NEWS

Imogen Bailey, (age 12), having completed her run in Billy Elliot - the musical', successfully auditioned for The Lion King at the Lyceum in the West End. She was also accepted on a half scholarship for the Sylvia Young Theatre School in Marylebone and started there in September 06.

Deeivya Mehr has had many more television opportunities since her debut in The Bill last year - for example, she has the last speaking part in the Oyster card advert on a double decker bus and played a nurse in an episode of Eastenders in early September 06. She has since acted at the National Theatre on the South Bank and continues to take on TV and stage work.

Renata Carvalho and Amanda Pegrum were both accepted for a three year performing arts course at The Centre in South East London and started there in September 06. In January 2008, they joined the teaching staff at Variations.

Sasha Magnus successfully auditioned for Elmhurst School for Dance in association with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The director was so impressed with her that they asked her to join in January 2007 rather than waiting for the new academic year in September.

Daniel Mulligan was accepted for the Zurich Ballet - one of the world's top ballet companies - and started a contract there in August 2007. He has since toured in Thailand, Singapore and Italy and he is thoroughly enjoying his first professional engagement.

Charlie Ames has been accepted as an associate at the 'The Centre' performing arts school, which will supplement his training at 'Variations'. He has also been cast in the lead role in 'Oliver!' at the Kenneth More Theatre in July 08.

In March 07, Variations presented three numbers at the Redbridge Dance Link Concert at the Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford - a delightful classical ballet duet from Ella Dennison-McGowan and Eloise Passey, an exciting jazz duet from Charlie Ames and Jessica Thompson and a comical number from the Adult Tap class - dressed as cleaners, complete with rubber gloves, feather dusters and curlers under scarves to 'A Woman's Touch'!

Early in 2007, our Street Dancers took part in a big competition called Festival for Stars, and congratulations go to Elizabeth Brown, who at 13 was in the final and was just pipped at the post by an 18 year old boy. The Street Dancers also performed to a very receptive crowd at the London Youth Games. Charlie Ames, Elizabeth Cowell and Jessica Thompson were all medal winners and Melissa Vousden a cup winner at various festivals. In March 2007, we put on a cabaret evening at the Chigwell Police Club, where our seniors entertained and our audience enjoyed food and drinks - a very pleasant social evening.

On 9th July 06, the music department staged their annual concert with a mix of solos, duos and ensembles/band numbers ranging from classical to rock. There were keyboard players, pianists, guitarists, drummers and singers involved - great fun!

To round off the summer term, several dancers appeared at the Churchfields School Fete on 8th July and also at a Garden Party, attended by the Mayor of Redbridge, at St Joseph's Rest Home in Ilford on 21st July.

On 14th October 07, we staged our senior show 'Movie Moments' at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch. The audience loved it - and were also very complimentary about the venue. Our whole school show comes up on 6th and 7th July 2008 at the Harlow Playhouse.

Five students took the GCSE Dance exam in the summer of 2007 and came out with 3 A grades and 2 B grades - so very well done to them! There were also excellent results in all other exams with many merits and distinctions.

In September 2007, we were delighted to welcome twins Danni Macal and Natalie Lane to the dance teaching staff and Ricky Emmines to the Music staff (drums). Ricky replaced Pat Kenneally, who secured performing work in the US (together with former guitar tutor Spencer Cullum). Then in December 2007, we were sorry to lose two teachers: Caroline Doolin, who is now pursuing further qualifications in her aim to become a national dance examiner, and Nicola James, who now teaches full-time in a Primary School. We would like to extend a warm welcome to their replacements - Renata Carvalho and Amanda Pegrum, who took over Caroline's dance classes and Anita Pirie, who took over her singing classes from January 2008. To Jenny Cotton too, who started teaching our very young musicians - also in January 08. We are also pleased to now have an additional guitar teacher - Jon Sterry.

UP AND COMING EVENTS

Wednesday 12th March 2008 - Ballet Exams
March 2008 (Date TBC) - Modern, Tap, Jazz and Music exams
Saturday 15th March 2008 - Redbridge Dance Link Concert, Kenneth More Theatre
Sunday and Monday, 6th & 7th July 2008 - Whole School Performance at the Harlow Playhouse