Newsletter
Winter/Spring 2019
A Message from the Principal
Haslemere Performing Arts is 50 years old this year. Many HPA pupils have gone on to a professional career either in dance or musical theatre. The continued success of HPA lies in both the quality of its staff and because it not only embraces the latest developments but also retains the good of the past.
My thanks to our teachers, Laura Amer, Sabine Simmonds, Tim Spindler, Hannah Williams, Yvonne Jones, Bethany Andrews, and Sophie Weekes. I am grateful to Nadine Alleyne for ‘Front of House’ at Haslewey on Saturdays, and to Marie Hughes who runs our dancewear ‘shop’ on Saturday mornings where you can buy new or pre-loved uniforms, shoes and costumes. Also, many thanks to Nikki Weekes who has helped with the general organisation of our dance show. Nikki’s daughter, Sophie, who has been a pupil with us since the age of 2 1⁄2, will be leaving us at the end of this term to attend the University of South Wales to study mathematics.
Behind the scenes there is always an army of volunteer helpers so I must give my grateful thanks to all those who have helped in whatever capacity.
If you would like to join the teams that make it all possible, please let us know and we will make sure that the right person contacts you.
StageShine (Shine / Little Shiners Children’s Musical Theatre Group)
Mondays at Our Lady of Lourdes 6-13 yr olds : 5.00pm – 6.15pm (£65 per term). Free trial lesson available Classes start back on 7th January 2019.
RAD Ballet Exams
The next session will be March 2019.
Modern and Tap Exams
These will take place in June 2019.
British Arts
The final heat will be Saturday 12th January 2019 at Haslewey (3pm – 6pm). Semi-finals: Havant 22nd – 24th March 2019.
Summer School 2019
Summer school will take place on 29th July – 2nd August 2019, 5th – 9th August 2019. Production to be finalised – any suggestions welcomed! Please email us for details.
Onesies
If anyone would like an HPA hoodie, t-shirt or onesie please order from Marie Hughes. They are available in navy, black or hot pink.
Dance Shop and Second-Hand Festival Costumes
Marie holds a shop alternate Saturdays at Haslewey from 10.30 – 12.00pm. The shop has nearly new and new dancewear,or can order your requirements.
A Big Thank You
A special thank you to all the parents and teachers who helped with our Golden Jubilee Show at the Princes Hall, Aldershot. The show was an outstanding success performing to a full house.
Congratulations
In 2018 at the Chichester Music Festival, our Adult Tap Group won First Place with 87 marks. The dance can be seen in this show (Part 2: No 17). The Mexican & Junior Greek Groups also won trophies with 87 marks each. All pupils did well — unfortunately, too many to list.
At the British Arts Competition, Toula Brockett won the ‘All-Rounder’ award in the Junior Medalist section and Isobel Kidd won the ‘All-Rounder’ award in the Junior Novice section. Other pupils who won places in the British Arts Finals were: Shakira Alleyne, Tia Alleyne, Isobel Chatten, Francesca Clay, Adrienne Johnson, Maisie de’Lemos, Maryam Likohugu, Lila Marshman, Jemima Rowe, Amy Taylor-Eardley, Eva-May Tokar and Dolly Vann. Hampshire Festival results: Highest Mark Classical Duet – Toula Brockett and Isobel Kidd. Highest Mark Lyrical Solo – Martha Woods and Anna MacKinnon. Highest Mark Greek / National Solo – Sophie Weekes and Shakira Alleyne. Junior Aggregate Cup – Toula Brockett. Most Promising Inters – Shakira Alleyne and Tia Alleyne. Senior Aggregate Cup – Sophie Weekes.
Next results in May 2019.
NEWS OF RECENT EX-PUPILS:
Sofia Zaman is continuing into Year 10 at the Royal Ballet School (White Lodge). Jerome Barnes (brother of Shakira and Tia Alleyne) is an Artist with Scottish Ballet. Lavinia Fitzpatrick has joined Strictly Ballroom – The Musical as a ‘Swing Dancer’. She has also been transformed by Disney animators into a pink flamingo in the new Mary Poppins film. Grace Jennings and Fiona Johnston are continuing their dance training at Ballet West in Scotland. Finally, congratulations to Martha Woods for winning a CATS Scholarship. CATS offers a limited number of scholarships for students of exceptional merit.
If you have any suggestions for future classes or workshops, we would be grateful to receive any feedback.
Remember you can contact us and keep up to date with our news via our Facebook page.