect a couple of peeps??
Massive Congratulations to our very own Miss Evie!!! She has been selected by audition to be one of only 3 dancers performing solo for oddsocks productions ltd at the very beautiful grounds of Chatsworth House. Evie will be performing most mondays and Saturdays from the 5th November and a selection of other dates of this coming 2016 Christmas festive perid. Whoop whoop, well done you. xxx
Harlequin Alfreton (school Of Dance & Performing Arts) Are delighted to be dancing for an expected crowd of over 2000 at Carnfields Halls Saturday 5th November Bonfire Evening 7.30pm Performance.... Yipeeee cant wait. x
KINGS KAMP OCTOBER HALF TERM (this is another Kings Event (harlequin & Studio 7 combo) please secure your place with a deposit of £50.00 and visit the kingskamp face book page for details of this amazing opportunity....
Roll On Summer time - Harlequin School Of Performing Arts makes a return (after several tyears absence to ALFRETON PARTY IN THE PARK!!!!! (4th SEptember 2016).
November 2015 - The Exam Results are in! They are Fantastic. I cant wait to get the reports. and let you know your marks, but lots of Distinctions (thats 85 or over) Im so chuffed for you all girls - thats a Senior Examiner you have worked hard to impress. Well Done. x
October / November 2015 Well Done to Harlequin Festival Team 2016. Doncaster Festival was a big success to round off our annual outings. Proud to say that plenty of medals return to derbyshire with us, not to mentionan array of Trophies. Plus, our fantastic Junior Bursary winner Holly Giles - what an amazing achievement to be presented with this prize and what an honour to be chosen by two adjudicators Well done!! Looking forwards to next year - its going to be busy.....
July 2015 Big Congratulations to Megan Giles (13) and dance partner Sereina Mowlem who have won the Midlands Birmingham heat of 'Dance Fest.' Thank you for working so hard and for the attention to detail & Good luck in the next step girlies....It's THE FINALS in Blackpool. Well done from all at Harlequin 'Proud to be Purple' Go fly the flag. x
Wednesday 1st July - Just A note to confirm that the proposed new timetable which has been available for perusal for 6 weeks will be commencing Monday 6th July. (this will leave one normal saturday and a futher 5 new saturdays and a full 6 weeks of new weekday classes) Please adjust your payments accordingly - dont forget to deduct the x two sets of 12pm onwards classes cancelled due to Kings. PLEASE ALSO ENSURE YOU HAVE PAID YOUR 2015 MEMBERSHIP DUE 1.5.15 AND ALSO FEES WHICH WERE DUE 16.5.15 (LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVEN'T) thanks Miss L. x
9-10am Mini movers as normal, 10.00 - 10.45 Acro class as normal 10.45 - 12pm Primary classes as normal as per last week. The Pre juvenile class will run as scheduled 9.15 - 10.00 and will be taken by Lydia and Emily this week. (Harlequin school will be closing at 12.00pm promptly - due to Kings Festival) All other grade 1 and above classes will not run this week so please deduct from the next block.
JUNE 2015 - Saturday 20th June Lesson Times. Please be advised that on the first weekend of our very own Kings Fstival classes will run to a skeleton timetable. 9am to 10.00 am Mini Movers as normal, (9.15am pre Juvenile class will be cancelled for this week) 10.00 - 10.45 Acro class as normal, 10.45 - 12.00pm all Primary Classes as normal if you are unsure of class titles this is the 'oh so quiet' 'defying gravity etc' group of children from show.... ALL OTHER CLASSES ARE CANCELLED AND NEED TO BE DEDUCTED FROM THE NEXT PAY BLOCK. Thankyou in anticipation of your understanding - hope to see you at the festival for some moral support??? x
JAN '15............HARLEQUIN PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PASSWORDsS FOR MEMBERS PAGES AND FESTIVAL HAVE NOW BEEN CHANGED. PLEASE TEXT OR (facebook) PM MISS L FOR DETAILS. PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION WITH GENERAL PUBLIC / EX PUPILS / STAFF.
Miss L would like to remind pupils that in accordance with Harlequin membership rules you should please inform her if you intend to audition for and roles - prior to the audition process. Well done to the following pupils who have taken that breath and pursued their dream,
14.10.14 Miss Lauren would like to tell everyone that 4 our Harlequin girls have beeen nominated to attend the International Theatre Dance Awards which take place in Manchester Feb 2015. The Awards are run by the IDTA and are obtainable only by audition after personal nomination via an Examiner of the IDTA. There are eight awards granted at the audition; in Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz. Successful candidates will recieve a trophy and cheque to further their dance training. Certificates are awarded to every nominee and dance teacher. Georgia Patilla (16) and Sophia Pilsworth (15) were nominated for their work in the Grade 5 Tap exam and Emily Whittle (15) and Ellie Slack (16) recommended after their grade 5 Modern performance. I am absolutely thrilled for you all - every one of your group worked so hard to do well, especially these last 4 months when you have been almost 'army drilled' every class in order to establish the detail. Very proud of all of you. Thanks for taking the opportunity to represent Harlequin and shine. Massive Congradulations girls. A JOB WELL DONE!
1.10.14 Order the NEW ONESIZES, Harlequin Hoodie, T-shirt and vest Tops NOW! . The Annual order is going through this week.....Dont miss out. Lets paint Alfreton Turquoise and Purple!!!!
1.10.14 OMGoodness......just recieved news that Megan Giles has sucessfully auditioned for the Christmas production of 'The Nutcracker' ballet in LONDON - to be staged in the WEST END Theatre Land!!! Fantastic News, How exciting is that? Good Luck Megan, I am a very proud Miss L indeed.
19.9.14 Ellie Mai has once again been flying the Harlequin flag High!!! In addittion to Cinderella (see below), Ellie Mai has now also been offered (via audition) the opportunity of a years training in Contemporary dance with North Nottinghamshie Dance Company. This training culminates with several theatre performances. You are going to be one busy young lady.... just shows what a little encouragement, determination and hard work can achieve. You are an inspiration to all of our little Harlequinettes indeed.
18.9.14 Ellie Slack has recently been telephoned and personally invited to join the Midland Youth Theatre Ballet in their production of 'Snow White,' Ellie who is just 16, has been offered the opportunity to share the role of the 'Wicked Witch' with a full time student at Elmhurst Ballet School. Wow, such a compliment to you and a chance to show off your talents Ellie. Miss L is very impressed as always by the way you organise and conduct yourself with such modesty at this very busy time in your life. A fantastic asset to the Harlequin. Enjoy the opportunities you have earned. Well Done!
15.9.14 Another one of our up and coming young dancers - Sophie Miles age 12 years, has successfully auditioned and now been offered a part in the 2014/15 Pantomime 'Jack and The Beanstalk' at Buxton. Well Done Sophie - you are an absolute pleasure to teach, you always work so hard and i hope you have an amazing panto season. Miss L, Miss C and Miss H are very proud of your achievments this year.
6.7.14 Miss lauren would like to say 'Congradulations' to Ellie Mai Jackson who has successfully auditioned for a place in a Leicester based production of Cinderella. Alongside over 100 other dancers, Ellie Mai attended an open all - day audition on Sunday 6th july and has been offered one of only 10 places available. Yeay..! Very proud of you Elli Mai. xx
28.6.14 Launch of our New Timetable commences
20.5.14 ****STUDIO TWO now up and running, YEAY! So Exciting****
19.5.14 Beaurepaire Festival Update.....see below
Well, 3 weekends of 9.30am - 9.30pm Saturday and Sunday and its all over so quickly! I can reliably inform you that Team Harlequin did an outstanding job. Annabelle Towndrow aged 17, Megan Newell aged 11 and Holly Giles aged 9yrs were selected by the adjudicater (as 3 students out of a 9 in total chosen) for entry into the Bursary Awards. So that was quite a proud moment girls, really well done! You all danced beautifully.
In total, we entered 52 sections and were awarded 24 1st place Gold medals, 19 2nd place Silver medals and 8 3rd place Bronze madals plus 7 4th places. We also came away with the following Beaurepaire Trophies:
1. Highest Mark for a Junior Troupe - Fairy Acro
2. Highest mark for an Intermediate Troupe - Amazonia Acro
(Incidentily, We also won the Junior Lyrical (Aquarius) , Inter Lyrical troupe (she falls Asleep), Intermediate Ballet (Red Ballet) Troupe sections too)
3. Highest mark for a junior Trio - Tayler Kerry, Hollie Beastall and Holly Giles - Arabian Acro
4. Highest Junior solo mark for her lyrical - Holly Giles
5. Holly Giles was also awarded the Mrs G Trophy - award for best all round performer of the festival. Wow!
Lastly, despite our small size, I was told that we were in second place for the Teachers Award which is worked out on the number of first places awarded to each School.... so Im absolutely chuffed to bits. We would like to say a big 'Thank You' to all the Parents who helped make this festival such a happy and positive experience for everyone. Memories are made of times like these!
07.05.14 BEAUREPAIRE FESTIVAL
Congratulations to all dancers... you all danced brilliantly this first week end. After a somewhat in explicable slow start in the Senior E lyrical section (I thought you were marvellous girls - totally gorgeous ) - we warmed up quite well after lunch. Our tally goes something like this:-
(3.5.14) So far we have gained Joint 3rd for our Paradise Inter Modern Trio (Ellie Mai, Megan n and Sophie M), Macey also got a 3rd place with her new Bluebird Acro in junior A section, Written in the Stars gained a well deserved 2nd place in Inter Modern Troupes ( Euphoria girls did an amazing job too). after lunch team Harlequin upped its game somewhat. We were awarded 5 1st places as follows Holly G + Tayler K Junior modern duet, Harlequins junior 'Aquarius' Lyrical Troupe with 88%, Harlequins Intermediate 'She Falls Asleep' Lyrical Troupe (also achieved 88 and 1st) Evie won the senior Contemporary section gaining 90! and Ellie Slack was awarded 1st with 92% in Senior E acro section. In adittion to this Laura came 4th in the Inter D section Tap solos with That Man, Ellie was placed 2nd in Senior E section with her new 'Eyes like yours' modern solo and after a long day an injured Emily Whittle gained a well deserved 4th place in The Acro Solos - and thats just Saturday!
On Sunday (4.5.14) morning, we had 4 beautiful junior lyrical competitors and out of 16 dancers we came 1st (Holly Giles) and 2nd (Hollie Beastall) marks were extremely high. Tayler and Annabel danced so gracefully too - so well done girls. Our youngest members also did us extremely proud gaining a 1st place for Hawiaain Rollercoaster ride - danced like you've never seen it before.... and Maya got a 2nd place (out of 8) for her Baby Ballet solo - Great stuff girls. Tayler and Hollie B also won a 2nd place for their gorgeous junior lyrical duet, and Holly G and Nikitta were awarded 4th for their new Sun and Moon duet in the same section. Later on, Charlotte and Evie gained 90 marks and were given 3rd place (yes it does say 90 and 3rd) in a very tough Senior Lyrical duet section .... all partnerships danced beautifully and looked stunning but sometimes perhaps lacked the synchronisation you are so capable of today i felt? Laura, Emily and Evie were given 2nd place in Senior modern trio section, Evie gained 2nd in the Senior F Lyrical solo section our other entries were all beautiful too - i think this adjudicater who congratulated all dancers and again awarded high marks to all Harlequin competitors (in her personal choice) went for slightly more contemporary lyrical style. Excellent work Evie. Then to finish off our weekend in style Harlequins Senior 'Just Give Me A Reason' Lyrical troupe came 2nd to Directions Broken Wings....
So, all in all .... a job well done!
Well done to all competition is high and I personally think you all did a fantastic job. Every polished performace is an achievement for team Harlequin - obviously the medals are a fantastic bonus....so lets keep up the excellent level of work.
15.04.14
Im very proud, excited (and sad) to announce that Miss Emily will be leaving us (Harlequin) after the Beaurepaire Festival May 2014. After training with me for the last 14 years and spending a good 7 years of that time first helping out in class and then teaching; the time has finally come for her to make a move and pursue her own career in the world of dance. Though it will be strange, I fully support her decision to move on and focus on the next exciting stage of her life; I whole-heartedly wish her every success and happiness in the future. I would also like to take this opportunity to Thank Miss Emily for all of the time, hard work and committment she has always given to Harlequin and the support and assitance she has always given to me (and my boys) personally. Thank you Miss Em from the bottom of our pointe shoes......This is your moment, so grasp it tightly, fly high and make me even more proud! You have given me a thousand happy memories and as i said, you always know where we are. Miss L. x (is there a text sign for a poignant face?)
30.03.14 LUCKY 13
Wow....what a fantastic show! Miss L would like to say a massive 'well done' to all performers - the turn around from dress run to performance evening was outstanding... a job very well done. The adjudiactor thought the show was brilliant and really enjoyed it, She commented on the fabulous choreography and the amount of great dancers on stage and said we had given her a difficult task. Well done to all children chosen for commendation by Mrs Susan Carey. But, as always, I am so proud of each and everyone of you - your energy, determination and desire to do well is a credit to you all - you were all phenomenal. As you know your dancing ability was never in doubt, but spacing was the name of the game and by all accounts from comments i have recieved - you totally cracked it. Thank you to all those people who have texted and or verbalised wonderful messages of congratulations on a 'fantastic, amazing show' but remember the stars are actually your own children......
A big Thank you also to:- Rich for comparing our show once again even after being at work since 5.00am..... to my 3 student teachers who have worked so hard these past few weeks - its been wonderful to watch their work take shape and produce some lovely pieces for your girls to perform. Class assistants who are the coggs in the wheel of success, uniting our lower and upper school so well... you do a fantastic job girls, we would undoubtedly be lost without your generous help - thank you for making the time for the little ones. Massive grattitude to all of the dressers, the tireless back stage runners and stage crew, also to the front of house people who were brilliant at sorting drinks orders (many of which which were not ever ordered -lol) and showing people to seating....Thankyou to Mark for a wonderful programme of events and Helen for making sure we sign everyone in and out to comply with procedure not to mention everything else that just seems to magically get done; Also to the mums (and dads) in the kitchen who provided an ear for my ranting on more than one occassion, Donna for costume adjustments and sorting flowers and Kim for doing what only she can do! lastly to you the parents, who make it all possible by finding the time and organising everything in order to allow your children to pursue their love of dance. I can garauntee that at some point, they will thank you forever for this special opportunity. New mums, you have done a brilliant job this year - you truly have just trusted my word, and gone with the flow.... I hope you, like the rest of us think it has all been worth while? I am so lucky to have you all around to make the whole event run smoothly. Please be 100% aware that i fully recognise I could not do this without your support, and as we like to say in the land of Harlequin - onwards and upwards..... heres to number 14!
12.03.04 Miss Lauren would very much like to wish Harlequins Ellie Slack 'Good Luck' in her role as 'The White Witch,' in the Midland Youth Theatre production of 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.' The Ballet is due to open on Thursday 3rd April 2014 at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham and will run until Saturday April 5th. Ellie successfully auditioned back in the summer of 2013 and has been travelling for extra classes and working hard with the Midland youth every Sunday. Ellie also helps out at the studio with our little ones on a Thursday evening and Saturday morning; Miss Lauren is extremely proud of Ellies achievements and her continued commitment to the dance school. Have a Great Time in April!
3.11.13 We Have been invited to participate in The first Chesterfield Dance Competitions.... which are due to take place during Feburary half term week (monday 17.02.14 - friday 21.02.14) at Tupton Hall School. Please register your interest with Miss Lauren. Entries and fees have been requested to reach the organisers no later than December 20th 2013.
2.11.13 Thank you to the Harlequin festival Team ! Your dedication and hard work paid off once again as as clad in purple we created waves once more at Doncaster. Many thanks to the parents who got children to the competitions by hook or crook on time. massive well done to all competitors.....A very Proud Miss lauren. xx
18.03.13 Following enquires regarding making donations towards Megan Giles tuition fees at Tring Park I am pleased to inform you that a bank account has now been set up to make this possible. Anyone wishing to contribute to sending Megan to Tring september 2013 ....can do so by either speaking to Miss Lauren or Megans Parents.
25.02.13 Silks and Hoops Course April 2nd, 3rd and 5th. See Events page for further details All Harlequin places need to be booked through miss Lauren to avoid confusion.
20.02.12 Congratulations to Megan Giles (age 10 years) whio has been offered a place at the prestigious 'Tring Ballet School' in Hertfordshire. The Full time, residential course was formally offered to Megan via letter after her audition at Tring on February 1st. Megan now needs to secure adequate funding in order to accept the place and achieve her dream.......to this end she will endure more auditions for county performance & arts grants and will also be appealing for sponsorship from companies and or people with an artistic interest; you may also see her face in some of the local / national newspapers etc. Good Luck, we all wish you every success. If anyone can offer any help or information with sponsors ...please speak to Miss Lauren directly. Thank you.
02.01.13
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break and *peacful / bedazzeling new year (delete as appropriate) and are now ready to get back into the swing of all things physical......? Just to clarify, Harlequin will re-open on Saturday 5th January 2013. Please pass the word, many thanks
Please see the members only Page for details of block dates - please also note the weeks will now run from Saturday - Thursday. I very much look forwards to seeing you all soon,.. Miss l.
21.12.12 Just to inform Grade 5 Ballet that you have a lesson owed to you. (Normally 12.30pm Sat age 12-14yrs) This will take place on Tuesday 8th January at 6.15pm. Thankyou for your patience. Miss L.
12.12.12
Confirmation that Hoodies should be here bythe end of this week....YIPPEEEEEE!!!
12.12.12 Our new Tumbling class is now up and running, One class is full...if you would like a place in the second class please inform Miss Lauren, Thankyou. x
11.12.12
I would just like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and peaceful New Year in 2013...Thank you for all the help and supposrt you have given to your children and me this past year... We genuinely cant do it without you.
27.11.12 HARLEQUIN HOODIES GOING PURPLE!!!!! (but yes, you can still get Turquoise ifyou want to)
I have made enquiries about another order for Harlequin Zipper Hoodies. I still have to order from London (to get the style and brand of hoodie I require) but prices currently are the same as last time. Please get your order envelope with name, age and size of garment required - also enclose your cheque payable to 'Harlequin school of performing arts' (or cash) in to me by Saturday 1st of December so I can place order and receive before christmas!!!! Hoodies - Adults £27.30 Children £23.00 T-shirts £16.00 Adultsor £15.00 children.
26.11.12
Be advised I am currently taking names for our New Beginners Tumbling (backflips and no handed cartwheel etc..) course advertised on EVents page. Classes to be held at Harlequin (dates to be confirmed) with visiting teacher (Frank) please state your interest and speak with Miss lauren for further details age 7years plus only....
24.11.12
Please be aware that the new timetable will be effective from week commencing 10.12.12. I have taken the decision to put the new times and classes into action regardless of whether Studio B has been done. I need to make a start because of time constraint requirements in syllabus classes and in order to instigate new classes advertised for youngsters. I thank you in anticipation of your continued support and patience in this matter.... hopefully when everything is agreed it will be worth the wait!!!
5.11.12 DONCASTER FESTIVAL SUCCESS
Wow!!! What an amazing Festival we had at Doncaster. I would like to offer a massive congratulations to all members of our Festival team, who danced their socks off and did our school proud. Thankyou girls and Thankyou parents; for all of your time, effort and encouragement. The standard of work in all genres and age groups was very high and very impressive this year.... Along with lots of medals, we Brought Home To Harlequin The Following Trophies (which means we achieved the highest mark overall in the following cateagories):
Juvenile Cabaret Acts - River Lyrical
Juvenile Acro Acts - Indian Acro
Junior Cabaret Acts - Aquarius Lyrical
Junior Acro Troupe - Pink Oriental
Acro Trio Highest Mark - Tayler Kerry, Holly Giles and Hollie Beastall
Award for Technical Ability Megan Giles
Open Class C Section Runner Up - Megan Giles
Open Class G Section Winner - Emily Baker
Adjudicators Choice Trophy - Charlotte & Evie Swan Acro Duet
Megan Giles was selected by the Adjudicator to be entered for the Junior Bursary......and she won!!! Well Done Megan, what a star.
Looking forward to Belper now... a little closer to home (and very convenient when you forget to take your music!!!! LOL.)
Anyone interested in taking part in dance competitions should speak with Miss Lauren.... Festivals unfortunately, are not open to everyone - due to their competetive nature.... but please feel free to ask to be considered for selection. Sections are available for children age 4yrs + who have danced at Harlequin for one year or more.
News
28.07.12 Well done to Megan Giles who, after being selected by audition..... has just finished performing with the English Youth Ballet in their performance of Swan Lake at Nottingham.
28.07.12 Harlequin School Of Dance and Performing Arts are pleased to be performing at Horsley Woodhouse Carnival once again. September 22nd 2012, 3.00pm. Come along and support us.
3.8.12 Wishing Emily Baker, Charlotte Carridice, Emily Whittle and Rebecca Barber lots of upside down fun on their 'silks and hoops course' with Delia and Yvette this week (3rd - 10th August) .... remember 'no pain no gain!!'
28.07.12 We Have also been asked to perform at Crays Hill Park on Monday 27th August at 3.00pm. Amber Valley Borough Council, The Friends of Crays Hill and Swanwick Hall Cricket Club Fun Day celebrate when, in Honour of the Jubilee - the park will be renamed 'Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields' By granting the park Queen Elizabeth status it ensures that it remains as a recreational facility
The opening of a brand new Second Studio (October 2012) brings new membership opportunity at Harlequin and the chance to join new classes offered. Limited places. Please telephone on 07768 765709 for further details of places available.
28.07.12 Next Examination Session Provisionally Scheduled End of September 2012.
28.07.12 Congratulations to Megan Giles age 10, Megan Newell age 10 and Holly Giles age 8, who have been selected by audition to dance with the Midland Youth Ballet and are busily attending classes in Birmingham every Sunday in preparation for the production in March.