Testimonials of Some of Our Ex-Students

(Former students may email their statements for inclusion on this page)

"Counterpoint was perfect for me as I'd wanted to do all types of dancing. It was here that made me realise I wanted to be a professional dancer. I dont think I would have made it to Professional training if it wasnt for the support and encouragment from the teachers at Counterpoint. I gained a lot of confidence in dance, singing and drama at Counterpoint and was delighted to be accepted with scholarship at the Northern Ballet School in Manchester when I was 16. I'm 20 now and have been successfully working as a professional dancer since I left college at the age of 19. I'm currently in Miami , in rehearsals working for Royal Caribbean International; it's amazing choreography and I'm loving every second of it."

Sophie Jones

"Training at Counterpoint was thoroughly enjoyable, and incredibly educational. I will always be thankfull for the guidance, support and knowledge that each teacher gave me. I have full respect for each teacher, they dedicate so much of there time to young dancers, and they allow you to believe in your dreams of becoming a professional performer. My training at counterpoint gave me the confidence and technique to train further afield, and without their help I would never have achieved this. My favourite thing about counerpoint is its diversity, you are able to try out new techniques which is essential in the modern performing world, having said this, they still keep the balance and you never feel out of your depth.

During my time at Counterpoint I felt very nurtured and taken care of, they help you with audition pieces, and spend hours with you in preperation for exams (including saturday evenings, and early sunday mornings)!! From Counterpoint I went on to train at London Studio Centre, and graduated last year with a BA Hons degree in theatre dance. since leaving LSC my work credits include: Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Mish Mash Music Video and Popworld, Beatfreakz Music Video and Popworld, Matt Willis Music Video, Trade shows, and PA Tour with Beatfreakz. Also I am off to Tokyo for 8 months dancing for Disney, which is really exciting! I have had a great time training, and all the hard work is paying off, so thank you every one at counterpoint, you are all FAB!!! xxx"

Hayley Rowlands

"I was a pupil at Counterpoint from 1994-2003, during which time I attended Ballet,tap,modern, jazz,musical theatre and also performed with AJ and Co. While at Counterpoint I achieved ballet,modern and tap exams up to Intermediate. The experience and teaching which I received during this period enabled me in 2003 to be successful in gaining a place at Performers college which I attended for my first year and I am now at The Urdang Academy at Covent Garden where I am in my second year.During this period I have gained my advance exams and am working towards my teacher associates. I hope after completing this three year course to be successful in the world of performance, hello to everyone at counterpoint!"

Carley Heale

"Counterpoint gave me an opportunity to improve my dancing in every aspect. I was able to improve on my strength and technique, as well as my confidence and performance in all of my dance disciplines and everything I learned whilst at the school I have taken with me into my professional training. I am currently studying at Performers College on a three year musical theatre course. It is extremely hard work and very tiring but is definitely worth it and I'm loving it. Thank you to Counterpoint for the opportunities and help you gave me I really do appreciate it, this is a great school with a warm and friendly atmosphere and I look back on my time fondly."

Charlotte Owens

"I have been a part of Counterpoint since I was little and I was so happy to be a student at such an exiting, hard working school. With so many choices of classes, and workshops, Counterpoint gave me a chance to try out everything and to gain confidence in myself in every day life and in performance. Whether you are there for a passion to perform and perhaps to think about it professionally or just for a hobby, at Counterpoint you have such a range of classes to enable this, its a great environment to learn and play and I made some amazing friends there.

I was given so many oppurtunities to perform on stage and I remember there always being so many exiting things going on, whether it was a contemporary workshop or a trip to perform in Her Majesty's Theatre. Most importantly there were always technique classes available and with the advanced teaching I recieved at Counterpoint I was able to take vocational examinations in Tap, Modern dance and Classical Ballet .The enthusiastic and encouraging facullty of teaching staff gave me the technique and belief in myself to take my training a step further and to train professionally at Italia Conti, one of the most prestigious performing arts college's in London. I have had a wonderful three year's at Italia Conti. As a graduate this Summer, when I look back at my training I wouldn't change a thing.

My background from Counterpoint and Italia Conti have made me the performer I am today and I am proud of what we have achieved. I am exited to be embarking on to the next step of my life, working hopefully! My passion has always been and still is Musical Theatre, and I would love to do West end, cruise ships, etc. After attending a four week course at the ' New York Film Academy ,' Los Angeles I have discovered I would also love to work in films and tv. I feel I have many opportunities open to me, so fingers crossed and thank you Counterpoint!xx"

Lizzie Hughes

"I was member of Counterpoint School of Performing Arts ever since I was 6. During my 10 years there I took part in many of the classes on offer and thoroughly enjoyed them all. I also took part in many summer schools (I also enjoyed the big barbecues at the end of it all) !! My favourite class was ballet and during my last year then gain my Intermediate Majors exam.

I can't talk about coupterpoint without mentioning all the shows I took part in! I've danced everywhere from Clyne Gardens to the Grand Theatre, singing and dancing many different styles of dance. The atmosphere back stage is always electric with costumes lined up for quick changes and people dashing around and the students warming up backstage. You're able to relax and have fun whilst still putting on a show to the highest of standards. As well as being a well disciplined dance school I found it a great place to make friends. I became very close with the girls in my ballet grade when I was younger and they are now my close group of friends who I went to college with.

The school is of a very high standard with teachers always there to help and there are many friends to be made. I feel that counterpoint has given me confidence in myself and I will always look back on my time there with nothing but the fondest of memories."

Kate Halifax

"My name is Hannah Campbell. I started ballet with The Counterpoint School of Performing Arts aged five until I was eighteen. I eventually progressed to ISTD-intermediate in Ballet. Throughout this period I enjoyed Jazz, Modern, Musical Theatre and fitness classes with various tutors. I also attended a number of summer schools involving internationally renowned teachers and performers. I helped tutors teach young up and coming dancers and performed in various shows locally being lucky enough to be in a show which was taken to Her Majesty's Theatre in London . I was chosen to audition at an early age for the Royal Ballet and when I was eighteen I auditioned at Laine and London Studios. Although unsuccessful it was a great experience and I feel it has helped me to cope with other stressful challenges in my life to date.

I began Figure Ice-Skating at the age of eight and entered many competitions throughout the UK . I feel that dancing contributed enormously to my balance, flexibility and artistic impression which were often reflected in my marks.

I have just qualified as a physiotherapist and the skills gained in my formative years as a dancer such as working as part of a team, class teaching, correct posture and stretching exercises will, I am sure help me during my career.

One of my long term goals is possibly to have a physiotherapy role in a major dance school, where I will be able to empathise with injured dancers, thus being able to treat them more effectively."

Hannah Campbell

"I am now a full time mum to a beautiful 3 and a half year old daughter, Mia who has inherited my passion for dance and the arts. If it weren't for the fact that you guys are 45mins away, I would certainly be bringing her to you for dance lessons!! How's that for an advert! Without question of a doubt, Sheila instilled in me a passion for dance. Lets face it - I was never going to be a dancer: wrong build for a start, but I was always encouraged, praised and developed to reach the potential I had. I learned a great deal about myself, and became a very focussed and driven individual. Show work was what I thrived on, and to this day, I still enjoy the opportunity to perform, one way or another. Sheila had a huge influence on my career as I went to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and gained a First Class degree in Theatre Studies, then went on to do a PGCE in Drama and Theatre Arts. Prior to Mia's birth I was the Head of Drama at Brynteg School in Bridgend, teaching Drama up to 'A' Level . Like Sheila, I like to think I have passed on some of my enthusiasm to other young people. For now I am focussing on Mia, but who knows what's around the corner."

Anna Bevan

"I started dancing at the age of 9 and gave up in mid teens as I discovered boys instead! My time at dance school was one of the happiest times of my life- I had fun doing something I enjoyed with my friends! I did singing, tap, ballet and modern, though tap was my favourite. . . think I liked the noise it made most! I remember all the shows we used to do, I appeared in two professional shows that came to the Grand, sang on television and got a silver medal in a dance competition. Although I loved to sing and dance I did get quite nervous before a performance, and so decided a performing career wasn't for me. However recently I have sung in pubs and clubs as an adult. I have two children now and live in Brighton and I'm starting a course soon, access to health, as I really want to become a nurse! Very different from dancing but I have great memories of my time as a child star in Sheila's school!!"

Theresa Short  

"I attended the Counterpoint School at Vocational level for two years, before successfully auditioning for Bird's College of Performing Arts in London . I found the quality of teaching and the choice of classes available at Counterpoint fantastic, and an excellent foundation to life at full time dance school. Since graduating in 2000 I have worked for both Matrix and Stadium theatre on worldwide ocean liners and P&0. I also danced in the contemporary company 'H2O'. I have had several opportunities to teach at Counterpoint and have always found the pupils extremely disciplined and enthusiastic. In short, a pleasure to teach!"

Lucy Heale

"After my time at Counterpoint, I went on to train at The Welsh College of Music and Drama. So pleased to hear that the dance school is still going. I have lots of happy memories of the dance school and Sheila. The Exams. The Shows. The Pink Catsuits!!! Great fun. I was never going to become the Worlds greatest dancer (You should have seen just how unflexible my Plie's were !!) - but I learned heaps and am still using it to this day in my job as an actress. It's amazing how many routines you have to learn! I am still acting, although dabling now and then with directing and casting when things get quiet. Things are slightly trickier at the moment as I am six months pregnant so parts are more sporadic. I have for most of this year been working as a casting assistant. We often cast things with kids in so if we ever need any Welsh bods I'll know who to call. May the dance school continue for many years to come so others can share in such fond memories."

Tonya Smith xx

"I attended Counterpoint School of Performing Arts from the age of ten to sixteen. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there where I was able to study a variety of different styles of dance all under the one roof. I received a strong classical training which I am very thankful for as it has stood me in good stead for all other dance disciplines. The teachers are friendly and encouraging and take a personal interest in every student.

Whilst at Counterpoint I took numerous examinations in Ballet, Tap and Modern as well as getting the opportunity to perform on stage a number of times a year. With the guidance and encouragement of the teachers at Counterpoint, age sixteen I auditioned for a number of top dance schools and received a scholarship place at The Northern Ballet School, Manchester. Whilst at college I got the chance to perfom in a number of musical productions at the Dancehouse Theatre, Manchester as well as appearing on 'I Love Top of the Pops' for BBC Television and Jimmy Carrs comedy night for Channel 4. I studied there for three years gaining a diploma in Dance and Performing Arts as well as an ISTD Ballet Associate Teaching qualification.. Upon graduating in 2004 I took a job with Costa Cruise Liners for a nine month contract, and since then I have performed in Gala shows in the UK and India and am currently working in the production shows on board the QE2."

Cerys Rooke