History.F.D.S was establlished in 1976 in Northampton by Julie Fairweather.
Julie trained at the Royal Academy of Dance and is a fully registered teaching member of the Academy. Elected as a Licentiate Member in 1976 Julie has trained dancers over three generations. A Fellowship holder of the National Association of Teachers of Dancing and a Licentiate member of The ImperialSociety of Teachers of Dancing enable julie to draw on a wide and varied selection of dance teaching methods. A B.A. Hons in Philosophy and media inaddition to PGDip, in psychcodynamic Human Development ensures a balanced approach to childrens development and as a qualified psychodynamic counsellor, child protection and the emotional wellbeing of pupils is always uppermost in her mind.
From the original classes in Community Halls the school moved to its own studios in the centre of Northampton. For 18 years F.D.S Studios trained children from 3 years old to university / vocational entrance. Past pupils have followed careers in classical ballet (soloists), theatre (many touring extensively), contemporary dance (often based in other countries) the teaching professions and as choreographers.
When the studio building was redeveloped (as flats!) classes returned to Community and Church Halls.
With the happy addition of London classes, Alison, recently graduated in arts management, joined her mother in the school where she trained (from birth!) and began holding classes at The Albany Theatre, Deptford in 2006.
Jonathon Ollivier- Principle dancer at Northern Ballet.Trained at FDS from 6-16 years old.
Subjects.
Ballet.
F.D.S teaches ballet to children from the age of 3 years. A combination of Royal Academy of Dance examinations and assessments and National Association of Teachers of Dancing medal tests form the basis of our teaching.
Tap.
National Association of Teachers of Dancing syllabi, -graded examinations plus medal tests and awards.
Modern.
National Association of Teachers of Dancing syllabi, -graded examinations plus medal tests
Examinations often take place during school time. It is your responsibilty to check with the school if this is acceptable before entering however this is very rarely a problem!)
Children dance for many reasons, we aim to cater for everyone by offering a variety of optional performance, assessment opportunities. In all cases we endeavour to teach with appropriate consideration to the childrens age groups.
