Miss Angela Here-
Receiving the ATAP award of Exceeding Standards has given me a great sense of pride and quiet satisfaction. After fifty years in teaching, it means a great deal to know that my work is still recognised as current, relevant, and effective. From the very beginning of my career, I made a personal commitment never to stand still. Education is always evolving, and I have always believed that it is my responsibility to evolve with it.
I have consistently sought out new knowledge, new methods, and new ways of connecting with students.I have tried to remain open, curious, and willing to adapt. I have never wanted to be seen as someone fixed in old habits or resistant to change. On the contrary, I have always taken pride in remaining engaged with the present and prepared for the future.
An important part of this commitment has been integrating the method into Kirkham Henry and supporting our teachers of dance in understanding and applying it with confidence.
This award reassures me that experience and growth are not opposites, but partners. Longevity in teaching does not mean becoming a “stick in the mud”; it means building a foundation strong enough to support continual learning. I remain as committed as ever to maintaining high standards, staying informed, and offering students and teachers the very best of what I can give. I am deeply grateful for this recognition, and it strengthens my resolve to continue striving for excellence.
What a whirlwind of a weekend at the Firebird dance festival. A lovely successful two days of dancing and smiles even tho we didn’t have all our team dancing the atmosphere as much fun as always. . Here are just a few pictures of the weekend . Well done team KH
Say hello to Di and Ruth , both ladies are living with Parkinson’s and choose to come along to our Golden Gliders class on a Tuesday morning. Parkinson’s UK asked for photos of anyone dancing for their website to encourage everyone to dance as the benefits are enormous. This is part of Let’s Dance day on 8th March. Our Dance with Parkinson’s classes including neurological disorders are Tuesdays 1.30 at KH and Fridays 10.30 at Wigginton. Contact us for details
Sharing exciting news about former pupil Beth who will be playing the lead role in a new ballet production Eliza
Eliza: A Bloomin' New Ballet is an in-development dance-theatre work, ( R&D) being directed by dancer-choreographer Joseph Poulton. Based on Bernard-Shaw's Pygmalion, this ballet is more than a retelling - it is a reinvention that asks who gets to tell stories, how identity is shaped, and what transformation truly costs.
R&D (Research and Development) means the discovery and creation of new knowledge to uncover and enable the development of new products, processes, and services, or the improvement of existing ones.
We’re all very proud Beth.
On International Women’s Day we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the incredible women in the Kirkham Henry community.
To our dedicated teachers — thank you for the care, patience, encouragement and knowledge you share with our pupils every day. The difference you make in their lives is truly valued.
We also celebrate all the mothers, grandmothers, carers and the many women who support Kirkham Henry by bringing pupils along each week and encouraging them on their journey. Your support plays such an important role in our community.
Celebrating also our lovely volunteers who give up so much of their precious time ( if you need anything doing, ask a busy person!)
A special thank you as well to our women trustees for their guidance, commitment and support of Kirkham Henry.
Today we celebrate and thank you for everything you do. 💐
#InternationalWomensDay #internationalwomensday
Today is Let’s dance day - we’ve dedicated our Youth Ballet to the day this year. Here’s a look back on this day last year when we brought all our community classes together to share in the power of Dance at The Milton Rooms. Dance is a powerful way to support physical, mental, and emotional health. Physically, it strengthens the body by improving fitness, balance, flexibility, and coordination while keeping the heart healthy. Mentally, learning movements and rhythms stimulates the brain, improving focus, memory, and creativity. Emotionally, dance allows people to express feelings, release stress, and boost mood through movement and music. Together, these benefits make dance a joyful and effective way to care for the whole self. 💃🧠❤️
What a fabulous update from Hannah who is studying media and performance at Salford university.
Hi! Just a little update post-Anything-Goes! I’ve had the best week as choreographer and Purity in Anything Goes with Almost Famous Theatre Company, it’s been long but so worth it 🙂 the whole show was my own original choreography and some of the cast had never danced before, it was such a privilege to watch them improve throughout the process and to get to perform with all my best friends too! Here’s a few of the production photos from the dances and scenes I was in, courtesy of @techieabs on Instagram.
Well done Hannah, keep up the great work.
What a superb afternoon with our Youth Ballet and York youth orchestra performing the Three Cornered Hat at The Milton Rooms. Here’s a few photographs for the time being of the dress rehearsal , taken so kindly by Alice White. Watch out for more photos to come. 👏👏 Bravo everyone.
Showcase’26 - Not to be missed ! Keep the weekend of 18 & 19th July free, or you’ll never be forgiven by your offspring who will not by any means want to miss taking part in our Showcase. Look out for your emails with your information pack and date of showcase parents meeting.
Dance isn’t just for kids—it’s one of the most enjoyable ways for adults to stay active. It boosts cardiovascular health, improves balance and flexibility, and sharpens memory.
Even more powerful are the mental and emotional benefits. Dancing helps reduce stress and anxiety, lifts your mood through the release of endorphins, and provides a creative outlet for self-expression. It can build confidence, improve self-esteem, and create a sense of connection—whether you’re dancing with others or simply enjoying the music on your own.
It’s movement, mindfulness, and joy—all in one. Why not join one of our community classes.
Wishing Sarah Louise Ashworth school of dance all the very best for their 20th Year Showcase this weekend. Miss Angela is so proud of Miss Sarah’s achievements and can’t believe where the 20 years have gone. Break a leg everyone ❤️
We’re celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with our fabulous Zac and the theme ‘Together against loneliness’
Zac loves his dance class together with Miss Evie, assistant Miss Steph and all his class mates. Look out for more photos later today.
Real Inclusion
In families, schools, jobs, and community life. Not just “being there,” but taking part.
Welcoming Spaces
To feel welcome and valued, to be invited to join in, and to be safe from people with unpleasant (negative) attitudes.
Relationship
To have strong, supportive, and meaningful relationships with friends, family, and partners.
#worlddownsyndromeday #inclusion #Downssyndromeawarenessweek
We’re celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with our fabulous Zac and the theme ‘Together against loneliness’
Zac loves his dance class together with Miss Evie, assistant Miss Steph and all his class mates. Look out for more photos later today.
Real Inclusion
In families, schools, jobs, and community life. Not just “being there,” but taking part.
Welcoming Spaces
To feel welcome and valued, to be invited to join in, and to be safe from people with unpleasant (negative) attitudes.
Relationship
To have strong, supportive, and meaningful relationships with friends, family, and partners.
#worlddownsyndromeday #inclusion #Downssyndromeawarenessweek
Huge thanks to Sophie C for covering for Miss Ali last Friday. KH are so lucky to have so many professional alumni that can cover whilst at home. Each and everyone bring something different to the class room , enriching our seniors training. We had a few away at auditions and a school show but those attending worked as hard as usual. Kirkham Henry seniors are so fortunate to have such accomplished professional alumni stepping in to cover jazz classes. Who inspire the next generation to grow, create, and aim high encouraging all in class to work towards Miss Ali’s exacting standards🎷
Three young ladies Three dreams. And now, three hard decisions of where to continue their training at three prestigious universities. 💫
Steph, Evie-Mae, and Gina have always walked through life side by side — rehearsing together, performing together, laughing through the nerves together. From the first time they stepped onto a stage to the countless moments spent perfecting performances they’ve been each other’s steady rhythm and spark.
This September, the curtain rises on a new act.
Steph will be leaping into her own world of performing arts, carving out a path that lets her shine exactly as she was meant to at Urdang. Evie-Mae is heading off to explore her next chapter with the grace and determination that’s always made her unforgettable on stage at LIPA. And Gina will be chasing her creative passions with that same fearless energy that inspires everyone around her at Bird college.
Yes — they’re going their separate ways, and that’s the part that tugs at the heart. The rehearsals won’t feel the same, the inside jokes will echo from farther away, and the group selfies will need a little more planning. But their bond? That’s not going anywhere.
Because friendships like theirs don’t fade — they stretch, they grow, and they cheer from new places. And how exciting it is to imagine them stepping into new studios, new spotlights, new opportunities… carrying each other’s love into every audition, every performance, every challenge.
This isn’t an ending. It’s their standing ovation moment — the start of three extraordinary stories branching out from one beautiful friendship.
Here’s to Steph, Evie-Mae, and Gina: Who as Head Girl, Deputy and prefect have earned the gentle senior privileged tradition to call Miss Angela, Miss Ang!
May your paths be bold, your stages bright, and your hearts forever linked. The world is ready for your magic. ✨🎭💛 I’m going to miss you guys. Lots of love Miss Ang x
What a fabulous FUNDraising day, huge thanks to Evie-Mae & Steph for organising to Hannah, Izzy & The Easter Bunny and all seniors who helped. Thank you to everyone for your generosity as the day raised £322.50p
Cakes -£112.45
Tombola-£45.60
Easter draw/ Bunny -£71
Beauty & tattoo bar- £93.45
We wish you all a very happy Easter. From Team KH
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