I was just a little girl when I asked my mum if I could start dancing, I was 6 years old and was extremely nervous when I went to my very first lesson. I remember it well and who would of thought that by the age of 25 I would own the school that I went to for my very first dance lesson. I joined the Annette Bartlett School of dance, as it was then, I did a show every year and then I worked hard for exams. Years flew by and at the age of 11 I asked if I could start helping with classes for the younger pupils, I loved it! The enjoyment I got from knowing I was helping them to achieve things in their dancing was great. Again years flew by and I reached the age of making a decision, I was 16 and leaving school. I knew I wanted to have a job working with children so I went to college for 2 years and I did Health and Social care. During this time I was still busy with my own dancing but also helping with more classes in teaching. I left college and was approached about working towards a Teachers qualification and becoming an assistant teacher. I jumped at the opportunity and at the age of 19 I gained my first teachers qualification in Theatre craft.

I was starting to have more input in the school and was now taking most of the classes, again years flew by and in 2004 I was asked if I would like to buy the school. I couldn’t believe it and I was so excited about the great opportunity, I said yes.

This brings me to were we are now. In 2006 I changed the name to Sarah Patrick School of Dance and with over 100 pupils I am very proud of my achievements but also extremely grateful to all the pupils and parents who have supported me along the way. I like to think that all of you will one day have a great story to tell and you never know it could be like mine.

I started dancing at the age of 3 and although I have not always attended this dance school I have spent most of my time here. I started helping Sarah with classes at the age of 16, and started to study for my Student Freestyle exam. When I was 17 I was given a new class that was formed from the baby class and have been teaching them ever since. I gained my Associate Freestyle qualification in October 2006. In July I started an Adult freestyle class, which I thoroughly enjoy.

After finishing school I attended Bilborough College to do my A levels. Not knowing what I wanted to do afterwards lead me to having a year out. I worked at Alfreton Park Community Special School for most of the year with children who have severe learning difficulties. It was the combined experience from dancing and school that made me realise I wanted to teach. I am currently at Derby University studying teacher training.

I enjoy the shows and exams which the school takes part in annually. The close community of the dance school is fantastic. I am very proud to be part of the ‘Sarah Patrick School of Dance’ team with Sarah, Michaela and everyone else.

My Name is Michaela Elece Henson, I am 17 years old and one of the assistant teachers at the school. I started helping to teach at the dance school at the age of 10 and have enjoyed every minute since.

I have taken numerous exams in Ballet, Tap, Theatre Craft, and Freestyle and I have just taken my associate freestyle and my Part 1 and 2 Pre associate Theatre Craft. At the moment I am starting work for my Associate Theatre Craft, which I am looking forward to, along with studying for my A-Levels at Ashfield School. My Subjects are Performing Arts, Media Studies and Maths. In the future I hope to become a Full time Dance Teacher and I would like to thank everybody who has helped me to get where I am today.

Love
Michaela