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Focal Pointe Principal
Helen Fowles

Helen Fowles Dance teacher (Principal)

​Hi, I'm Helen
​...or Miss Helen as the children like to refer to me, and I have been successfully running Focal Pointe Dance School since opening in 1999. 
​As school principal I believe it is important to teach every student.  I pride myself on creating a friendly environment, where every child is noticed, each encouraged to fulfil their individual potential and simply enjoy dance.  I teach classes myself, along with my other wonderful teachers Rhiannon, Danielle, Jess and Zillah.  Zillah runs the Musical Theatre Dept  (fully registered UKA) 
I began dancing at three-years-old and dance has been my passion ever since.  
I studied at SLP College Leeds for three years, where I completed my Performance Diploma and was also awarded teaching qualifications in RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing).
I was then invited, as one of only two graduates, to take a prestigious teaching position
at an international dance school in Tokyo, Japan.  During an exciting and influential two years, I developed my teaching skills and I also performed in a number of large productions in and around Tokyo.  
It was an inspiring experience.
On my return home to Worcester, I opened Focal Pointe Dance School. 
My objective remains the same: to inspire and hopefully instil aspirations as well as enjoyment in all my students.

Our Teachers

Rhiannon Clarke - Dance Teacher

​​Rhiannon began dancing at Kirsty Purvis School of Dance at age 4 where she took
examinations in ISTD tap dance, ISTD modern theatre and RAD ballet and performed
regularly in local shows and pantomimes. In addition, Rhiannon became a dance class
assistant to the younger students, and this is where she realised her love of dance teaching.
At the age of 18, Rhiannon went on to study at Preston’s College Dance where she achieved a First-Class BA(Hons) degree in Dance Performance, Teaching and Choreography alongside achieving her Diploma in Dance Education in Modern Theatre and Tap Dance and studying for her Diploma in Dance Education in Imperial Classical Ballet.
​Whilst in full time dance training, she had opportunity to take classes with industry professionals and perform in shows as well as at ‘Move It’ in 2019. Over her time at Preston’s College, Rhiannon also achieved her Advanced 2 qualifications in Imperial Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap Dance.
After completing her time at Preston’s College Dance, Rhiannon returned home to
Worcestershire where she is in the final stages of her Diploma in Dance Education in
Imperial Classical Ballet as well as working towards completing her RAD teacher training and her RAD Advanced 2 ballet. Rhiannon loves teaching and nurturing students of all ages and abilities across all genres of dance.

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Danielle Bodieks - Dance Teacher

Danielle started her dance training at the age of 3 at Severn Valley School.
She took RAD and ISTD examinations in ballet, tap and modern and competed in  multiple dance festivals across the midlands.
At age 18, Danielle gained a place at Aberystwyth University.
After 3 years of studying, Danielle graduated with a 1 st Class Honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science. During her time in Aberystwyth, Danielle joined the university student dance club and soon became their president and lead choreographer.
The club went on to win multiple dance competitions and Varsity Team of the
Year. Danielle was awarded University Colours for her contributions to the club and for her own sporting achievements. Danielle continued her studies in London and gained the ISTD Diploma in Dance Instruction qualification in both tap and modern.
In August 2019, Danielle returned to themidlands and is currently completing the final stage of her Diploma in Dance Education.

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Zillah Dimmock - Musical Theatre Dance Teacher

I am a member of UKA Dance and also have an English Literature & Associated
Drama BA (Hons). I performed at the opening of Birmingham Symphony Hall in a
project run by Jennifer Jackson as a supporting dancer to the Principle in Les Noces.
It was run by the Education Department of Birmingham Royal Ballet and was an
amazing opportunity and experience. I also performed in local professional Shows
Toad of Toad Hall and Once in a Lifetime.

I teach Musical Theatre (singing, dancing and acting) Theatre Dance and
Cheerdance following the UKA dance syllabus. I love the creativity that the UKA
dance Board offers. Children are able to learn at their own pace and are encouraged
to work individually as well as part of a team.

As well as enjoying the Biennial Dance School Show, other performance opportunities are explored include fetes, a gig and community events.
​During lockdown classes continued successfully online. While continuing with assessments students also were given the opportunity to perform in ‘Alice in Zoomland’.
I wrote ‘Alice in Zoomland’ as a zoom friendly production to enable a safe performance experience during lockdown. Children enjoyed workshops and then were given the chance to audition (in a friendly supportive manner). There were Zoom rehearsals and now we are recording the production which will be part of Worcester Online Festival.

Various schools throughout the UK, Canada and USA also purchased the script. As every school had options to expand and personalise scenes (depending on age group and settings) every production will be different. The last year has been a remarkable learning curve, we found new ways to perform because The Show Must Go On.

        

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Jessica Knight - Student Teacher

“Helen, Jess and Zillah's encouraging, positive approach brings out the best in each child
​and allows confidence and dancing ability to thrive”

Helen Fowles - Principal Dance Teacher

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We are based in St Johns, Worcester
​Come and visit us - please check our opening times!