All of our September news
5th September 2025
What did Miss Angela get up to over summer.
After a long selection process Miss Angela attended The Royal Ballet School Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme it is a programme for private and recreational dance students. Teachers train directly with The Royal Ballet School and are then accredited as Affiliate Teachers to deliver the programme to students in their own dance schools.
The innovative programme gives young dance students a high-quality, holistic learning experience. It is an alternative to other recreational training models based on learning a syllabus for examination.
Alongside classical ballet vocabulary and performance skills, students learn choreography, repertoire, and appreciation.
The programme uses student-centred learning. Teachers guide students to learn ‘how’ to learn and to enjoy and value the process.
Affiliate Teachers conduct their own assessments, which are then moderated by The Royal Ballet School.
What are the benefits for my child?
* A programme that places the student experience at the heart
* High-quality training in classical ballet technique and repertoire, creative practice and choreography
* Learning ‘how to learn’ with a growth mindset, supported to try new things and not be afraid of mistakes
* Confidence and resilience, a positive approach to learning
* Physical play develops a range of natural motor skills and coordination
* Creativity and self-expression
* Inclusive and flexible for different learning styles and needs
* An enjoyment for dance and a broad knowledge of the art form.
We will be keeping parents informed and will value opinions on having the choice of assessments through the programme. Thankfully for Miss Angela, this tough, exhausting but exhilarating course came after a gorgeous holiday with her Grandchildren and family. ( After the course her Granddaughter Nell came up home with her for a week)
Photo 1&2 on The bridge of aspirations linking the Royal Opera House with The Royal Ballet school.
8th September 2025
Welcome back everyone- So lovely to see our Monday class pupils,students and community adults back in the studios. Looking forward to seeing everyone else.
11th September 2025
Here’s Aimee-Lee ( Last academic year Head Girl) with her moving on story.
Hi everyone, i can not believe my time at kirkham Henry has come to an end so soon! Kirkham Henry quickly became my second home and im forever greatfull for all the opportunities, experience and training I’ve gained from the teachers here at kh.
I’m excited to be moving on to study criminology at YSJ this year however im equally as excited to continue dancing as part of the dance society and hopefully their comp team as well!! It’s going to be strange not spending every Saturday teaching and dancing with all my friends but I’ll definitely pop in and see everyone when im around 🫶🏻
We sincerely wish Aimee-Lee all the very best for her future and thank her for everything she contributed to KH.
11th September 2025
Here’s Miss Renate together with Jessa Liversidge conductor, accompanying The Military wives choir at York Theatre Royal. Look North filmed the event yesterday organised for The Military Wives musical performance at The Theatre Royal.
This choir was chosen from all the Military Wives choirs over the country to sing before opening night in the Foyer. Miss Renate recommended the Musical, you’ll laugh and cry, so take your tissues.
Well done All.
12th September 2025
We're beaming with pride at KH seeing former pupil Saskia's name in the TV credits once again – this time after the National Television Awards! 🌟👏
What an achievement – we love watching your journey unfold on screen. #KHAlumni #ProudMoment #NTA2025
14th September 2025
What has Miss Evie been up to over Summer- 🌟 Huge congratulations to our wonderful Miss Evie! 🌟
We’re incredibly proud to share that she’s now teaching on the Dance and Musical Theatre degree course at Hull college of further education, alongside her teaching at KH. 🎭🩰 What an amazing achievement and such a well-deserved step in her career.
Alongside her new academic role, Miss Evie has been dazzling audiences with her fabulous cabaret performances 💃✨ and has also taken a well-earned sunny break to recharge after a busy year.
We couldn’t be more thrilled with everything she’s achieved – and we know her students at Hull are in for a real treat.
🎉👏
#KirkhamHenryProud #MissEvie #DanceAndMusicalTheatre #HullUniversity #CabaretStar #KHFamily #FromStageToLectureHall
18th September 2025
✨ We’re only TWO WEEKS into term at Kirkham Henry Performing Arts and the energy, talent, and dedication are already off the charts! ✨
From tiny toes twirling in ballet slippers to powerhouse vocals echoing through the studios, the passion in every class is electric. Our amazing students have come back stronger, more inspired, and ready to shine — and it’s all thanks to the incredible KH family that makes this place truly special. 💛
With decades of proven excellence, a reputation that stretches far beyond Yorkshire, and alumni making waves on West End stages, in dance companies, and behind-the-scenes across the UK and beyond — Kirkham Henry continues to be a beacon of performing arts training.
🌟 Whether your child dreams of the spotlight or just wants to grow in confidence, teamwork, and creativity, there’s still time to join us this term! 🌟
📣 Limited places still available in selected classes — but they won’t last long! Come and see why generations of families trust Kirkham Henry to nurture not only talent, but hearts and minds too.
📞 Get in touch today — the stage is waiting!
#KirkhamHenry #PerformingArtsExcellence #KHFamily #StillTimeToJoin #DancingIntoTheTerm #dancingintotheterm
22th September 2025
The Importance of Drama Classes for Musical Theatre and Performing Arts Students.
Drama classes are a cornerstone of training for musical theatre, performing arts and even ballet students. While singing and dancing are vital, it’s the acting that gives performances emotional depth and makes characters believable. Drama classes help students develop key skills such as character development, emotional expression, timing, and stage presence—all essential for delivering a compelling performance.
Through scene work, improvisation, and script analysis, students learn how to interpret text, connect with an audience, and collaborate with others—skills that are crucial both on stage and in the industry. Drama also builds confidence, resilience, and empathy, preparing students not just to perform, but to bring stories to life with authenticity and power.
In short, drama is what transforms a good musical into a memorable one. For any serious performer, it’s not optional—it’s essential. Sign your child up to join Miss Allison on a KH Saturday in our drama studio .
23th September 2025
Spotlight on Each Other: Junior Musical Theatre Kids Interviewing Each Other.
This week in our Junior Musical Theatre program, the spotlight shifted in a fun and unexpected way—not onto the stage, but onto each other! Our young performers took on the role of interviewers and interviewees, asking thoughtful questions, sharing stories, and learning more about their fellow castmates.
🎭 Why Interviews?
Letting kids interview one another might seem simple, but the benefits are big:
Builds Confidence: Speaking in front of peers, thinking on their feet, and sharing personal experiences helps young performers grow comfortable expressing themselves.
Encourages Empathy: Listening to someone else's story builds understanding and shows kids they’re part of a supportive community.
Improves Communication Skills: Asking clear questions and giving thoughtful answers are essential skills—on stage and in life!
Strengthens Ensemble Bonding: A great show relies on a strong ensemble. These interviews helped kids see each other not just as castmates, but as friends with unique voices and dreams.
Fosters Creativity: The kids got creative with their questions—some even conducted “in-character” interviews, imagining what it would be like to chat with a princess, pirate, or villain!
We’re so proud of our juniors not just for their talent onstage, but for their kindness, curiosity, and team spirit offstage. They’re learning that theatre is about more than just lines and songs—it’s about connection, empathy, and celebrating each other's uniqueness.
Stay tuned—some of these interviews might even appear in our upcoming program or social media spotlights!
25th September 2025
Welcome, Josephine! 🌟
We’re so excited to welcome Josephine to our wardrobe team! 👗✨ She’s kindly volunteering her time and talents to help us sort and catalogue our collection, and she brings a wealth of experience from her background in wardrobe for the performing arts. 🎭
Volunteers are truly at the heart of everything we do – their generosity, passion, and care keep our wheels turning (and our costumes in order!). 🧵💛
We're incredibly grateful to every single person who gives their time to support us – and we’re thrilled to have Josephine join the fold.
Welcome aboard, Josephine – we’re lucky to have you! 🫶
26th September 2025
Exciting Alumni news- We’re so proud to announce the news below from Sophie Collier
Hi everyone!
Just a quick update from me, I’ve been offered a contract with Vegas Showgirls Germany. On Monday I travelled to Belgium to start rehearsals for their show “Cosmino” which will be performed at the Colisee Theatre in Blankenberg in October.
I’m having so much fun and hope you are all well! Xx
Sophie gained her first professional contract whilst at KH after successfully auditioning for the Young championship dancer in Gangstsa Granny touring production, many of us went along to The Grand Opera House York to support Sophie. After gaining an amazing Distinction for her Advanced 1 RAD whilst having to train with Miss Angela over zoom during Covid. Also 2 marks off Distinction for her Advanced 2 exam a year later. Sophie chose to attend Addict Dance Academy where she graduated this summer with a BA(Hons) in Dance Performance.
We’re so happy for Sophie and wish her all the very best for her future career
28th September 2025
KH Saturdays-What a lovely surprise the Brown family dropped in to see us today.
Former pupils Danielle ( children’s rehearsal director on Mary Poppins) Meghan ( Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Nutrition · Leeds Beckett University) and their mum Christine.
We had a lovely catch up with Staff and friends who bring their children to KH. (Meghan’s twin sister Adeline is living in HongKong) Wishing Danielle all the best for Mary Poppins in Sunderland next week and to Dr. Meghan for her expertise in sport and dance nutrition. We all love hearing how our extended KH family are keeping.
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