My journey as a bbodance Scholar

A P Photography

We recently spoke to Harriet about her experience on our Classical Ballet and Jazz Scholars Schemes. She shared her enjoyment of the classes, advice for students and more about her own dance journey. We hope Harriet inspires more students to get involved!

Which bbodance school do you attend? Who is your teacher?.    

TQ Awards 2026

I attend Rebecca Heath School of Dance and Angela Beardmore School of Dance in Stoke on Trent. My teacher is primarily Rebecca Ford who has taught me since the age of 5.  She is the teacher who has inspired me, supported me and given me every opportunity to develop my passion for all genres of dance.  I dance most days and am a teaching assistant at both schools, having recently gained my Level 3 bbodance Teaching Assistant Certification. Both dance schools have guided and encouraged me to pursue my dream.

Do you study the bbodance Syllabus? If so, which genres?

I have studied the bbodance syllabus in Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz.

Do you take bbodance Examinations? If so, please can you tell us about your exam experience?

From the age of 5 I have taken bbodance examinations. I started with Pre-Primary Ballet in 2016, followed by all levels up to Intermediate, all of which I have received either Distinction or Distinction Star.  In 2017 at the age of 6 I took my Pre-Primary Tap exam and have undertaken 10 exams including Advance One in December 2025, receiving Distinction Star.  Modern examinations have been taken over the last few years and again I have received Distinction and Distinction Star results. Finally I have been taking bbodance Jazz exams and have just completed the last Jazz exam of Advance One securing a Distinction Star. 

The exams have always been something which I have worked hard at and aspire to be the very best I can be, both during practices and during the exam itself. The examination syllabus is challenging but thoroughly enjoyable.

Please can you tell us about your journey as a bbodance Scholar?

My bbodance Scholars journey started when I was 8 years of age in Junior Ballet, which I attend in Manchester on a monthly basis.  I worked hard and my technique, application of movement, core control, posture, positioning and performance was massively enhanced by my Scholars teachers.  They provided excellent instruction and made the sessions very enjoyable.  I moved onto be a Mid Ballet Scholar in 2022 in Birmingham, with Miss Elizabeth Gibbs as my tutor. The classes were inspiring and continued to develop my knowledge and understanding of movement within ballet and technique.  In 2023 as well as continuing to attend my ballet Scholar classes, I also became a Jazz Scholar, being taught by Lucie Talbott.  I have a passion for both ballet and jazz and feel I am living my best life learning both genres.  In 2025 I commenced as a Senior Ballet Scholar in Birmingham, being taught by Fiona Brockway and have continued as a Jazz Scholar with Lucie Talbott and Robyn Green.

I strongly believe that the guidance I have received from all bbodance teachers has greatly assisted me with securing my Associateship with both Elmhurst Ballet School and The Royal Ballet.

Do you have any advice for dance students?

I would strongly advise all dance students to follow the genres which they have a passion for, and to focus on themselves being the best they can be. They may not always be the student who gains the top marks but having belief in themselves will really help. Enjoyment should always be at the front of their minds.  Always take on board any advice given, whether it be correction or praise, as both will help to enhance the dancer’s performance.  I have always believed in the statement “to succeed you have to learn how to deal with disappointment and failure – this will make you stronger”.

What’s coming up next for you on your dance journey?

In June 2026 I will be taking Advanced One Ballet at the age of 15, which is something I am very much looking forward too. I will be re-auditioning for bbodance Senior Ballet and Jazz Schemes to commence in September 2026 and hope that I secure a place.  Although I have been with bbodance for many years, I have never taken the audition or placement for granted and endeavour to work hard at each and every session.  Thereafter I will be starting my audition process for full time training in the dance industry to commence in September 2027.

I would very much like to thank all of my teachers, dance school principals, bbodance teachers and everyone who has supported me, including my family and friends, through my journey.