Body Matters

I recently got to thinking about body issues....

The singer Kesha wrote a very honest and and open article for Elle magazine about her own body battle and how it led to a two month stay in rehab. The press and publications such as the daily mail are very focused and critical about womans bodies and I can't imagine the pressure that must put woman in the spotlight under. The dancer and presenter Kimberly Wyatt also recently spoke out about her refusal to conform to 'skinny'   instead choosing the fit and healthy approach to her body. I think Kimberly is an excellent role model for dancers and she looks great.

As a dancer I've had my own body issues over the years, ever since I was a teenager and my body began to change. I've been curvy, skinny and in recent years worked on having a fit and athletic body. This is what works best for me. Exercise helps me to stay balanced and keeps me fit and able to meet the physical demands of my job. It's not always easy to fit exercise in when my schedule is hectic and I'm tired but I do my best to work out 3-5 times a week.

During my years as dancer we were often told to lose weight and I can tell you this shatters your self esteem. I saw one dancer suffer terribly from the disease anorexia and it was horrifying. Dancers who are fit, strong and healthy are more likely to be hired than those who are overweight and underweight. However there are ways to manage it and most choreographers are supportive and encouraging thankfully.

The instagram phenomenon of today and the selfie generation puts an awful lot of pressure on your girls. I see my students affected by this and when they lack confidence in how they look it really upsets me. I tell them they all look great and try my best to build the confidence in all of my pupils. It's vital as parents and teachers we instill a healthy body image in children from a young age.

I'd like to run a programme for girls aged 10-16 focusing on building confidence and self esteem through dance and performance. I'm currently writing a proposal for funding for this and hope the Art's council will consider it and see this as a great idea.

However you look we all know it's what's on the inside that counts.

Love yourself and be kind to yourself!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend

Emily X

Hot Right Now! promo 2014

Hot Right Now! promo 2014

Heat wave!

Hey everyone,

It's a heatwave in London! I'm absolutely loving this weather and have been enjoying a week off with training in the gym and lots of Dynamic stuff.

We have our Hot Right Now summer schools starting next week. These week long courses are going to be amazing! We have an excellent schedule lined up, including street, jazz and break dance workshops, putting together a fantastic show, games and awards! For ages 4 upwards.
Clapham next week 28th July- 1st August at La Retraite school
Teddington 4th-8th August at St Mary's University.
The whole week is just £120 per child with day rates also available. Booking now so don't miss out!


Check out our first Youtube video! Subscribe to the channel for a free gift! Just quote dynamic blog/youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0SFxXD31rM

I'm very excited about my new sister company I'm busy setting up, Dynamic Productions. Ill be bringing more news on that soon!

All classes are on hold now until September. I'm looking forward to the next School year and already have shows and trips lined up for the team. I'll spend the holidays recharging and finding new inspiration so all of our classes are fresh and challenging.

I hope you all have a great summer if you're off somewhere exotic or staying home to enjoy family time. I had  a great time in Italy a few weeks ago with my lovely boyfriend. Next stop, Paris...!

Happy holiday's :-)

Emily X

Consider yourself!

Hi everyone,

Holiday season is upon us but before the Schools break we have a CRAZY time filled with workshops, performances and parties.

Towards the end term is sports week for most Schools and I'm delighted to be providing dance for new Schools this term and that dance is now often included in Physical Education. I'm particularly enjoying working on a production of Oliver choreographing all of the numbers including Consider yourself, food glorious food and oom pah pah! This is such a  great musical and the students are doing a brilliant job. For more info on all of our dance programmes for Schools contact me; emily@dynamicdance.org.uk

Places are filling up for out Hot Right Now summer schools taking place in July and August in Clapham and Kingston. The course is open to children aged 4-16 years of all dance levels. Keep your  children active and entertained during the holidays! We have  fantastic schedule lined up....

Before the term is out I'm escaping To Italy for a break which I'm so excited for! I'll be indulging in some pizza and red wine whilst celebrating a friends wedding. bliss. I'll blog when I'm back to tell you all about it...

Ciao! x






                                             

It's getting hot....

Things are definitely hotting up for summer and with events, parties and summer Schools I have lots to tell you about!

Dance to the Beat...!
First of all I will be getting hot and sweaty this Friday at our Beatbox night in Ham! Beatbox is a business I started last year with my friend Suzanne Cox who was famously Gladiator 'Vogue' in the 80s TV show. I love working with Suze and we've created dance nights for woman; a mix of dance and socialising where we knock and some awesome routines that everyone can follow whilst having a drink or two. Come along at 8pm in your party clothes at Ham football club ready to Dance to the Beat...!
Admission £7

This Saturday I'm taking the team along to Holy Cross Prep sports festival in Kingston where we will showcase a few routines and I will then give some master classes to anyone who wants to join in! Holy Cross is a great School with excellent facilities and I'm delighted we will be part of this event. Always love an excuse to get the children on stage!

Hot Right Now summer Schools!!!
This year I'm holding two summer schools; one in Clapham at La Retraite 28th July-1st August and at St Mary's university Twickenham 4th-8th August. These week long courses are suitable for ages 4-16 years and will include learning dance styles such as street and jazz. They are great fun and also include games and awards with a fantastic show at the end of the week for family and friends to enjoy! Price is £120 for the week; book before the 10th June for  a 10% discount. This is  great way to entertain the children and keep them active during the holidays!

During the hectic summer period I'll be trying to still my mind and stretch my body out with some hot bikram yoga. I have long been a fan of this yoga and plan to get back into the studio soon.

With the world cup about to kick off and a possible heatwave it's looking to be another great summer.

Stay cool :)

Emily X

love to dance

Recently I got to thinking about dance, all that it means to me and the journey my chosen career has brought me on.

A girl who featured in an commercial for dance wear recently received some backlash for her terrible feet, bad posture etc and this hit a nerve for me. I appreciate those dancers that have worked so hard to be excellent technicians and I have complete respect for them as I do all performers who are dedicated to their art. Dance comes in many different genres and to me it is about expression, performance and beauty of movement. Different standards are required depending on the project of course. I want my students to reach their full potential in every area but ultimately I am teaching them to have confidence, personality and expression. There is much speculation towards Abbey Lee Miller of the famous 'dance moms' TV show as to if her strict teaching method is healthy for her students. I haven't watched a massive amount of the show and I imagine a lot of this is bigged up for TV. I try to reach a balance in my classes of having structure with a level of discipline whilst encouraging my students and being careful not to knock their often fragile self esteem. As teachers I believe we have  a big responsibility and I'm hard on myself when it comes to finding that perfect balance.

I've received various levels of discipline throughout my dance training as a child then an adult. In the professional world it is of course very different but I can honestly say I have good memories of all parts of  it. When I experience the challenges that come with running a business single handedly and I'm having a difficult week and there is no one to help carry the load I this;

I love to dance!


I love to create and have the opportunity to share this with young people. I love to watch dance and learn from other choreographers, teachers and performers. I feel very privileged. I may not be the best teacher or choreographer and my feet most certainly are not perfect after all these years. But I'll keep working hard and becoming better than I was yesterday.

Love and light

Emily X