Reigate School of Modern Theatre Dance

I used to dance at the RSTD at the Coleman Redland Centre once a week. I was a senior student and my class was at Intermediate Level.

In January every two years, we began preparations and rehearsals for a dance show performed at the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill. The Reigate School of Ballet would join us, so we would have modern, tap and ballet numbers. Performances were in May, typically a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night with a Saturday Matinee. One year, all hell broke loose when a power cut affected the theatre and half of Redhill. The show had to be cancelled and instead we crammed in two performances a day over the weekend, only stopping for a McDonald's down the road in between shows!

That year, (1999), the show was called 'Let's Dance' and I was in two numbers. One was a James Bond/Mission Impossible style and one was called Planet Love which was more futuristic. We all wore silver costumes and had dry ice all over the stage! We have had various themes like 'Read all about it!', (newspaper), 'All around the World' and 'Time and Time Again'. Every time the show turned out to be a complete success and it was my favourite part of dancing.

When we were not doing a show, we learned dances or exercises, ultimately for our exam so that we could move up a class. I enjoyed this because our teacher, Nikki, was wonderful and she always made it fun. I made many friends through dance and we were known to be completely insane and our lessons were usually hilarious!

I recommend this school, from the bottom of my heart, to anyone thinking of taking up dance of any sort. The teachers are friendly, dedicated and only want the best for you. You can make new friends instantly and the shows are brilliant. I was really sad when I had to leave for university because I have danced since Grade 1. I started when I was seven years old, so I had been dancing for 10 years. It gave me the best feeling inside and doesn't even feel like exercise because it is so much fun, in a fantastic atmosphere.

Nikki welcomes anyone wanting to try it out and if you don't want to do exams that's fine too. There is also a Free Jazz class, where you make up dances every week, so every week is different. You can come along to try it out before you start paying for any lessons, so there is no pressure.

Administrative Address:

Miss Nikki Owen

1 Hill View Drive

Redhill, Surrey

RH1 4DG

Telephone Number: 01737 773727