The Next Step Dance Academy

Then & Now ✨- Miss Aimée

•What year did you start dancing? - 2006
•What age you were: 2
•What did you love most about being a dancer?
The thing I’m most appreciative for is definetely the increase in my confidence. Dance has made me much more confident than I ever thought I would be, not just in dancing but in everyday life. I’ve made amazing friendships through dance which I know will last a lifetime. Dancing has really shaped me into the person I am today.
•What do you love most about being a coach?
The best thing about being a coach is seeing girls with the exact same passion for dance that I have. Seeing the girls strive to be their best and put in maximum effort no matter what they are doing makes me so proud. Whenever they gain a new skill or learn how to do a new dance move it is so rewarding to see. The friendships that the girls make makes me super happy also because I know that dancing friends are the best friends.
•Any advice to younger dancers?
Never compare yourself to anyone else. No matter what you tell yourself, effort and passion makes you an amazing dancer. Dance like no one is watching!

❤️🖤❤️

February Moments 📸 ✨

A warm welcome to our gorgeous new dancers this month 🥰 ✨

Welcome to Team NSD ❣️

❤️🖤❤️

Then & Now ✨- Miss Kathleen

• What year did you start dancing? - 2003
• What age were you? - 3
• What did you love most about being a dancer? -
I loved being a dancer because of the drive it gave me to work hard and push myself to be the best I can be, the skills I learned in dancing are skills I can use for life. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of all I accomplished and truly grateful for the memories that will stay with me forever.
• What do you love most about being a coach? - Being a dance coach is incredibly fulfilling. Watching the girls build confidence, encourage one another, and develop new skills makes every class worthwhile. I love motivating them to challenge themselves and trust in who they are. Seeing them perform at showtime or at competitions is so rewarding. I feel truly grateful to be part of their dance journeys and to witness their growth into confident, strong individuals.
• Any advice to younger dancers? -
Corrections aren’t a bad thing. If a coach is giving you a correction it’s because they see the potential you have!

❤️🖤❤️

Then & Now - Miss Carys ✨

• What year did you start dancing? - 2013
• What age you were - 9
• What you love most about being a dancer? - When I joined NSD initially only attending stretch class before joining dance class at 11. Starting later than many of the other dancers, who trained since they were young I often felt I had to work harder to keep up. But that challenge pushed to achieve more than I ever thought was possible. Along the way, Iv made countless memories from classes and rehearsals to performances and all the moments in between- that I will cherish forever. More than anything, it is the friendships than mean the most to me. I was always be grateful to NSD for bringing such supportive, lifelong people into my life.
• What do you love most about being a coach? - Seeing young dancers grow in confidence and ability over time. It’s incredibly rewarding to help them achieve things they didn’t think they could do and support them through challenges. I just like I was supported when I was younger. I love creating the same sense of belonging that I experienced, making sure every dancer feels valued and part of a team.
• Any advice you would give to younger dancers? - Enjoy your journey and not to compare yourself to others. Everyone grows at their own pace, no matter what age they start. Work hard, be patient with yourself and embrace mistakes as part of learning. Just as importantly, value coming together as a team as much as developing individually because team mates are the ones who support you, stand by you and share all the memories that make dance so special.

❤️🖤❤️

Then & Now - Miss Nicola ✨

• What year did you start dancing? - 2011
• What age were you- 6
• What you loved most about being a dancer? -
Being an NSD dancer shaped me through all the friendships, memories and opportunities it brought along the way. Going to dancing was always my favourite day of the week, it allowed me to forget about everything else and be present doing what I love with the people I love the most.
• What do you love most about being a coach? -
Dance and teaching are my two biggest passions, so being able to combine the two is a dream come true. Seeing the girls’ smiles as they enter the studio never gets old. I love watching them grow, build friendships, and experience NSD just as I did. Watching the girls from starting their routines to watching them shine when performing on the stage, allowing them to show off all their hard work and dedication is the most rewarding part and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of their NSD journey.
• Any advice you would give to younger dancers?
Front or back line, 100% effort matters. When everyone gives their all, the performance comes together and you leave the stage proud of what you created together.

❤️🖤❤️

Happy Birthday Miss Carys 🥳

Thank you for all you do for our girls. Hope you have the best day ❣️

Then & Now - Miss Eilidh ✨

•What year did you start dancing? - 2008
•What age were you? - 2
•What did you love most about being a dancer? - The best thing has to be the dance community. I have loved making new bonds with people through experiences and performances, making friends for life. My confidence in and out of the studio has grown massively and I’m so grateful for all the memories Iv made.
•What do you love most about being a coach? - I love being a coach as I get to witness pupils breakthroughs, personal growth and watch their confidence grow. Watching them create lifelong friends, helping and supporting one another makes it all worth while. Being able to teach passion is extremely rewarding, especially at performances and shows, where you can see just how far they come. I’m so happy to be part of their dance journey and continue to support them over the years.
•Any advice you would give to younger dancers? - Dance like no one is watching. Don’t be afraid to embrace mistakes and have fun!

❤️🖤❤️

Then & Now - Miss Beth ✨

• What year did you start dancing? - 2005
• What age were you? - 2
• What did you love the most about being a dancer? - Being a dancer it gave me lifelong friendships, amazing opportunities and skills that have shaped me into who I am today. The excitement of shows and competitions pushed me to work harder and strive to be my best. The people I danced with became family and looking back I’m so proud of everything I accomplished and I’m truly grateful for the memories that will stay with me forever.
• What do you love most about being a coach? - Being a dance coach is so special because I get to watch the girls confidence grow each week and seeing them support each other, build strong friendships and master new skills makes every class worth it. I love encouraging them to push past their limits and believe in themselves. When they perform at shows and competitions, it makes me so proud to see them dance their hearts out and truly enjoy the moment. I feel so grateful to be part of their dance journeys and to support them as they grow not only as dancers but as confident, strong individuals.
• Any advice you would give to younger dancers? - Don’t compare yourself to others, always listen and work hard in class but most importantly have fun!

❤️🖤❤️