Testimonials
I got the privilege to teach the students at The HH Dance company a couple of times in the past year, including the amazing summer school. The professionalism and sheer talent from the students was fantastic.
What I find so wonderful about the company is the students are always willing to push themselves, regardless whether they feel comfortable in the styles being taught, but they always find the enjoyment in learning new skills.
There is such a wonderful sense of encouragement from teachers through to the students as they support each other so well, which I believe is the key to creating the perfect environment to learn.
What I particularly love about the company is even if you are not sure whether you would like to pursue theatre as a career, as long as you have a passion and a want to learn you are encouraged to get stuck in. This also allows for those students who do want to pursue a career in the Theatre to gain the skills and confidence to progress and achieve those goals.
I would say to anyone thinking about joining, GO FOR IT. You will be given the opportunity to work with amazing creatives from the industry and learn many styles (and make new friends). It’s a win win situation. Get signed up now.
Ella-Jane Thomas
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
(First worked with us in July 2021)
Doing classes like PTD and Ballet with the HH Dance Company put me in a really good position to be able to audition for drama schools. I can say, without question, that these classes put me on the path that lead me to where I am today and I’m so grateful for everything I learnt.
When I first started classes in year 11 I’d never danced before, let alone danced whilst acting and singing, but the teaching and encouragement I received allowed me to push myself to improve and get to a point where I was ready for drama school.
Helen and the various tutors working in association with the company know the skills and mindset required to progress in the industry and they approach the training with such individual care and consideration, allowing each person to grow at their own pace no matter where their strengths and weaknesses lie.
Ballet, Jazz and Tap are necessary skills in Musical Theatre training and the more experience you have prior to drama school, if that’s what you’d like to do, the more you’ll be able to progress and develop when you’re there. If you start from a higher level you can continue to build on it even further! Even if further Musical Theatre training isn’t a path you’d like to pursue, these classes help hugely with building a high level of fitness and strength useful for a healthy lifestyle and provide the necessary skills to maintain this level after you move on.
The classes also create such a strong and positive group environment which, for me, left me with friendships and memories to last forever.
In summary, I learnt and did things I never would’ve thought I could do whilst at the HH Dance Company and being a part of it truly shaped who I am and lead me to the path I’m on now, which I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Ollie Magor
Mountview Academy, London
(Left HHDC in August 2021)
I have been working closely with The HH Dance Company for over a year now, and it’s somewhere I will keep coming back to over and over again. The students have such a joyful energy and are dedicated to constantly improving and achieving goals they set for themselves.
Teaching at The HH Dance Company is so rewarding as it not only allows myself to share the skills I have learnt over the years with a whole new generation of performers, but there is so much that I take from these classes to.
Helen creates a very supportive environment for both students and tutors alike- she also provides amazing opportunities for everyone involved. As a creative, to have the chance to develop ideas and ultimately create professionally staged pieces of work with young budding performers is an absolute dream. Helen has worked hard to create as many bridges as possible with some amazing tutors straight from some of the best shows London (and more) has to offer and it’s truly an honour to work so regularly amongst such a strong and exciting line up of professionals. The future is very promising!
Mark Houston
Arts Educational School, London
(First worked with us in August 2020)
I don’t think there has been a class that I have taught at Ringwood where I haven’t laughed out loud.
I am proud to be a teacher for The HH Dance Company.
It’s ability to include everyone whilst keeping the classes to a high level of skill makes things a little tricky for a teacher but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I couldn’t recommend enough for their professionalism, love of teaching and kindness.
Charlie Stemp
Laine Theatre Arts, London
(First worked with us in August 2020)
When I started teaching for the HH Dance Company, I was immediately struck by not only the drive and commitment of the staff and students, but also the sheer enjoyment that everybody seems to take from the work that they do.
Whether it be in beginners tap, or audition prep with the senior students, I always feel extremely lucky to be part of a process which is the perfect blend of fun, graft and professionalism. Whatever someone’s level of ability, I can’t imagine a better environment for young adults to flourish as both performers and people.
Sam O’Rourke
Arts Educational School, London
(First worked with us in August 2021)
Teaching for me is all about energy and commitment, if there is no energy it’s hard work. At HHDC I never have to worry about this. Every time I teach I’m faced with fantastic energy, focus, dedication and commitment, which makes it a joy. I’ve taught the older students and the younger students alike and the support everyone shows each other is infectious.
I think the staff at HHDC provide vital training and support to anyone who wants to advance their career in the performing arts industry or even people who enjoy performing but don’t necessarily want to continue it as a career as there are so many transferable skills taught. It’s important to create a supportive and professional environment to give students a real leg up for what ever path they decide to take and I feel Helen and her team manage this extremely well.
Oliver Ramsdale
Laine Theatre Arts
(First worked with us in June 2021)
It’s a joy working with the students at The HHDC! Helen and the team have created a safe, inclusive environment where students can learn, have fun and create lifelong friendships. As someone who grew up in a theatrical environment, I have experienced first-hand how the skills learned in Performing Arts can transfer into adult life. The company is passing on this knowledge and setting up young people to take on whatever they decide to do in life with confidence, creativity and resilience.
Charlotte O’Rourke
Guildford School of Acting
(First worked with us in December 2021)
I am lucky enough to have been involved with HHDC for the last couple of years and it has been an absolute joy. The opportunities Helen has created for students is everything I could have wished for at school and is equalled by the care and passion that goes into everything offered. I love returning, as I am given so much creative freedom and I am so fortunate to have had this much teaching experience already, at this point in my training/career. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge with the students, and are always blown away by their dedication. It really inspired me to see these young performers grow so much. This industry is all about connections and Helen has always managed to create groups of incredible people, who are as kind and supportive as they are talented. It is a privilege to work along side them. I am excited to see how the company continues to grow!
Zoe Mayall
Laine Theatre Arts
(First worked with us in August 2020)
Whenever I teach at The HHDC, the students’ energy and focus are brilliant, and they clearly enjoy being part of the company! Whether learning basic techniques or preparing for drama school, Helen has created a relaxed environment where students can be themselves, gain confidence and be creative. The skills learnt at The HHDC are invaluable, and I look forward to watching the students succeed in the future.
Jordan Mills
Guildford School of Acting
(First worked with us in November 2021)
The Helen Hawkins Dance Company 