Danscentre was founded by Karen Berry in 1987 with Michelle Whyte becoming a partner in 2008. Based in Aberdeen, it is one of Scotland’s leading dance centres.
Danscentre offers expert tuition to a wide range of children and students. We aim to inspire and sustain a love of dance in every student. We celebrate diversity and nurture relationships built on respect and value. The breadth and depth of our training programme ensures all needs and abilities are catered for. Our holistic, unique and innovative training programme ensures children learn how to dance rather than just the content of a syllabus. Long term goals are never sacrificed for any short-term glory.
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Many students start their journey with us in preschool and continue until they leave for further education, enjoying the huge benefits their training has given to them over the years, personally, emotionally and socially. Many progress to professional careers that include dancer, choreographer teacher and arts administration and management.
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Our clientele have a shared vision.
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A Danscentre parent values training that is child-centred and process driven: where training is expansive and not bound or restricted by syllabus content or competition.
A Danscentre student will come to understand that effort, resilience and perseverance are needed for achievement, knowing that the journey is as valuable as the destination and that all are valued equally for their commitment and dedication towards their individual goals.
Our non-compromising commitment to artistic excellence ensures our practices are at the forefront of dance training and education.
Start your journey with us now. Find us at our main hub on Hutcheon St., Aberdeen or our 7 venues across the City and Shire.
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See the services we offer below.
A range of classes are available: Ballet, Modern, Tap, Contemporary, Boyz only, Hip Hop classes offered by fully qualified and experienced staff. All practical classes are supplemented and supported with our virtual studio. Google classroom is used to upload learning and study material, videos, tasks and feedback. In the event of restrictions to face-face classes learning reverts to our online studio.
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VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME
Students who show desire and aptitude in wishing to pursue a potential career within dance. Students follow Danscentre’s unique vocational training programme that aims to ensure versatility whilst developing the skills required for vocational training.
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A range of adult dance classes are offered in short blocks.
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EXAMINATIONS
We offer Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP), Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Imperial Society of Teachers Dance (ISTD). As an approved SQA Centre, pupils from Grade 4 level upward are offered various SQA qualifications including the National Certificate in Dance, Higher Dance, National 5 Dance and NPA Units.
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PERFORMANCES
Danscentre produces regular shows at various venues across the city including HMT, Music Hall, Arts Centre, Beach Ballroom and The Lemon Tree. Approx. every 2 – 3 years we produce Pre-school, Junior and Senior shows giving all pupils a chance to shine!
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COMPETITIONS
Danscentre carefully selects dance competitions we feel will benefit our pupils and regularly enter candidates for annual events such as Janet Cram awards, RAD Genée Challenge and Scottish Youth Dance Destinations. Danscentre also has regular attendance at RAD regional awards day and the Genée International Dance Competition.
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WORKSHOPS/EVENTS
We offer regular opportunities for pupils to take part in workshops, summer schools, holiday programmes and more. Ex-students working in the industry regularly return to take workshops or give talks helping to inspire and motivate, ensuring the connection between past and present continues to grow and thrive.
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TEACHER TRAINING
As an approved ISTD Teacher Training Centre we offer DDE Modern teacher training programmes.
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DANCE LEADERSHIP
Danscentre offers the dance leadership award approved by Sports Leaders UK. This usually runs as a week intensive during a school holiday period.
