10/08/2023
It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the closure of Northern Dance stars at the end of August. I have had an amazing 16 year run, with some incredible highs as well as quite a few lows. Along the journey I have had hundreds of fantastic children and parents through the school. Some of those pupils are now pursuing their own successful careers. Most of the people through my doors have become and remained good friends. I have met some lovely professionals who I hope will remain in touch. I have enjoyed meeting parents and pupils from other schools all over the country.
I have a mountain of fantastic memories made with so many people, I will treasure forever.
But for now I need a break from Freestyle and Dance in general. This rollercoaster ride that we are all on is amazing when we are riding high and devasting when we are low. If we are lucky enough the lows are few and far between and we are able to recover before the next one. For the most part this was my journey. This changed during lock down. Like everyone I struggled mentally personally and professionally to maintain my enthusiasm for life and work in general. Once out of lockdown I kept telling myself it would all go back to normal soon. For me it didn’t. life and work was just not the same. I have had a terrible few years personally and normally dance and work would be my escape. However it starting to save me less and less and instead help drag me down. Those lows that previously I was able to recover from, all of a sudden were too often to deal with.
I have felt for a while now that I am only treading water and not actually getting anywhere. For the most part I have tried to keep going to save face. However is it really worth it when it is dragging me down so much.
I love dance and for the most part the freestyle world and I was beginning to dread and resent it, which I don’t want.
I have spoken to my school tonight and am working with them to get them into the school of their choice. I would like to thank those that have stuck by be over the years and especially in recent months in whatever capacity. I am eternally grateful. I would like to wish every single pupil past and present the best of luck within dance or whatever they decide to pursue.
I will still be running my two competitions that I have booked for this year and would love to see some of you there on 20th August and 10th December.
I will still be Adjudicating and look forward to being invited to some new and different comps.
I will be leaving Blue dolphin the very capable hands of Karen and Joanne and I would like to publicly thank them for the support and friendship I have had over the years.
I will continue to run West Denton Community Centre.
However this is a not a pity post. Since making the decision. I have felt a massive weight has been lifted and I have had a new lease of life about my future. My children are both adults now and will be following their own dreams and flying the nest in September. Which leaves me free to take my life in a new direction and give myself new challenges. I am very excited about my plans and really feel this is the right time for me.
I hope you all stay in touch and include me in any celebrations and news. I will always be available for advice or a moan.
For the most part anyone who has ever met me will have a funny story and memory. That’s what I am taking away now. I am leaving the negativity all in the past.
I hope to bump in to you all in the near future when hopefully you will see a new me!
