Nicholson School of Dance .

Principal - Annette Nicholson.

Former student of The Royal ballet School and senior soloist with Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet, Annette started her teaching profession in 1997, teaching for The Royal Ballet school associate programme in London and then in Birmingham where she still teaches on Saturdays

Through local demand she established her own school in 2004 with a "taster" session for 15 girls.

The school now holds approximately 95 pupils specialising in classical ballet.

Pupils can attend once or twice per week depending on the age group as classes are held at different centres during the week.

All age groups are catered for, starting age 3 with creative dance as an introduction to ballet, through to teenage years.

Annette believes that dance should mainly be about enjoyment but also strongly endorses a good discipline and encourages her students to have a sense of pride in their appearance.

They should arrive at lessons well prepared.

These skills will prepare them well in all walks of life.

Internal exams are held at the end of the Spring term.

Past examiners have included professional teachers from vocational schools and members of Birmingham Royal Ballet.

This is seen as a positive experience enabling the students to monitor their progress, for which they will receive a certificate.

The Summer term concludes with an informal "show" for parents and students to observe each other's work and be inspired.

Whether children come to dance for fun or exercise, or both, Annette is able to recognise more serious, talented dancers and through her experience and many connections in the ballet world is able to point students in the right direction to maximise their training.

Private coaching has enabled dedicated and talented dancers to gain places at vocational schools in London and Birmingham.