Dance

Haberdashers’ Monmouth School of Dance: Dance for Life

Vision Statement:

To provide a nationally acclaimed ‘Centre of Dance in Education’ with a holistic approach based on the intrinsic values of movement and dance pivotal to Rudolf Laban’s creative process, combining physical and psychological well-being: connecting mind to body.

Mission Statement:

We don’t just teach dance – we educate through dance.  We like to set trends, not follow them and our ethos centres around the enjoyment and intrinsic benefits of dance which enhance both physical, and psychological well-being.   Our Model is unique, creative and Innovative.  With a 25-Year history, it continuously evolves to suit the ever-changing needs of our students and community.  We employ a nurturing and supportive ‘Dance for All’ ethos: all-inclusive but with opportunities for excellence.  Our Dance in Education develops the individual and promotes skills for life: self-esteem, confidence, creativity, co-operation, communication, collaboration, discipline, focus, and determination.  This artistic insight and literacy of dance contributes to success in all aspects of life.

We are a dynamic Department whose core principles of teaching and training come from Rudolf Laban’s systematic analysis of movement.  Laban’s theories have had a strong influence across many fields including: education, theatre, industry and therapy.  We adopt his holistic and multidisciplinary approach and align with the Monmouth Schools’ focus on developing well-being.  Consequently, the innate benefits of dance and Laban’s notion of ‘Wholeness’ could not be more current.

Curriculum Dance has a strong position within the Physical Education Programme as one of the core disciplines which focusses on developing body management.  It allows all students access to Dance & Movement and provides an alternative to the more traditional sports and team games. Whilst we offer technical training, examinations and qualifications, choreographic process and sharing a love of movement is always at the core.  Students are fully involved in the creative processes and encouraged to devise their own work and lead choreography.  We promote diversity of styles, individuality and an open approach – providing performance platforms at every opportunity.  Our performance projects frequently involve cross-curricular elements, so students also broaden their knowledge through the medium of dance.

The schools’ affiliation with a network of former students has created a long-lasting legacy for those who participated in our dance programme.  Countless ex-students still dance for pleasure, fitness and well-being; while a number have gone on to make dance their profession, or frequently return to support school productions.  This is directly attributable to our passion, strength of community and high-quality tuition and our ‘Dance for Life’ philosophy.

Ms Rhyan Parry
Head of Dance

Year 10 creative dance group performing an interpretation of ‘The Book of Ruth'

Year 10 creative dance group performing an interpretation of ‘The Book of Ruth'

Year 10 creative dance group performing an interpretation of ‘The Book of Ruth'

Year 10 creative dance group performing an interpretation of ‘The Book of Ruth'