Blog
Why Acro Dance is the Perfect Blend of Strength and Style
Friday 25th April 2025
At Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance, we’re all about helping students grow into well-rounded performers. Acro Dance is coming to MSAOD this May! It’s a unique style that combines classical dance technique with acrobatic skills, creating a dynamic and exciting way for students to build strength, flexibility, and confidence. What is Acro Dance? Acro Dance blends elements of gymnastics and dance. Think graceful movements mixed with balances, lifts, handstands, and flips—performed in a fluid, controlled way that matches the music. It’s not just about tricks, it’s about making them look effortless and expressive. Why Acro is Great for Dancers Builds Strength and Flexibility: Core strength, balance, and flexibility are all improved through acro training. Improves Technique: Acro skills help dancers develop better control, alignment, and…
Why Drama Classes & LAMDA Exams Are a Game-Changer
Friday 4th April 2025
At Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance, we believe drama is the key to unlocking a performer’s full potential. Whether your child dreams of being on stage, on screen, or simply wants to build confidence, drama classes and LAMDA exams offer invaluable skills that go far beyond acting. How Drama Boosts Performing Arts Skills Drama isn’t just about learning lines—it’s about expression, creativity, and storytelling. These skills enhance every aspect of the performing arts, including: Dance: Strong stage presence and storytelling ability make performances more engaging. Singing: Confidence in delivering lines translates to stronger vocal performances. Musical Theatre: Drama training helps with character development, making performances more dynamic. Improvisation: Thinking on the spot and reacting naturally to situations is a crucial skill that benefits all aspects of…
The Importance of Corrections in Dance Class
Friday 14th February 2025
At Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance, we believe that corrections are a vital part of every dancer’s journey. While it might not always feel like it, receiving feedback is one of the best ways to grow and improve as a dancer. Why Are Corrections Important? Corrections help refine technique, improve performance, and prevent injuries. No dancer is perfect, and even professionals continue to receive and apply feedback. The goal of a correction isn’t to criticise but to help you reach your full potential. Your teachers see what you’re capable of and want to guide you towards achieving it. How Can Criticism Be Beneficial? Hearing corrections can sometimes feel discouraging, but it’s important to see them as a positive tool. If a teacher takes the…
How to Keep Your Dance Goals on Track in 2025
Friday 17th January 2025
It’s a brand new year, and with that comes a fresh set of dance goals! Whether you’re working on perfecting your pirouettes, learning a new style, or just improving your flexibility, it’s important to stay motivated and keep moving forward. At MSAOD, we’re here to help you make 2025 your best year yet! Here are some simple and fun tips to keep your dance goals on track: Set Clear, Achievable Goals It’s easy to get excited about new goals, but to stay on track, it’s important to be specific. Instead of saying, “I want to get better at dancing,” try breaking it down. For example: “I want to nail that jazz routine by the end of the month.” “I’ll practice my splits every other day.” Having…
How to Set Dance Goals for the New Year: A Guide for Dancers of All Ages
Wednesday 18th December 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on everything you’ve achieved and look ahead to the exciting possibilities that the new year holds. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been dancing for years, setting goals is an important part of growing as a dancer. It’s a way to stay focused, track your progress, and stay motivated. At Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance, we believe that goal-setting isn’t just about aiming for perfection—it’s about growth, celebrating the little victories, and staying inspired all year long. Here’s how to set meaningful and realistic dance goals for 2025 that will help you stay motivated and continue improving. Before you jump into setting new goals for the year ahead,…
5 Ways to Stay Motivated to Dance All Year Round at Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance
Wednesday 18th December 2024
At Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance, we know that dance is so much more than just learning routines or perfecting steps. It’s about passion, self-expression, and being part of something special. Whether you’re just starting out or have been dancing for years, we all hit moments when it’s hard to stay motivated. With busy schedules and the ups and downs of life, it’s easy to lose focus. But don’t worry, you’re not alone on this journey! Here are five simple ways to stay motivated to dance all year long, no matter what life throws your way. Remember Why You Dance When life gets busy, it’s easy to forget why you started dancing in the first place. Dance is about more than just…
We’re Thrilled to Announce: MSAOD Wins the 2024 Award of Excellence!
Friday 25th October 2024
We are excited to share some fantastic news with our community! The Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance (MSAOD) has been awarded the 2024 Award of Excellence from E2 Media. This honour reflects our dedication to providing top-notch training in the performing arts and our growing reputation in the industry. A Proud Legacy Since opening our doors in 1999, MSAOD has become a beloved part of the Chislehurst, Kent community. We’ve worked hard to create a place where students can learn and grow in their passion for dance and the performing arts. Receiving this award from E2 Media is a wonderful recognition of our efforts and the high standards we strive for. Inspiring Young Dancers At MSAOD, we believe that dance is more than just…
Preparing for Your Child’s First Dance Class
Tuesday 1st October 2024
Preparing for Your Child’s First Dance Class: What to Expect and How to Help Them Succeed The first day of dance class is a special milestone for any child. Whether they’ve been twirling around your living room since they could walk or are just starting to discover a love for movement, stepping into the studio is an exciting new adventure. At Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance, we want to make sure both you and your child feel ready and excited for this new chapter. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect from your child’s first dance class and how you can support them to ensure they feel confident, comfortable, and ready to shine! What to Bring for the First Day While…
A Perfect Time for New Adventures
Tuesday 1st October 2024
A Perfect Time for New Adventures in Dance at Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance As the new school term settles in, many families are finding their rhythm with the fresh routines that September brings. Whether your child is taking their very first steps into Reception or has just leapt into the excitement of Year 7, this season of new beginnings is a wonderful time to embrace something fresh and exciting—dance! At Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance in Chislehurst, Kent, we believe that dance is not just an activity; it’s a creative expression, a journey of discovery, and a source of joy that can light up a child’s world. Why Now is the Perfect Time to Begin Dance Classes The first few weeks of…
Unlocking the Power of Dance: Boosting Mental and Physical Wellness through Movement
Friday 28th April 2023
As parents of children and teenagers, you want to ensure that your children lead healthy and happy lives. Encouraging them to dance can be a great way to help them achieve both. Dance is an art form that not only entertains but also strengthens your body and improves your mood. Research has shown that dance can be an effective form of therapy for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. When you dance, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness. In addition, dance can help you express emotions that you might not be able to put into words. It allows you to connect with your body, release tension, and feel more relaxed. Dance…
Chislehurst dancers performed LIVE at Disney Land Paris this summer!
Monday 5th September 2022
The wonderful dancers of Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance were absolutely thrilled to represent their dance school, and Chislehurst, by performing live at Disney Land Paris this summer. This amazing opportunity was a once in a lifetime trip for many of the dancers, who were just delighted to show off their polished routine after months and months of practice. The children absolutely loved the whole experience, from hair and make up, dancing, Disney magic and so much more! The team spent 4 days in Paris, and here you can see their very busy schedule! FRIDAY 5TH AUGUST – ARRIVAL Arrive at Hotel Cheyenne and greeted by Perform In The Magic team. Had a group meeting and then had some photos taken in our troupe…
The journey of MSAOD Principal, Michelle Sidwell, from dance student to successful Academy owner.
Tuesday 19th July 2022
MSAOD Principal, Michelle Sidwell, started dancing at age 4, at The Campbell School of Dancing in Dulwich. After falling in love with dance and realising she was actually pretty talented, she auditioned for Urdang Academy Lower School and Arts Educational Lower School. She got into both, but chose the iconic, Urdang Academy, who even offered her a scholarship at the tender age of 10! During her time there, she danced in pantomimes, and went on to audition (successfully) with The Bolshoi Ballet & The Kirov Ballet in Sleeping Beauty at The London Colliseum. She was only one of 4 children who danced with both Russian companies when they visited the UK which was entered into the record books! Amazing! She also danced…