History
Nicola’s School Of Dance was established in 2006 and has grown remarkably offering a growing range of classes to both children and adults across Herefordshire.
The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom Alliance Of Dance Teachers (UKA) with whom the school enters its pupils into regular examinations. Classes are always run in a fun and friendly atmosphere and are tailored to suit the age and ability of all children/adults.
The school offers the following dance Styles: Ballroom, Latin, Freestyle, Cheer dance, Hip Hop, Salsa, Group classes, Private lessons, Kid’s Parties, Dance packages for cooperate/social events, School Clubs – lunchtime, curriculum time, after school, Holiday Workshops. The school also offers Drama and Musical Theatre.
Our children regularly compete in Ballroom and Latin across the country in UKA Medallist competitions and in 2015 began competing in Cheerdance competitions with Cheerdance UK with great success in both.
In 2013 we produced our first dance show 'Tangled' at the PAC at the Hereford Sixth Form College, this inspired us to put on a 10 year Anniversary show 'Ballroom Blitz' at the Courtyard Theatre in July 2016 and our last show at the Courtyard in 2022 The Rhythm of the Rainbow.
Nicola Owen - Principal, Fellow & Examiner of the UKA Dance Association
Nicola has been dancing since the age of 5 years old and has taken regular dance exams in Ballroom, Latin and Freestyle as a child. During her teenage years she travelled the length of the country every weekend to compete in Ballroom and Latin competitions. As part of her training she was coached in South Wales, the West Midlands and Surrey by experts in the Ballroom world. This enhanced her competitive career and through much hard work and dedication she was a regular finalist in National Competitions. In addition she represented Wales at International level.
She took her first teaching exam in 2005 and since then she has continued her professional development and become qualified by the UKA Dance to teach Ballroom, Latin, Freestyle, Cheer dance and more recently Hip Hop. In addition she has a BSc Psychology degree and a postgraduate certificate in Special Education, which has enriched her ability to offer schools quality dance education.
Both her competitive experience and educational credentials have lead to the successful growth of the school over the years and she is proud that the school offering classes, private lessons, competitive training and school out reach work.
Ed Owen - Business Manager & Drama Teacher - Associate Teacher of the UKA
Ed trained as a primary school teacher and has a BA honours in education. He has performed with the Bottleneck Theatre company in multiple shows including Into the Woods and Billy Liar. Since 2015 he has been a principal in panto with HAPS at the Hereford Courtyard playing Kings, Princes and even the Dame! He has been involved with the Hereford Scout Gang show since 1990 both on stage and off stage. The Charming Theatre Company is the sister company to the dance school.
Ed was stage manager for Nicola's School of Dance's first ever show 'Tangled' in 2013 and produced and staged managed our 10 year anniversary show Ballroom Blitz in 2016. His skills and experience in the field play an invaluable role in developing classes at the dance.
He looks forward to working with the children and inspiring them to have the same love of performing as he does and seeing the Charming Theatre Company grow.
Until 2015 he worked as the branch manager for HSBC in mid Wales which has given him the experience in events management, corporate training, business development and HR. He look forward to transferring these skills to Nicola's School of Dance and developing exciting opportunities for our students.
Poppy Layton - Dance Teacher
A member of our school since four, Poppy has trained in all of our dance styles ballroom, Latin, Cheerdance and freestyle which has given her a huge variety of skills to teach across different disciplines. Poppy is a fabulous performer and has been part of our performance teams since they began.
She’s won national titles at the Blackpool Tower and took to the stage at Liverpool's Echo arena at the CYD Super convention. Poppy is currently studying dance at sixth form college, her kind, nurturing personality makes her a big hit with our younger pupils.
Poppy will be a full time member of staff from September 2024 leading Cheer and Freestyle and also teaching alongside other teachers and in our Curriculum work.
Poppy is has completed her Student Dance Exams with the UKA
Jane Farmer - Dance Teacher
Jane has been with NSOD since she was eight years old after joining an after school dance club at her primary school! She started ballroom and Latin classes when she was thirteen and competed in these styles for a number of years. Her biggest achievements would be coming first in the Hereford competition in 2013 and 2015.
She is extremely looking forward to working closely with all of the fantastic children within the dance school, and wants to share her passion for dance with the children and inspire them, as Nicola has inspired her, to pursue their love of dance.
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Abi Pond - Dance Teacher
I started dancing at NSOD at 8 years old. I loved competing in medalist competitions and later thrived as a student teacher. After college I left NSOD to pursue a career in Nannying. I spent 6 years travelling the world caring for children aged newborn - 15. Alongside nannying I studied for a Psychology Degree specialising in child development, and sport & exercise.
After graduating I have recently moved back to Hereford to develop my own business in Property Management. Since being back I have been itching to get my dancing shoes back on! I am honoured to have been invited back to teach at NSOD. I am thrilled to be able to combine my love of dance and knowledge of child development.
I look forward to meeting you all at class.
Frankie & Abbie - Student Dance Teachers
Both Frankie and Abbie have danced with us since they were very young and we are excited to have them on board and supporting the next generation of sensational dancers and performances at the dance school.
Both are National Ballroom and Latin champions and are a successful all girl couple in dance.
We are proud members of the UKA
United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing and Kindred Arts
We assist dance teachers throughout the UK with Professional Dance Examinations, Medal Test Examinations, Pupil Awards and a fantastic Annual Congress. We are proud to help, encourage, and support dance teachers in all dance disciplines to establish and develop their business.
We are an awarding body validated by the Council of Dance Education and Training
Corporate members of:
•British Dance Council
•Sports and Recreation Alliance
•Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing
Any dance style – Any age – Any level
Nicola's School of Dance Limited
Company Number: 8236039
VAT Number: 448 7612 62
Mob: 07900 167740
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All images used with permission