Signature School Of Dance

Teachers

For as long as I can remember all I ever wanted to be was a dancer. As a boy growing up in Manchester this was going to cause problems. My parents were dead set against the idea.


I starred in most productions at school singing, dancing or playing one of the many instruments I had mastered. violin, recorder, tenor recorder, bongo drums, steel drums and cello. At the age of 10 I was offered a chance to play with the youth Halle Orchestra. My parents said NO! Undeterred I watched endless musicals, music video’s and danced and sang to my hearts content. At 12 I choreographed a dance routine for my sister and her friend for a local talent contest. Not long after completing a course I excepted a position in a school where I had been training as a teacher. This would encompass another of my passions, the love of children. I took on the role teaching children with learning difficulties. My life seemed fulfilled until a group attended school from the Royal Ballet. I worked alongside the company in workshops with the children. The lead choreographer was impressed with my enthusiasm and gave me the opportunity to help out in workshops in the Salford area.



As my love of dance was rekindled I decided to follow my love of singing and started taking singing lessons from a young professional. I attended lessons one day and was asked if an older gentleman could sit in on the lesson. I had no objections…… by the end of the lesson he introduced himself as a casting director for ‘Les Miserables’ and offered me a short contract whilst the company was in Manchester. I had to make a decision…. . Singing or Teaching. I spoke to my parents and they both agreed to stick to teaching. I was so disappointed, but am now grateful as I have a very successful career in teaching that has spanned 23 years.



Living in Manchester I ended up as a backing dancer for ‘Take That’, ‘Sinitta’, ‘Sonia’ and ‘KWV’. I had great times and memories that will last forever! Then a chance meeting with a young professional thrust me into the world of dance as I know it today! ! I was dancing in a club when he approached me and was amazed I had never been professionally trained. Not long after I joined his school and very quickly started to train freestyle competitors. After a six year partnership and a school that was one of the largest in the Northwest we parted company and Signature school of Dance evolved.



Signature School of Dance is proud to have trained Freestyle Teams, soloists and pairs winning at Brean Sands, Craig Tara, The British and European Championships.


We are exceptionally proud of all of our competitors, medallists and class dancers in Modern Ballroom, Latin American, Sequence, Freestyle, Slow Dance, Rock and Roll, Street Dance, Cheerleading, Salsa, Argentine Tango and Zumba.


Since opening the school I have judged all over the country and been asked to adjudicate all over the world. I have lectured for numerous dance associations and taught workshops up and down the country. Last year saw the launch of C & G dance promotions and we held our first sell out competition in Warrington.


I am very lucky to have found a business and life partner whom I am exceptionally proud of to be part of Signature School of Dance, Mr Chris Simpson. Chris is the one who keeps my head in the clouds, my feet firmly on the floor and my punch bag when things go wrong! To him I am eternally grateful for his fantastic managerial skills, his patience and support and his vision to take us into the future with a bang! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !


I would personally like to thank all of the teachers who I have trained and subsequently taught for me, professionals who have given and taken my advice , competitors whom I have trained, new and old, parents and supporters of the school for all their support and guidance. Without you the school would not be what it is today.


ONE LIFE, ONE CHANCE, ONE DANCE!


GARY

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