Making a difference to the community with dance

• When did you open your dance school?

I opened in 1997. I teach freestyle/commercial jazz classes for all ages and abilities. Fun and funky dance routines to pop music and musical theatre numbers, the adults are definitely the naughtiest group – we have such a laugh!

• What is your background in dance?

I began dancing on the Isle of Wight, aged eight years old. My first ever teacher was Ann Stephanie, who went on to form the Roly Polys with Les Dawson. I took my dance exams with International Dance Teachers Association and became a qualified dance teacher. It has always been my dream to open my own school.

• Where else do you teach?

I also teach dance classes for the wonderful children at PACSO, a local charity that supports children with disabilities and their families. This week they had me dancing around my lounge dressed as a pirate – the window cleaner nearly fell off his ladder laughing! I am also part of the team that set up and run Chichester Down Syndrome Support Group Dance Crew. I teach classes for adults with learning disabilities at Aldingbourne Trust, Apuldram Centre and other local residential homes, as well as leading movement to music classes for people living with Dementia in local care homes and, until recently, at Sage House.

• How has lockdown affected your business?

Lockdown has been very hard. I totally agree that we all have to be careful and protect each other, but I have cried many tears. My whole adult life has revolved around dance and I felt very lost at the start of lockdown. I am working very hard to get back up and running again. I have been posting daily dance routines on my Facebook page, Keep Calm and Dance On, which I started to keep my dancers moving and smiling during lockdown. I have started teaching my dance classes online – the adventures of mastering Zoom have been a whole new challenge! I am so excited to get back to teaching on Monday, September 14. Risk assessment has been completed and we have plans in place to keep everyone safe. In the meantime we will continue dance classes on Zoom and outside. Nothing will stop us dancing.

• Is dance more than just good exercise?

I have built up good relationships with many who are living with dementia or have a learning disability and I see how dance is so much more than exercise to them. It helps them come out of their shell, to communicate, forget their worries or just have fun. One of my dear dancers always says, ‘I love your class; I forget I am old when I dance with you’. I am very proud to making a difference to the community.

• Where can we find more information?

You can find more information at www.suzannehilldance.co.uk or contact me on 07880 733680. For the most up-to-date information on classes visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SuzanneHillSchoolOfDance

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