Michelle Moss- Professional Profile
I had my first dance class at the age of 2 ½ years never thinking that 28 years later it would become my passion. I began my studies at my aunties dance school studying Ballet, Tap, Disco, Modern, Jazz, Gymnastics and song and dance….. singing has never been my strong point! My initial interest of dancing was the close friendships that were formed having grown up with most of the class gossiping was my motivation.
At the age of 7 my examination results were all honours with The British Ballet Organization, I began to take dancing seriously practicing most nights; I officially had the dancing bug. I auditioned and performed with many schools such as: The Urdang Academy at Bloomsbury theatre in The Nutcracker, Pantomime’s with Jeremy Beetle, Danny McCoy to name a few, TV show ‘Children in need’, Kenn dodd, I danced Giselle at theatre Clywd for John Fields Memorial Show (former director for the B.B.O.). I have also attended courses at Pineapple Studio in London and then training from the age of 16 at The Northern Ballet School in Manchester on a 3 year Classical Course.
Having left The Northern Ballet School my dream like many others was to perform but unfortunately was diagnosed with a heart condition called Parkinson’s white Wolfe syndrome, which prevented me from performing. I was devastated and thought my world had crumbled beneath me. Having a very supportive family I recognised I needed to take the negative and turn it to a positive and decided to open my own dance school passing on my experience and passion to others. I began my teaching papers with The British ballet Organization and was qualified to open a year later.
At the age of 20, I opened my dance school in a local village hall getting started was very exciting but hard work I knew where I wanted to end and gave myself a time scale in which to achieve this. Within 10 years I increased my intake of pupils from 20- 220. I have been leasing my studio for 5 years which is fully equipped based in Longton Stoke-on-Trent. After knocking a few walls down and putting a sprung floor reception changing room, toilet’s 2 studio’s, mirrors in then what were offices are now a dance school, I wanted to ensure that the school had aims which we strive for, these include:
• Provide, in a caring environment, artistic and academic training of the highest possible calibre, offering all students of the School a positive learning experience which is constantly monitored for potential improvement.
• Offer students as many performing and audition opportunities as possible.
• Provide an environment in which all our students can be trained and educated to develop and broaden their skills to their individual highest possible standards.
I employ four teachers who are qualified or are undertaking their teaching qualification to ensure that students are nurtured in the correct way to help develop their skills in dance and performing arts. I recognise my responsibility as a manger by ensuring all teachers are up to date with courses e.g. first aid trained and CRB cleared. We also have parents and teacher evening where any concerns can be dealt with accordingly. We hold Classes in many different forms of dance including ballet, tap, modern, disco, hip hop, musical theatre and drama. Adults classes in disco/keep fit and tap are also available.
I have been extremely lucky in my career so far, one of my proudest moments remains being nominated and winning Community Angel Award sponsored by The Sentinel (Newspaper) this was awarded to me for going out of my teaching role to give extra help. I was also nominated in The Moorland Awards ‘Inspiration to Others’
My former students are now at the Royal Ballet School, The Hammond School in Chester, Scholars with The British Ballet Organization, Manchester University Studying Dance, Trinity College teaching Course, performed on Carnival Cruises and Thompsons Spirit Cruises, English youth Ballet. All ex-students still have contact with me and regularly visit, which makes the bonds at the dance school close. I organize dance shows at a local theatre and examinations yearly .Designing the dance school curriculum to allow an even balanced diet of dance and performing arts, enabling all learners to develop at their own pace. Public liability and employee liability insurance are always up-to date Ensuring we have all Chaperone License’s for events and shows. Design costumes, lighting, helpers, tickets, programs and props for all shows. Child Protection is followed throughout. Organizing Parents Evening. Organizing dance school trips recent events include: Disneyland Paris, Phantom of the Opera Theatre in London, local Carnivals. Trips include: Bowling, Pizza Hut, Sleepovers and Pineapple Studios, which is a proven fact to build friendship and self-esteem which again improves in class as students feel more comfortable.
I was asked to take a few classes in dance at a local comprehensive school in 2007 teaching four hours a week which I agreed as the days can be lonely with all family and friends at work, 4 years on I still work at the same school Edensor Technology College (The Discovery Academy) covering key Stage 3 Dance, Dance Leaders qualifications to key stage 4, Organizing theatre trips and theatre performances, Arranging school shows and costumes. I now work there full time.
I love my work and yes it’s very demanding and requires very good organisations skills, but the rewards and knowledge I gain from teaching at two completely different sectors is extremely valuable and enables me to improve my teaching skills.
My interest in teaching over the years has increased tremendously, seeing students improve gives me the push to ask myself questions such as ‘how can I improve them all different learning styles’. I saw a course advertised with The British Ballet Organization (BBO) in 2008 called Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching. I enrolled and completed the course in 2009 I became extremely engrossed in teaching and found the whole child development interesting I then continued with the (BBO) and took my Level 5 DTLLS (Diploma in teaching in the lifelong Learning Sector) QTLS in 2009-2010. And enrolled on BAPP BA (Hons) Professional Practice (Arts) Middlesex University this year. After completing the course I will complete my PGCE and then take a year out of study to put everything I have learned into practice returning to study to take my masters.
Teaching is what I know and what I do well, which does not by no means, mean I have all the answers quite the opposite my keen interest in wanting to know the answers to enable me to improve my students.
INTERESTS AND SPECIAL SKILLS
· First Aid in sports
· CRB enhanced
· Full driving licence
· Theatre
· Fundraising for Leukaemia Research
· Socialising with friends and family
· Traveling
· Reading