Harriet's experience as a Classical Ballet and Jazz Scholar. 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. I have studied the bbodance syllabus in Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz. 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. 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. 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”. 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.

Sapphire's experience as a Classical Ballet Scholar. I’m Sapphire, I attend Pamela Darlington School of Dance in Cornwall with Pamela Darlington and Rebecca Old. I have been there since the age of 3 and it really is my second home. I will forever be grateful for them for giving me my passion, a way to express my emotion and starting my dance journey. Dance is everything to me and has given me so much; I like to think has made me a better person. I’ve studied the bbodance Syllabus most of my life; I’ve studied Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern, Musical Theatre and Contemporary. I have taken exams from a young age and I believe they are a crucial part of training, they teach discipline and formality. They have helped me to pay attention to detail and the feedback given helps me to progress as a dancer and target my goals, as you work towards specific parts of the marking criteria. My journey as a Scholar started when I was 10 years old and just finishing Year 5 in primary school. I began as a Junior Ballet Scholar and I have just finished the program, leaving a Senior Ballet Scholar at age 16. The Scholars Scheme gave me so much and so many friends that I hope to keep for life. It gave me amazing opportunities to learn from phenomenal professionals like Elizabeth Gibbs and Anita Young MBE who taught me not only core technique and advice but also about the industry and how to progress physically and mentally as a dancer - something I’m grateful for. While I appreciate I still have so much to learn, my advice for future dancers is to find balance in your training. Dance is a sport but it is also an art, it’s very easy to self-criticise and while correction is important it’s also important to love your body for what it can do, not to hate it for what it can’t do yet. While it is your canvas for what you do it’s also your home. I would also say not to compare yourself to others; take inspiration but remember we are all at different stages, progress is not a straight line, sometimes you have to go backwards to go further. My next step is in September when I will be attending The Jason Thomas Foundation College, something I am very excited for. I will get to work with new dancers and learn so much more. I have genuinely loved every moment I’ve had with the bbodance Syllabus and Scholars Scheme; I’m incredibly grateful for everything it’s given me, thank you.

Toby's experience as a Jazz Scholar. I attend Chipping Norton School of Dance with bbodance Registered Teacher, Miss Emily Archer. I study the bbodance syllabi in Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz and Musical Theatre. I have taken exams in all genres. My first exam was at 5 years old and have taken exams ever since. When I was young exams were fun; I enjoyed knowing and polishing all the steps and the excitement of passing and then moving on and learning new steps. I have been a Jazz Scholar for 3 years. I was nervous to start because I didn’t know anyone or what to expect. However, I have been taught by 2 amazing teachers and made some great friends. I got to learn a variety of choreography and different styles of Jazz dance that I wouldn’t have learnt without this amazing opportunity. This was a completely different experience from my weekly classes at my dance school and taught me new skills along the way. It has been fantastic. My dancing has improved and the Scholars Scheme has given me more confidence. I’d encourage all dancers to do Jazz Scholars if they want to develop their dance skills. Over the last couple of years I have decided that although I enjoy dancing as a hobby I do not want to become a professional dancer. I have been at college studying to become a lighting technician. I am hoping my experience being a dancer and performer will give me insight into how lighting works. I would love to be able to light Dance or Musical Theatre shows in the future. My dance experience has enhanced a love of the theatre and while I will not be in front of the audience I can still experience this world from backstage.

Willow's experience as a Classical Ballet Scholar. I dance at Wolstanton Dance Academy and my teachers are Lorraine Baddeley and Laura Capewell. I have danced at WDA since I was 18 months old. I am currently studying Grade 4 Ballet, Grade 3 Tap and Grade 4 Modern. I enjoy taking these exams as I look forward to learning new work in the next grade. I became a Junior Ballet Scholar when I was 6 years old. I have just completed my fourth year as a Scholar. I really enjoy Scholars because I find the classes are lots of fun and I learn lots of new things. I also like Scholars because you make lots of new friends. I would advise dancers try your best, even if something is hard don’t give up and keep trying. Remember to enjoy yourself and have fun. I have my Grade 3 Tap exam coming up soon so I am looking forward to moving into Grade 4. I really love the Scholars weekend so would love to do more intensive days/weeks in the future.