Our Story
HD Performing Arts was created to provide young people with a place to express themselves and develop a love of performing in a safe and supportive environment. We believe that the skills developed through our classes are skills for life and confidence building and enjoyment are at the heart of everything we do.
About
Hannah Dale
I am Hannah Dale, an actor, singer, teacher, facilitator, performance coach, musical lover, listener, cat mum, yes lady, average tap dancer and a very loud laugher! I love all aspects of performance and I created HD Performing Arts to allow everyone to have a piece of the joy that comes from expressing yourself through performing!
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I found my love of performing at a young age, much like the young people we teach, and performing arts classes took me from putting on performances in my living room to performing on stage, in musicals, pantos, plays and on TV and Film. This love of performing, and the opportunities it provided for me as a young person, is what drives me today in developing classes, events and coaching for young people in my local area and beyond.
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I am a qualified teacher with 7 years experience in the education sector and have extensive experience in supporting children with SEND through my role as SENCO. In addition to QTS, I also hold an MSc in Psychology and am LAMDA trained. I am a working actor, have professional training in voice and acting and continue to work with professionals as a performer to develop my own skills in order to deliver the best quality teaching to our pupils.
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I can't wait for what the future holds for HD Performing Arts and am so excited for you all to be part of it!
About
Harriet Dixon
Hello my name is Harriet and I am so thrilled to be apart of the HD performing arts team. I have been lucky enough to train at some of the U.K’s leading performing arts schools (CAPA,Mountview and The Arden school) and obtain a 1st class degree in Musical Theatre and now I am focused on bringing the skills I have acquired to the next generation.
I began my own performing journey just as our children do by attending local perfoming arts classes. And it was in those classes with the help of some fabulous teachers that I was able to take my passion for performing and turn it into my professional career. I now relish the opportunity to give that joy and enthusiasm I was gifted, back to our young artists.
About
Gemma Fisher
Hi, I’m Gemma. I am the principal of The Theatre and Dance Academy and work in collaboration with HD Performing Arts to provide quality training in all areas of performance. I have spent my entire life performing, attending the prestigious Royal Ballet School and Laine Theatre Arts followed by touring the world with a variety of shows.
Now I aim to guide and inspire the future generation of performers through their training at TDA and HD Performing Arts as well as teaching for The Royal Ballet School. I work a lot behind the scenes here at HD to provide performing opportunities, events and collaborations!
About
Phoebe Simpson
Hello! I'm Phoebe and I am the owner of Boogie and Ballet classes and teach for HD Performing Arts and The Theatre and Dance Academy. I am a dance teacher with 8 years experience and absolutely love anything to do with singing and dancing!
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With HD Performing Arts, I teach Disney Days, Summer schools and other events and often pop in for a sing along!
About
Lydia Dixon
Hello, Im Lydia and I am a fresh graduate from Mountview Academy where I studied on the BA Musical Theatre course for three years. I have been involved in schools like this one since I was a toddler, and now I can’t wait to share my knowledge and love for Musical Theatre with the next generation of talented kids!
About
Where are we?
Our classes and private coaching sessions are based at the beautiful R.B Studios in Selby which is also home to The Theatre and Dance Academy. Not only does this provide a wonderful space for theatre making and performance, but it also provides our members with the unique opportunity to be involved with their centre of excellence in dance training in order to supplement their training in acting and singing.
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The space has many studios, its own stage and performance area, a large ballroom and a safe electronic entry system. River Mills also have their own restaurant - Downstairs!