DANCE | FOR THE LOVE OF DANCE

“The emotion and connection you can feel through dance is incredible and watching my students progress and the joy it brings them is what makes me happy. It’s really inspiring.”

FOR THE LOVE OF DANCE

Amal Fawsi founded the Expressive Arts Academy in Nottingham in July 2016 after having worked for an array of dance schools and gymnastics clubs. Enjoying phenomenal success in the 5 years since its conception, the Academy has gone on to win many competitions. Most excitingly, it’s recently been selected to represent team England in Spain this year at the dance World Cup, plus in 2019 - just 3 years after it opened - it became world champion with the amazing Acro duet from Shenea Fawzi and Kyra Chapman. . WHAT LED YOU IN THIS DIRECTION?

I started dancing at the age of 5 and won a scholarship to attend the Arts Educational School in Tring. I’ve always had a love for dance and creativity and it’s been amazing to share it with so many.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT DANCE?

I love the way it makes you feel. The emotion and connection you can feel through dance is incredible and watching my students’ progress and the joy it brings them is what makes me happy. It’s really inspiring.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THE DAY-TO-DAY RUNNING OF THE ACADEMY?

“WHEN YOU TRULY LOVE SOMETHING, HAVE A PASSION FOR IT AND HAVE AN AMAZING BOND, NOTHING WILL STOP YOU FROM DOING IT.”

It can be challenging because being a teacher you wear so many different hats. Making sure you cater to each child’s needs can be hard work. To many of the students, you’re not just their teacher, you become family because we spend so much time together. Lately, the biggest challenge has been keeping everyone motivated and positive on zoom chats during lockdown. But they have been the most supportive group of students and parents during these times and it hasn’t stopped us training and improving.

HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THOSE CHALLENGES?

We’ve managed to overcome these challenges simply because of the fact that when you truly love something, have a passion for it and have an amazing bond, nothing will stop you from doing it.

CAN ANYONE TAKE UP DANCE?

Yes, dance is definitely for anyone. Everyone should try it, no matter their age.

WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE CORE SKILLS YOU NEED TO DO IT?

Everyone has to start somewhere, just like when you first start at the gym. I wouldn’t say you need a core skill, you just have to want to do it or have a love for it. Dance is expressive and comes in many forms.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU?

Even though it’s been a tough time lately with us not being able to be in our studio, I am so excited for the future. We have the dance World Cup in July and so fingers crossed we will be able to get back out there and showcase all the students’ hard work and talents.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WANT YOUR STUDENTS TO TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR TIME AT THE ACADEMY?

That no one is them and that’s what makes them so special. I also would like them to have fallen in love with dance forever. - 43-