Alexandra Nickolay - Dance Coach - ABCD

Gosh what a journey… (long post)

In 2009 i turned down a DADA for a top dance college, not knowing what I was really doing, but to go on to winning the Margot Fonteyn bursary to study with the Royal Academy of Dance. A scholarship which helped me achieve my level 4 Certificate in Dance Teaching Studies and Registered Teacher Status.
This course helped me continue to work professionally as both a dancer and dance teacher, before opening my own school in 2010. I was so young when embarking on entrepreneurship, only 20 years old! But with the help of friends and family, we went from a church hall of a handful of students, to huge classes and a full lease on our own premises; ABCD Dance Studios in January of 2010. The school continued to grow, with students flying the nest to continue training at White Lodge, Laine, Elmhurst and Bird college (to name a few).

I then expanded my teaching to education sector in 2017, working my way up the ladder to Programme Leader for Performing Arts Courses L2-3 at Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education. Here I found my love for working in education, all whilst still running my studio on evenings and weekends - I was bloody exhausted! But loved my work.
Pippa was diagnosed with severe epilepsy in 2019… our worlds turned upside down! I closed the school 2021, devastating but the right decision for my little girl… she needed mummy.
Moving to Yorkshire, I continued to work in education at Wakefield College, Rawmarsh Community School and finally finding my role as Head of Department at BBEC in Bradford. Alongside teaching at many local dance studios. In the past two years though I have studied for my BA (Hons) in Dance Education with the RAD - a course that is not for the faint hearted. I’ve soent so many sleepless nights writing essays and my dissertation, all whilst going through some distressing times in my life. But… I’ve done it!! I’ve got the degree, the piece of paper… and I’m so bloody proud of myself. The sleepless nights, the 1.5 stone weight gain, the missed family time… they’ve all been worth it.
Thank you so much to my amazing husband and mum for supporting me through this!

Extra special lesson with 🩰 ❤️

We tried to make a flower for Mothers Day in our tap shoes yesterday 🌺 it’s an interesting flower I know 😂 but Happy Mothers Day!

I’ve had a few messages regarding Easter holidays, with most schools closing for two weeks I know some of you dancers are looking for options 🤔

This Easter I have availability for online private lessons, and group coaching classes 💪 please message if you would be interested and for more info.
I also have availability for a two week Personal Development Plan, tailored to suit you. Only £20!! Coaching classes and online private lessons will be discounted for those who have requested a plan.

Please pop me a message if interested in any of the above ❤️

Lovely Primary Tappers today 😍