Jazz Workshops with Courtney Jackson

/in , /by

Courtney works as a dancer and choreographer in theatres in the UK and around the world. He has created productions of well known works such as Singin’ in the Rain, My Fair Lady, and Cinderella. His lively, fun and modern approach to teaching was a big hit with our students!

Downland Dance are delighted to announce that Courtney Jackson will be joining us on Sunday 8th April 2018, to deliver jazz workshops for students of any ability (even complete beginners) to anyone aged 6+ – yes, there is a group just for adults, too!

The classes will be held at Downland Dance’s new Didcot home, The Aureus School, Candytuft Way, Harwell, Didcot, OX11 6FF.

Who is Courtney?

Courtney is a professional dancer and choreographer. He trained in Dance and Musical Theatre at Stella Mann College of Performing Arts. Since graduating, Courtney has worked on the professional circuit, as both a performer and choreographer. His career has taken him all over the world.

Now based in Bristol, Courtney spends most of his time teaching and choreographing for local schools and colleges. He specialises in Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre.

Courtney’s most recent works include choreographing Singin’ In The Rain (The Big Act – Bristol Hippodrome), My Fair Lady (BLOC Productions – Bristol Hippodrome) and Anything Goes (Monkton Combe School, Bath).

The Christmas season saw Courtney return to the stage to appear in Snow White at The NE6 Suite in Newcastle, before returning to Bristol where he produced a sell-out production of Cinderella.

Courtney’s classes are ideal for anybody who has a passion for dance or music, and his lively, fun and modern approach to teaching dance is inspirational!

Groupings for the day:

To ensure that everyone gets the very best from Courtney’s classes, the groups are focused more on ability than age. You should select the class that you feel best suits your ability.

There will be three groups, at the following times.

Juniors (Ages 6 – 17)

9.30 – 10.15: Beginners
10.15 – 11.15: Intermediate/Advanced

Adults (Ages 18+)

11.15 – 12.30: Mixed Ability.

Prices:

Prices start at just £15 for Downland Dance members. Non-Members are very welcome as well. Places are very limited as we expect to be oversubscribed, and advanced booking is essential, so book without delay at:

Click here to book

Notes:

All bookings are non-refundable.
Downland Dance intend to video film some of the workshop activity for training and/or promotional purposes.

Open Day: Sun 18th February

/in , /by

Does your son or daughter want to dance?

Bring them along to a FREE ballet class at Downland Dance’s Open Day on Sunday 18th February.  There will be 2 x 45-minute classes to select from, depending upon age.

  • 09:30am – Ages 3 to 4
  • 10:15am – Ages 5 to 7

Read more

Aureus event

/in , /by

Professional ballet at Aureus

On Monday 8th January, Downland Dance celebrated its new Didcot base at Aureus School, by brining a demonstration of professional ballet right into the School. The new Downland Dance Artistic Director, Adam Harris, delivered basic ballet technique classes to all 120 of Aureus’s year 7 students. We ran on the Nutcracker theme that ballet companies worldwide perform traditionally over Christmas.

Elmhurst Ballet School

We were supported by graduate students of the world renowned Elmhurst Ballet School. They performed excerpts from the Nutcracker, under the watchful eye of Elmhurst Graduate teacher and ex Royal Ballet Principal Dancer, Errol Pickford. Grateful thanks to Elmhurst for supporting this event.

Not just for girls!

The effort that the students made was extremely impressive. In particular the boys, some of whom had thought that ballet was only for girls!

Downland Dance

Watch out for more from Downland Dance as we engage with other schools in the community. We bring world class professionals to South Oxfordshire to deliver our highly popular masterclasses.

Professional ballet at Aureus Professional ballet at Aureus Professional ballet at Aureus Professional ballet at Aureus

Matz Skoog delivers an awesome January Masterclass

/in , , /by

Matz has enjoyed an extensive dancing career at the highest level in classical ballet. This includes several years as a Principal Dancer at the English National Ballet. He held Artistic Director roles with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and English National Ballet before becoming a freelance teacher, artistic consultant and coach

A big thank you to all those who attended our January Masterclass with Matz Skoog! We thoroughly enjoyed putting on the event at the great new Aureus school facilities.

Matz Skoog

Matz brought his expertise and put it to good use in some fun, energetic and challenging sessions! He has enjoyed an extensive dancing career at the highest level in both classical ballet and contemporary dance. This includes several years as a Principal Dancer at the English National Ballet. He held Artistic Director roles with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and English National Ballet before becoming a freelance teacher, artistic consultant and coach.

Don’t miss out on the next Masterclass

In case you missed out, check out a selection of images from the day. Remember, we will be running Masterclasses every term so if you missed out on this one make sure to keep and eye out for the next one!

Masterclass

/in /by

Downland Dance brings you another opportunity to Dance with the Professionals.

Adam Harris, recently appointed Artistic Director of Downland Dance, is currently dancing with the Croation National Ballet in Zagreb. He and his partner, Miruna, a principal dancer with the same company, delivered a series of sold-out classes during the Summer of 2017 in Abingdon.

Matz Skoog

Building on this success, Downland Dance are delighted to announce that their January Masterclass will be led by the world-renowned Ballet Master, Matz Skoog.

Matz has enjoyed an extensive dancing career at the highest level in both classical ballet and contemporary dance, including several years as a Principal Dancer at the English National Ballet. He held Artistic Director roles with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and English National Ballet before becoming a freelance teacher, artistic consultant and coach. Click here to read Matz’s biography.

There are 2 x 90-min Ballet Masterclasses being taught by Matz Skoog on Sunday 7th January, 2018.

These classes are ideal for aspiring dancers, those considering vocational training and adults who currently dance or previously danced. Suitable for ages 11+ and those of Grade 5 standard or above. Students will benefit from expert advice and knowledge from the unique perspective of a world-class professional dancer. Students will also experience what’s it’s like to dance with a live pianist.

  • 10:00am: Younger Dancers. Suitable for both boys and girls aged between 11 and 15. Click here to book.
  • 12:00pm: Seniors. Suitable for both men and woman aged 16+. Click here to book.

Both Ballet Masterclasses are being held at the new home of Downland Dance (Didcot): within the brand new, purpose-built, dance & fitness studios at The Aureus School, Candytuft Way, Harwell, Didcot, OX11 6FF.

Places are limited and advance booking is essential. Book your place now at: buytickets.at/downlanddance

  • £18.00 for Downland Dance Students
  • £20.00 for Visiting Students

Small Print:
All bookings are non-refundable.
The masterclass may be filmed or photographed for promotional purposes.