Dance Activities
Performances
Hamilton Moir Dance gives everyone from preschool up the opportunity to perform at our school show. This is now held every two years, over four performances. We have recently performed at The International School, and previously at The Aberdeen Arts Centre. Whilst undeniably demanding on many levels, the preparation that is put in by students, staff and parents is universally agreed to be 100% worth it. Participating is hugely rewarding and the feedback we receive affirms that the effort is appreciated by everyone from performers to backstage helpers to audience. The result is a professional slick production which is recorded so it can be watched repeatedly.
We participate in locally organised dance events showcasing children from dance schools across the region such as the Aberdeen Dance Proms and The Survival Concert.
We regularly put forward students to enter events organised by the examination boards, the ISTD Janet Cram awards and RAD Awards Days. Whilst including a competitive element, these events are also an opportunity for students to participate in workshops with renowned tutors and choreographers.
Outings
How about a school trip to the ballet? It’s always a popular outing, especially when one of our own dancers is in the cast. We keep an eye on local dance related events and organise trips for our students when there is an appealing upcoming performance
Summer School
Each year we run a fun packed week-long summer school, generally 9am to 3pm, at which children can experience a wide variety of dance and musical theatre classes, interspersed with other fun activities and outdoor play time. We bring in guest teachers to enable us to broaden the experience and include classes not available on our normal timetable. The week culminates in a performance for parents.
Our summer school is program is tailored according to the age and range of participants each year and is most suited to primary school age children. We invite applications for places from anyone about to start Primary 1. It is suitable for non-dancers and is open those not enrolled at Hamilton Moir Dance. It is held at one of the venues at which we run regular classes.
Workshops
From time to time we offer specialist workshops, designed to offer an insight into aspects of dance not part of regular classes. These may feature a guest teacher, such as when Ryan Jenkins, finalist in the 2011 series of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ visited Aberdeen and ran two contemporary workshops for us. Or we may take advantage of opportunities offered by a visiting company, such as Scottish Ballet who ran a Cinderella workshop for us during their visit to Aberdeen when they were here for their annual visit in January 2019.
HMD Competition Team
We started our competition team in 2022, with two of our senior students, Charlotte and Joanna. Following their success we added juniors and mids and have never looked back. We now have a team of 11 dancers who compete throughout the year in ballet, jazz, lyrical, acro, character, duets and groups. The team continues to grow from strength to strength, and we are so proud of them and all of their hard work and dedication. Entry to the competition team is by invitation.
