My name is Jacqui Boddy, and I am the Principal of Dance 10 School in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. Dance has been a lifelong passion of mine, beginning with my first Ballet class at the age of 3. My journey in dance has taken me across the globe, teaching a variety of styles and performing professionally. Over the years, I have gained invaluable experience in diverse dance settings, from assisting in my mother’s classes to establishing myself as a global dance educator. Through my dedication and commitment, I continue to nurture talent and inspire students of all ages and abilities.

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How did you hear about bbodance teacher training courses?
After my mother, Sonia Boddy’s, career change from professional dancer to Principal of Dance 10 School, her previous dance teacher, Christine Orange, recommended joining the British Ballet Organization (bbodance) awarding organisation. Christine Orange taught a variety of dance syllabi from many recognised dance associations, so we really valued her opinion. This led me to also follow the association through my dance training in Ballet and Tap. Being the daughter of a dance teacher, assisting in dance classes from a young age was the norm and an activity I had been involved with since the age of 9. It made sense to look into the bbodance teacher training courses as soon as I was able to.

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What is your dance context? What education sector do you teach, and what styles?
I have taught in a variety of dance sectors:

• Early Experience: I began assisting in my mother’s dance classes at the age of 9. By 15, I was holding my own classes at Dance 10, as well as freelance teaching in schools and covering for other teachers around Lincolnshire. My main focus was on Ballet, Tap, and Modern, particularly in events and competitions.

• Global Experience: At 21, I moved to China and taught Ballet at i2 International Institute of Education and other private schools while continuing to dance and model professionally in shows and advertisements.

• Tenerife: At 22, I continued teaching and dancing globally but eventually settled in Tenerife, teaching Ballet, Tap, and Musical Theatre at Ritmania Fame Academy.

• Current Role: At 24, I returned to the UK after my mother’s sudden passing. I am now growing her dance school and serving as the Principal of Dance 10 School in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. Here, we teach Ballet, Tap, Modern, Musical Theatre, and AcroDancer. Our main focus is on dance exams, but we also participate in local competitions, organise dance events, and host productions in our area.

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Why did you choose to do the Level 6 course?
I love both dancing and travelling; obtaining the Level 6 Diploma in Dance Teaching (now called Level 6 Diploma in Advanced Dance Teaching Practices) offered a qualification with global recognition. In some parts of the world, teaching opportunities require a certain level of formal qualification. The diploma enabled me to teach internationally while continuing to dance professionally. It also allowed me to study abroad while maintaining full-time work.

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What was the application process like? Were there any challenges?
The application process was simple and straightforward. I had concerns about fees and travel, but the team was very helpful and reassuring.

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How did you feel at the start of the course?
It was a little overwhelming to begin with. I was juggling a lot at the time, which didn’t help, and the Level 6 course was very advanced. I was worried about my writing skills, as this wasn’t my strongest point. However, the programme provided a suitable timetable to help maintain study time and guided us to supportive and helpful staff. This support made the process much more manageable. The team understands that every learner is navigating their own circumstances outside the course, and their tailored support suited each learner’s individual needs.

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What has been your favourite module and why?
Module 6.1: Dance Science for Teachers. Every student is unique, and some teaching methods do not always suit every child’s physical ability. This module has been instrumental in helping me approach each student’s challenges more effectively. For example, I teach students with physical disabilities, and the module provided strategies to adapt my teaching to their needs. Additionally, I work with adult learners and senior dancers, and the knowledge I gained has enabled me to vary exercises so that every student can benefit, regardless of their age or physical ability.

 

Would you recommend our Level 6 course and why?
I would definitely recommend the course. The quote, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you,” was relatable to me. You don’t just do this course for the qualification at the end of it; it really shapes your teaching and makes you a more successful teacher.

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Can you describe some of the main skills you’ve learned from the course?
It gave me a higher understanding of how to run a business—it doesn’t just focus on improving your dance teaching skills. Also, my writing skills improved dramatically. I had zero confidence in this area, and the skill has been incredibly helpful when promoting and advertising my school and writing emails to clients.

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What are your plans for after the course? Where is your dance journey taking you next?
At our school, we have always had one main teacher; however, we have now expanded and added more dance genres. This growth meant that running the school and handling all the administrative work myself was no longer sustainable. I found myself working long hours with little time for myself. To address this, I have begun developing a wonderful team who have successfully passed their bbodance Level 4 teaching course. This allows me to continue my passion for travelling and have more personal time while running a successful dance school.

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I find the CPD courses of bbodance extremely beneficial. Sometimes, it feels easy to get stuck in the "dark ages" with technology, especially when inheriting a school where certain habits are simply continued. These courses have been incredibly refreshing and enlightening! Although I have completed the highest teaching course offered by bbodance, I believe in continuous learning. These experiences help me constantly improve our school while also giving myself some much-needed TLC.

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Closing Statement
Completing the Level 6 Diploma has been an incredibly transformative journey. As a dance educator, I am committed to lifelong learning and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for my students. My goal is to continue growing Dance 10 School whilst travelling and inspiring dancers worldwide.