About Me - Training and where I am now
I began dancing at the age of three, at Frances Bleasdale School of Dancing and have never looked back. After passing my Advanced 1 Cecchetti Ballet, ISTD Intermediate Foundation Modern Theatre and Advanced 1 ISTD Tap, I started full time dance school at the age of 18.
From September 2011 - July 2014, I completed three years full-time dance training at Kate Simmons Dance Ltd and Preston College. At these schools, I trained in many genres of dance to include Ballet, Pointework, Tap, Modern Theatre, Jazz, Street/Commercial, Contemporary, (mainly Graham) Musical Theatre and Classical Spanish.
I took part in the shows at KSD Ltd and Preston College, meaning I have performance experience at The Brindley, Runcorn, The Lowry, Salford, The Charter Theatre, Preston and The Royal Albert Hall, London, where I took part in the 2012 Dance Proms.
During my time at KSD Ltd, I was also able to take part in two tours of the school's shows to various Primary and Secondary schools in the area. As well as rehearsing, travelling and dancing in the touring shows, I helped with the setting up and packing of the lino, lights, fixing and creating costumes, props etc, so I got used to life on tour.
After the shows, we would often provide the children who had watched with a workshop. It was up to the students of KSD Ltd to set up and teach some of the simpler parts of the choreography from the show to the children. I received an award from the teachers at KSD Ltd for getting stuck in with all aspects of touring life, including aiding a child with Down's Syndrome in one of the workshops.
During my full-time training, I was also able to study for and pass my teaching qualifications to DDE level in Cecchetti Ballet and ISTD Modern Theatre and Tap.
At Preston College, I passed a Foundation Degree in Teaching Dance in the Private Sector, a qualification to stand alongside my Cecchetti and ISTD teaching certificates. This is a two year course which I managed to cover in one year.
At both full-time schools, I was also able to pass Advanced 2 ISTD Tap, up to Grade 3 in Classical Spanish, Intermediate ISTD Modern and Advanced 1 ISTD Modern, a challenging exam for which I received a 98% Distinction.
After finishing my full-time education, I passed my Advanced 2 Cecchetti Ballet exam in July 2014, with Distinction. This exam requires a very high level of technique, performance and a good standard of pointework.
I currently work at Frances Bleasdale School of Dancing in Bolton, where I teach Cecchetti Ballet, ISTD Tap and Modern and Street.
I teach pupils from age three to adult and really enjoy it. I love to watch the students as they grow and learn. Helping them to achieve their dreams is an amazing plus to my job!
I also work in modelling, dancing, TV and film work and freelance dance teaching. As my dance teaching job in Bolton is flexible, I am able to work in these areas at most times of the day and usually, at short notice.
Please see PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE for more information concerning my history of professional work. This area of my career is ever expanding, so please keep checking back to see my most recent experiences in the professional world.
To keep myself fit whilst teaching and in between jobs, I attend regular weekly classes in Ballet, Pilates, Zumba, Stretch, Pole Fitness, Yoga and Aerial Hoop. I am currently working towards my Cecchetti Diploma Ballet exam, a very technically demanding syllabus. I am also training for my Licentiate examinations for Cecchetti Ballet and ISTD Tap and Modern, the next level of teaching qualification.
I would consider myself as reliable, very hard-working, punctual, a great performer and easy to work with. I can take direction very well and love to get involved in new experiences and situations. I can pick up choreography quickly, and am also able to improvise well. I would love the opportunity to travel with work.
Please scroll down to find a few recommendations from previous employers, which have been taken from my Star Now and PurplePort profiles.
From my Star Now Profile
Steve F - Film / Stage Crew / Photographer
April 12th, 2016
"Laura was asked to model for a series of single/album covers and was a total professional. She turned up early, was helpful around the studio and was lovely to be around. She took direction well and delivered spot-on poses every time . I highly recommend Laura for any project, if you want someone who is dedicated and joy to work with. Steve Fitzhulme."
Recommended: Dancer, Model
Nigel Clothier - Musician
April 1st, 2016
Recommended for: Female Models Needed for Rock Band Album Cover Shoot
"Kept in touch about requirements of job from casting to shoot day. Therefore ready to hit the ground running. Worked to a high standard, accepting direction well and keen to get best result. Very professional approach - I would have no hesitation working with Laura again or in recommending her to others."
Recommended: Model
Vince Biggs - Photographer
March 9th, 2016
"I had the very great pleasure of working with Laura recently on a Dance Photoshoot. Enthusiastic, energetic, patient and took direction well. Had a terrific time and produced a set of excellent images togeather. Looking forward to working again with Laura."
Recommended: Dancer, Model
From my PurplePort Profile
David Bannister said...
I had my 1st shoot with Laura last weekend, After a few weeks of discussions and planning it turned out to be a fantastic shoot.
Very enthusiastic and worked tirelessly. A pity we couldn't do some dance photos but time was against us.
Even though Laura is a long way from me I hope to work with her again soon.
I thoroughly recommend Laura.
July 3rd, 2016
VinceB said...
I had the pleasure of working with Laura back in March, before she joined PP.
Really nice to work with, enthusiastic and worked tirelessly to get "the shot". An excellent shoot which has already managed 2 F.P,I's. Professional, punctual and plenty of ideas to contribute.
Although quite some way from me, we have already started to plan our second shoot and I'm very much looking forward to our next shoot.
Welcome to PP Laura
Very Highly Recommended
March 2016
Uniquemoment said...
This is the first time I have worked with Laura. She has a natural beauty and was really easy to work with. Pre shoot communications were great and she is very easy to talk to. Laura needed very little direction and I captured some fantastic shots of her and her Dalmatian Juno.
I look forward to working with her again in the near future.
Uniquemoment.co.uk
June 2016