Dance with a Difference - Testimonials

"I grew up in a teaching environment – my mother was a qualified teacher had her own schools in speech and drama and all forms of dance, for all age groups both young and old. Latterly she also became one of the senior examiners with the L.A.M.D.A board of speech and drama and was with them for twenty years travelling the length and breadth of the country. In fact she didn't retire from L.A.M.D.A till she was 75 and was still teaching aged 80 when sadly she had a series of small strokes. However some of her students continued to visit her and many were inspired by her to go into the teaching profession – one of her students now runs her own school of dance and drama  in London.

Sadly Mum passed away Christmas 2009 but left a wonderful legacy.

I started dancing as a toddler at Mum's school and then went on to train at The Arts Educational School of dance and drama education.

I aspired to be a ballerina though sadly I grew too big.

However, though it was tough because we were breaking new ground, I still made an interesting and innovating career in dance, as a founder member of the dance group Pan's People. Pan was a muse of dance and music, which is why we took his name. We were together from the mid sixties and early seventies dancing on many shows but had  a regular spot on the BBC TV Show 'Top of The Pops'.

We are still all in touch today.

Decades after I retired and had married with two grown children, I still found the disciplines learnt through dancing helped me, especially when in 2000-2001, inspired by some friends and a wonderful sponsor, I joined 'Team Veritas' for Sir Chay Blyth's 'BT Global Challenge' a round the world sailing race for amateurs with a professional Skipper. I mention this since all those disciplines learned through dancing and sailing still hold good today a decade later.

Dance, music and drama are all wonderful ways of expression. From a toddler to an OAP, whether disabled or not, there are no boundaries and from simple movement to complicated steps all are enjoyable and rewarding.

Sadly, I have learned thatI don't have the necessary dedication and skills for teaching, but growing up in the teaching environment with my mother, has shown me the love and dedication, hard work and patience required for teaching, so I applaud the work you are doing with your youngsters whether disabled or not. Long may you continue to teach and inspire.

Warm good wishes to you and all with Dance with A Difference."

(Babs Powell, Pan's People)

"Hi Linda Great Value! Thank you for the dance with a difference box with all the resources included. It is very assessable for most to teach and children to gain many skills while having fun dancing. I particularly was impressed by the presentation and professional clarity of the syllabus and lessons. To have suitable music as well was fantastic as to find the right music is a nightmare usually; but this was all included - Great!...., I look forward to many happy dance sessions a head, especially with SN children integrated and catered for as an all inclusive dance programme So....... a big Thank you! Karen Fleetcroft PDDS,PDCDS"
(Karen Fleetcroft, 16 Aug 2011)

"This programme looks fabulous. I teach all age groups and have children in my classes that have asperges syndrome, autism and other special needs. I can fully understand how your programme would cater for their loves and needs to fulfil them in their creative learning journey. Well done Mary Grigg Principal Tap 'n' Groove Children's Dance Workshop CDET Recognised School"
(Mrs Mary Grigg, 13 Aug 2011)

""I have just recieved my Business in a Box, and I have to say I'm absolutely thrilled and delighted with its contents. It is a fabulous mix of resources and syllabus information that will, I'm sure, enable me to deliver a quality activity for children who take part in my classes.

This is a first class package that is really good value, and to anyone who's considering "Dance with a Difference, Business in a Box" , I throughly recommend it."

Lynda Burroughs,

Approved D.W.A.D Instructor"
(Lynda Burroughs, 01 Jul 2011)

"My son Callum loves your Dance with a Difference class and it has helped him so much with both his fine and gross motor skills and his social interaction with the others in his class. It is lovely that at long last children who are less able can do a fun activity that helps them with their additional needs."
(Vicky Gouldbourn, 20 May 2011)

"Very well organised throughout children engaging well and very happy. Good clear instructions with positive praise Lovely group activity with lots of different resources to keep children interested. Meeting someone from the wider community, extending their communication skills, group work which needs turn taking. Awareness of health needs, understanding shapes, colours, balance of body, working in a space with others."
(Shalfleet Little Explorers Pre-School, 20 Feb 2011)

"Children love it! All of it replicates our aim teaching re EYFS so reinforces Children's learning and meets profile statement. Confidence and socialisation skills. Good to engage with other adults."
(West Wight Nursery, 08 Feb 2011)

"My daughter Eleanor is 11 years old and has Down Syndrome and she attends dance classes. Eleanor has always adored dancing and for many years we have looked for a class that she could join. This was no easy task as most were unsuitable and a few unwilling to take Eleanor, so it was wonderful to learn that Miss Linda was going to start a class aimed at children with special needs. Eleanor thoroughly enjoys her time there every week and mentions it most days that we are not going! She feels so proud of herself when she gets praised for what she has achieved and praise is given readily and genuinely by Miss Linda, Miss Charlotte and of course all of the parents. The moves that she learns help with her balance and coordination, all achieved in a fun accessible way. Also her sense of achievement is a joy to see as is that of the other children that attend. I cannot praise Miss Linda, Miss Charlotte and the rest of the team enough for making this a possibility for Eleanor."
(Eleanor's Mum, 14 Jan 2011)

"I would just like to say how happy we are that our little one has achieved so much within your dance group in the west wight. As you know she has complex special needs, adhd, asd, and we did not know if she would even try dancing...how wrong we were, what with your expertise and your patience she has blossomed into a very confident child who loves her dancing, the ballet making her gracefull and an elegant young lady, tap to channel the energy she has, and all this followed by freestyle, I cannot say how much we thank you for all this. Our little one has concentration issues and prefers her own company and we have noticed of how since dancing she has been mixing with the other children and actually she is concentrating better, this is due to how you know how to handle her and get her to try through having a joke at these times, thank you linda xx"
(Margaret From West Wight, 12 Dec 2010)

"The Children are very focused on the session, join in and the teacher gets the attention of the whole group. All of it is fun, especially the mime. The children learn to listen and focus, they use co-ordination and use their whole bodies and join in the physical activity which all children need."
(Yarmouth Little Stars Pre-School, 07 Aug 2010)

"The sessions are a great success with the children looking forward to each session. The children enjoy all of it. Balance and co-ordination, seeing how exercise benefits them, turn taking, thinking creatively, listening skills and so on."
(Freshwater Early Years Centre Pre-School, 09 Mar 2010)