ARKLOW & GOREYdance studios

I spent 18 years dancing with Frances Ryan School of Dance. Having left the school almost six years ago going to dance class is still the happiest memories I have from my childhood. Not only were we trained in classical dance but we were also taught to be polite, independent and hard working.

The friends that I made in class are still hugely important in my life. For most of my teenage years, Frances Ryan School of dance became a second home for us all, where we joked, laughed and sometimes even cried together!!

I would recommend Frances' Dance School to anyone from any age group - you will not be disappointed!

During my school years we moved quite a bit but wherever we lived there was a ballet school that I could join. It was always a great way to make new friends and somewhere where I felt comfortable in.

I have always loved to dance, and still do. Frances was always so encouraging and made me dance that best that I could. I always enjoyed every class. We always had good fun and I always came out with a sense of achievement. I loved the mix of exams and shows, there was always something new to look forward to.

Dancing gave me so much confidence. It helped build my confidence that I played sports and took part in debating in school. Even now I am a member of our local musical society where I took part in strictly come dancing. I love getting lost in a dance and really relaxing.

I am back dancing again now with Frances doing Zumba and I love it. I love that I can dance. Zumba is nothing like ballet but once you've learned to dance you can pick up different types of dance easily...and at any age. I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to dance with Frances and that I still am today!!!!!

Dancing with Frances Ryan's School of Dance opened so many doors for me. As a student, I spent many hours being inspired by a world of imagination, interpretation and enjoyment. As I grew, so did my understanding of commitment and discipline both on and off-stage.

I was given the opportunity to assist during lessons with younger pupils. This experience aided me in obtaining my University Course as I demonstrate a variety of qualities such as team work, commitment, discipline, confidence and determination.

The best thing about being a student at Frances Ryan's School of Dance was that, in addition to being part of amazing shows, I was able to work my way through examinations that are recognised world-wide. I was able to put my dance exam results on my University application which were converted into points in order for me to secure a place on my degree. These exams allowed me to go back into dance in later life.

When I went back to dance after a ten year break, I was told by my current teacher that my dance foundations and technique were strong and I was extremely lucky to have had such fantastic teachers in my youth. I would highly recommend sending students to Frances Ryan's School of Dance.

I am the mother of a Dancer.

From an early age my child has been bouncing, hopping and leaping about full of unbridled energy, eventually at the tender age of six, she began Ballet lessons with Frances.

Since those first tentative steps she has studied Modern, Contemporary, Commercial, LyricalAcro, Tap and of course continued with Ballet and Pointe.

My Dancer has attended workshops, participated in showcases, Christmas Recitals and End of Year Summer Shows. She has been an Elf and danced on Arklow Main Street as part of the Christmas Lights Big Switch On, she performed solo at a private hotel event, facilitated a Ballet themed birthday party and of course performed with the Elite team several times on the big stage in the RDS.

She has been a teaching assistant for nearly 5 years and completed many ISTD grade exams. She has also performed in many theatre productions and pantomimes, a short film, a music video and choreographed a winning dance entry in the Gorey St. Patrick's Day Parade. Through Arklow Dance Studio's training my Dancer had the option to further her skills to college level as a Morea Dance Associate with extra training days in Dublin. There have been so many wonderful opportunities over the years.

Dance has not only been a joyful physical experience for her but it has been beneficial in so many ways. She is disciplined, body confident, organised, a hair and make up expert and extremely independent. Arklow Dance Studio is her second home, while Frances, Tasha, her tutors and dance mates are her dance family.

After more than 10 years as chauffeur and proud Dance Mom, I cannot recommend the team highly enough and wish you well on your journey with your Dancer.