About HDH Dance
HDH Dance was set up by owner & Principal Hannah, in 2017. We are based in the town of Heywood, in Greater Manchester. We have a diverse timetable offering classes from age 18 months.
The timetable also offers a range of genres, from Mini Ballet, to Acro, Contemporary and Street Dance. We have classes to suit all abilities, with our fun recreational classes, to our more advanced.
We perform yearly shows, giving all of our dancers the opportunity to shine in-front of their families and friends, we also enter competitions and events throughout the year.
We host annual events, such as Christmas parties, Halloween parties, Summer fares and half term camps. Providing a chance for dancers to bond outside of the studio which helps us in promoting that family feel, which is so important to us.
Our Values & Ethos
The core values of our school are always to create a safe environment for our dancers to be creative. Freedom for expression whilst also learning dance technique is something we always balance within our lessons and timetable.
We care greatly about the physical and mental benefits dance promotes, which we strive to implement into the culture of our school; from physical fitness embedded into every class, to encouraging our dancers to have positive self talk, kindness to others, create positive relationships and gain a sense of accomplishment.
We also aim to provide our dancers with skills for lifelong learning, meaning the skills they gain with us, will be transferable & used to benefit them throughout the rest of their lives.
Skills, Training & Qualifications
Hannah - BA Hons in Dance Studies, Contemporary Dance Studies
PGCE Level 5 in Teaching & Learning. Whilst Hannah has lifelong experience of dance, including Street Dance, Acro & Contemporary, Hannah has both college and University formal training in Contemporary Dance. Before setting up HDH Dance, Hannah taught education in an SEN provision for 10 years to children ages 11-19 years. Hannah is also a qualified First Aid trainer.
Ellie - Graduate from MADD, Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama.
Ellie has lifelong dance experience as well as studying Musical Theatre as a Dance Major. Whilst attending MADD, Ellie took part in 3 years worth of advanced dance training in a range of styles from leading experts in the industry.
Following on from this, Ellie travelled to Los Angeles for intensive dance training in both commercial, house and lyrical dance styles.
As a school we take the responsibility of the children in our care very seriously, and ensure we have a strong CPD department.
Our training consists of...
Safeguarding Level 2
Child Protection
Pediatric First Aid
Safer Working Practice With Children
Professionalism
Health & Safety
Along with regular Dance & Acro CPD courses, we are also a fully insured dance school. We have an extensive list of policies and procedures which can be viewed at any time on request.
Meet Us
Hannah Humphries
HDH Dance Principal
​Hannah is the HDH Dance Principal and teacher of Contemporary Dance & Acro.
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Hannah is of course passionate about all things Dance, and strives to create a friendly & supportive culture throughout her school to allow dancers to have a safe space to truly be themselves.
However the part which is really close to her heart is the benefits of what dance brings to lives in the wider perspective, such as special friendships, lifelong transferable skills, physical and mental fitness, along with a special community to allow children to thrive and gain a sense of accomplishment.
Ellie Neville
HDH Street & Lyrical Dance Teacher
Ellie is a Street/Lyrical teacher at HDH, and for Ellie dance is the closest thing to magic! She believes it allows you to express feelings you can’t always put into words, connecting dance to the feeling of being free and unapologetically yourself.
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Ellie is also passionate about the mental and social benefits that come along with being a dancer, such as your wellbeing, and making connections with people who can relate to the way you’re expressing yourself and how you feel. These are special types of bonds, which Ellie believes are important to have in your life.Especially from a young age. After all, dance friends make the best friends!
When teaching she loves creating an inclusive and supportive environment where students of all levels can explore their creativity in a safe environment, creating friendships and sharing the art of Dance together.
Karen McCarthy
Designated Safeguarding Lead
With over 30 years experience in the Social Care sector, Karen has strong child centered values and is passionate about the safety of children in all settings-especially being a safeguarding trainer for professionals. Karen is Hannah’s Mum, and already had a natural involvement in HDH, so when it was time to appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead, it felt right for Karen to take on this role.
Karen guides the staff at HDH with their annual training and policies and procedures for all things childcare. The way we run at HDH is ever changing and evolving with the times, to keep everything running as smoothly and safely as possible thanks to her input. Karen also loves to volunteer at shows and events, after all-she spent most her time watching Hannah dance growing up! She now hopes her Granddaughter will have the same love for dance, so that she can make new memories watching her. ​
Pat Neville
Admin & Receptionist
Pat is our wonderful admin and receptionist at HDH, she has the warmest and calming nature, the children and the parents love her! She also keeps the team on track with her natural passion for organisation. Pat also has years of experience in the dance world, watching her daughter Ellie for all of these years.
Pat provides lots of reassurance to parents who may be struggling with children who are shy, as she went through this process with Ellie, who she is so proud of now she’s on the other side and oozing confidence! Pat is also in charge of all uniform orders, so if you require uniform for your dancer-she is your lady!
Our Dancer Leaders
At HDH we have our own tailored programme to give our senior dancers an opportunity to develop their leadership skills.
Dancers who are interested in this role apply and express why they feel they would be an asset to the teaching team at HDH Dance.
Once the team has been chosen, they are then provided with training, and assist our teachers in classes-with responsibilities such as; leading warm ups, giving corrections, 1:1 support for dancers who may be struggling, supporting teachers with choreography, and demonstrating technique. They also help at our annual shows by dancing on stage with our younger classes to help them feel confident!
The dance leaders are the ultimate role models and inspiration for the rest of our dancers, we are so lucky to have them!
The skills learned throughout this programme are then transferable for whichever future education/career path they choose, it’s a great opportunity for life long learning and building confidence.
Our current cohort of dance leaders are Eva, Lissy, Leah, Olivia and Brooke. They are all amazing and looked up too by all!