Newtownabbey ballet students take Royal Academy of Dance exams during lockdown

A total of 35 students aged between seven and 16 recently took their examinations with 12 gaining distinctions and 17 being awarded merits.

Praising the students and the team at the school, Principal at Whitehouse Ballet School, Jan Thompson, said: “Like many others we have been forced to close this year, however, in between lockdowns Miss Julia was able to prepare and video the students performing their Royal Academy of Dance exams and email them off to the RAD in London.

“We are very much a team at WBS and are blessed to normally have such great premises at Whitehouse Presbyterian Church on the Shore Road. The ballet school is part of the local community.

“I am so proud of my team Julia Galloway (VP and main RAD teacher), Kathryn Annett (RAD teacher) Secretary and assistant Julia Bell-Pook, Ian Simpson from IMAGIS who helps us with all our merchandise and Helen Lindsay our halls/studio coordinator.”

Vice Principal and main Royal Academy of Dance teacher at the Newtownabbey-based school, Julia Galloway, has been teaching ballet for eight years.

Julia explained: “Since March students have had barely seven weeks of physical classes. With more than six months worth of classes on Zoom managing tight spaces, wifi issues and learning to work and dance in a whole new way.

“We are very proud of what the students have achieved. We do not only provide a dance education and training, but we incorporate life skills into all our lessons.

“We fully believe that with WBS continuing this year and completing exams, that we as a school have taught our students to keep moving forward and never give up.

“They have gained a sense of achievement during one of the most uncertain years in their lives.

“Zooming in to ballet lessons with their friends has had a positive effect on their mental health providing them with structure, support and during their weeks at home.

“There are students working towards RAD exams in hopefully March/April. The students are dedicated and determined. Thank you to the church, community and WBS parents for continuing to support us. We need you!

“We always have space for new dancers, especially younger students as little as three years of age.”

For more information about the school, check out the Whitehouse Ballet School Facebook page or email [email protected]

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In November 2019 the Newtownabbey Times reported that a former prima ballerina from Carnmoney was a regional winner of Spar’s 2019 People’s Podium Award.

For more on this story, read here

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