The school has been established since 1981. Work studied by pupils is that of the bbodance formerly British Ballet Organisation (B.B.O.). Children are taken from the age of 3 years and upwards and mainly study Ballet, Tap and Modern, although we do cover Musical Theatre, Character, National and Stage Work.
Lessons are held at St Thomas’ Church, Hotham Road South, Hull, HU5 5JY. We have two studios so that two sets of lessons can go on at any one time.
Examinations can be taken with the bbodance in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Musical Theatre. The first examinations however are not taken until at least the age of 5 or 6 years, due to the detailed work involved and the high standard expected by the bbodance and by the school. bbodance exams are validated by Ofqual and bbodance Grades 4 & 5 are equivalent to GCSE (Level 2) and Grade 6-8 and Intermediate are equivalent to A-Level (Level 3). Advanced exams are Level 4. Therefore pupils who take exams with us have something to show in respect of their training with us and may in fact use these credit points when applying for College and University.
Principal – Mrs Patricia Hussey RT bbodance
(Fully Registered Teacher with bbodance in Ballet, Tap and Modern)
Has been teaching for 40 years and trained at the Derry School of Dancing in the bbodance syllabus and also did teacher training at that school. She founded Springhead Dancing Academy in 1981 and became a fully registered teacher with the bbodance in 1987. She has performed with various theatre companies and choreographed for local theatre groups for many years.
Assistants :-
Mrs Kerry Allerston-Knight RT bbodance
Level 4 Teaching Diploma in Classical Ballet and Tap
Commenced as a pupil in the school in 1982 and progressed through the bbodance syllabus in Ballet and Tap to Intermediate level and Modern to Advanced level. She became a student teacher at the school in 1989 and gained her Teaching Diploma in Classical Ballet in 2006 and Tap Diploma in 2007, when she became a fully registered teacher with bbodance.
Miss Kirsty Bower RT bbodance
Level 4 Teaching Diploma in Classical Ballet
Commenced as a pupil in 1981 on the opening of the school. She progressed through the bbodance syllabus in Ballet and Tap to Intermediate level and Modern to Advanced level. She became a student teacher at the school in 1995 and gained her Teaching Diploma in Classical Ballet in 2005 when she became a fully registered teacher with bbodance. She has demonstrated the bbodance Advanced Modern syllabus at a bbodance Conference at the Northern Contemporary Dance School, Leeds in 2000. Kirsty works in a local primary school and regularly choreographs school productions.
Mrs Vicky Cox RT bbodance
Level 4 Teaching Diploma in Classical Ballet and Tap
Commenced as a pupil in 1981 and progressed through the bbodance syllabus in Ballet to Intermediate level and Tap and Modern to Advanced level. She became a student teacher at the school in 2001 and gained her Teaching Diploma in Classical Ballet in 2006 and Tap in 2007, when she became a fully registered teacher with bbodance. She has demonstrated the Advanced Modern syllabus for a bbodance Conference at the Northern Contemporary Dance School, Leeds in 2000.
All teachers hold a current DBS Check, a current Safeguarding Certificate and are First Aid trained.
All teachers carry out a minimum of 18 hours Continuing Professional Development each year to remain as registered teachers.