TMSOD
The McKillen School of Dance was established in 2017, aiming to be the most trusted provider in delivering dance, drama and singing education. Creating a safe and nurturing environment for both children who want to dance as a hobby and those who want a career from it. TMSOD believes that when we stop learning, we stop growing. This is why we dedicate a minimum of 15 hours a year to staff development and education. This ensures our teachers are equiped with the best knowledge and facilities possible to teach our pupils at the highest standard possible.
I have loved dance all of my life, competing and sitting exams. As a dancer, I have had many experiences - to name a few; MOVEIT Main Stage, MOVEIT class assistant, Got to Dance auditions,, Scottish Ballet assistant with Hansel and Gretel performance Belfast 2017, Dance World Cup Dancer.
As a teacher - I am currently I am fully qualified with the Royal Academy of Dance, ISTD Contemporary, Acrobatic Arts, DDMIX, iDance Contemporary, Progressing Ballet Technique and the Associated Board of Dance. While teaching full time I am also studying for another two teaching qualifications to add to the studio. In the first year of opening the school, my dancers auditioned with my choreography and where on Team Northern Ireland 2018 for the Dance World Cup. Currently I have pupils in associate and training programmes in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Our biggest achievement this year is Mollie Mccullough gaining a place at the prestigious Trinity Laban on the Contemporary degree programme.
TMSOD
Training your body to move will transfer flexibility and balance to your mind. Research shows that dance can improve brain functions and is excellent exercise but will also resolve symptoms of general life stress. It increases focus, helps social skills and provides both a hobby and a possible career choice. We look out for the best of your child as an individual.
We offer classes in classical ballet, contemporary, tap, acrobatics, modern and jazz, musical theatre and hiphop. No two classes are the same at TMSOD - every week there is new routines, stretches and moves to push pupils and to expand their growth mindset. Our timetable is 6 days a week, with no class having more than 16 children in it to encourage a safe learning environment.
Syllabus classes are offered in classical ballet and, acrobatics.
TEAM TMSOD;
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Brooke Totten - Brooke heads up Junior School and teaches and is in charge of all of our open classes for primary age dancers! Brooke and myself danced together for over 10 years, Brooke has a passion for all things high paced and full of energy. She is teaching hiphop every other Friday. Her style is commercial, sassy and full of tricks. Brooke is now a fully qualified ACRO ARTS teacher M1.
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Adam Ashford - Adam is an Urdang Graduate who has worked professionally in London and the U.S. Adam joined TMSOD in May and has already been a welcome injection of energy . His tap classes are super fun, quick paced and educational for all kids.
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Elaine Dubbleaar - Musical Theatre and Drama Coach - Elaine is a professional singer and entertainer and did her degree in drama. Elaine is super enthusiastic about training our young dancers and making them a triple threat.
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Charlotte Hanna - Charlotte runs our social media & is one of our original dancers. Charlotte organises our advertisements and admin.
My aim is to have a school with something for everyone.
Workshops
I have had many workshops in the studio open to all dancers across Northern Ireland in the past two years.
We have had Tim Noble, Leigh Alderson, Annika Graham, Kristopher Leckey, Rosina Andrews with pirouette surgery, Fabiane Leame, Josh Denyer and most recently Lukas McFarlane.
I aim to get as many experieces for my dancers and we have many more planned for next year.
