DFA Wins Best Vocational School Of The Year

Just how momentous the year 2015 is here at Dance For All? For one, we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary and we’re incredibly pleased to share that we’ve been named Best Vocational Dance School at the IDS (International Dance Supplies) Dance School Of The Year Award held in July 2015!

The annual competition, open to thousands of dance schools from across the globe, recognises a school’s business health and growth over the previous year, as well as their contribution to the dance industry and to their local community.

The competition was judged by Dancing Times editor, curator and theatre designer, Jonathan Gray; and Kathryn Wade former Director of English National Ballet School, international guest teacher and adjudicator. They shortlisted 25 schools, from Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Australia, Ireland and across the UK.

Our very own Principal Director, Tracy Hawkes, received the award during the ceremony held at The Mercure Southgate Hotel, Exeter in July 2015.

Tracy-Dance-For-All

Our Principal, Tracy Hawkes is thrilled, saying:

“We are so proud to receive this recognition for our professional dance college, especially as we were up against schools from, not just all over the UK, but around the globe!

“The panel of judges commented particularly on the breadth of training we give our students – especially the wide range of genres which includes Spanish, Modern, Tap, Gymnastics, RAD Ballet and ISTD teacher training – all taught by an impressive faculty who are experts in their field.

“The judges were extremely impressed by the continuous and increasing success rate of our graduates in winning professional dance contracts across the dance spectrum. What a great accolade for Dance For All in it’s 30th Anniversary year!”

Other winners included: Adagio School of Dance (Brentwood, UK); Beat Feet Academy of Dance (Derby, UK); and The Barinowsky School of Ballet (Cardiff, UK); with both Over 100 Pupils and Up to 100 Pupils categories joining the Vocational School category.

IDS say: “This was a major task for our judges as we had a phenomenal amount of entries and the standards were incredibly high.”

“Well done to our wonderful Dance For All family!

I’m exceptionally proud of us all and especially thank our inspirational faculty. This award would not have been possible without the determination and hard work of every single member of the DFA family – our weekly pupils and parents, incredible students and dedicated staff.”

– Tracy Hawkes, Principal Director