Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance | Dance Classes Chislehurst

This summer, Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance had the incredible opportunity to perform at one of the most magical places on earth — Disneyland Paris. It was an unforgettable trip for our performers and their families, and a highlight in the history of our school. Fifty-three of our dancers made the journey to Paris, accompanied by proud families ready to cheer them on. Around half of the group travelled together by coach, while others made their own way there — but no matter how they arrived, everyone shared the same excitement and anticipation for the adventure ahead. The performance itself took place at the Videopolis Theatre, right in the heart of Disneyland Paris. For twenty minutes, our dancers lit up the stage…

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As summer draws to a close, our thoughts turn to the start of a brand-new term of dance this September. The break has been a chance to rest, enjoy the sunshine, and try new things — but now it’s almost time to get back into the rhythm of regular classes. September brings a fresh start. New choreography, new challenges, and new opportunities to develop your skills are just around the corner. Whether you’re returning to ballet, tap, street, musical theatre, or any of our other classes, it’s the perfect time to set goals and push yourself forward. It’s also a chance to reconnect with friends and teachers, and to feel the motivation that comes from working together. Those first few weeks back…

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Summer is a wonderful time for rest, sunshine, and time with family, but for dedicated dancers, it’s also an opportunity to keep moving and stay inspired. While class schedules may slow down during the holidays, your passion for dance doesn’t have to. In fact, this quieter season can be the perfect time to reconnect with the joy of dancing, without the pressure of exams or performances. Staying active doesn’t need to mean long training sessions or strict routines. Just 10 to 15 minutes a day of gentle stretching can help keep your body supple and your muscles engaged. Whether it’s a morning stretch in the garden or a calming evening routine before bed, these moments of movement help maintain your flexibility…

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MSAOD’s Summer Dance Intensive is Here! As the sun comes out and the days get longer, there’s no better time to ignite your passion for dance than with the Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance’s Summer Intensive! This exciting programme is designed to keep you moving, motivated, and inspired — all while having an unforgettable summer. Whether you're polishing your technique or stepping into new styles for the first time, our Summer Dance Intensive offers a rich and diverse experience for dancers of all levels. From the elegance of ballet and the power of modern, to the energy of street and commercial, to the expressiveness of lyrical and musical theatre — we cover it all. You’ll also get to explore Broadway-style performance, the…

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As summer approaches, so do the bright, buzzing community events we’re lucky to have in our local area — from school fetes and summer fayres to bustling village festivals. At Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance, we’ve always believed these events are about so much more than a quick performance. They’re an opportunity to shine, connect, and celebrate who we are as a school — and we’d love for every dancer, from our tiniest dancers to our senior students, to be part of that. Showing Our Heart to the Community When we step out into the sunshine, music playing, energy high, and our dancers performing, we’re not just entertaining — we’re making a statement. We're showing families who may never have walked through…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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