CHESTER'S AWARD WINNING DANCE ACADEMY
The Professional Choice for Pre-Vocational Dance Training
Meet the team
Our small team structure empowers us to provide a high-quality, personalised dance education that is tailored to the specific needs of each child, ultimately enriching their learning journey and ensuring that they receive the attention and support they deserve.
Sophie Day | CBTS, Dip TCL, RADRTS and Affiliate
Teacher of The Royal Ballet School (ATAP)
Principal
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With a deep passion for dance and years of training and performance experience, Sophie is a Royal Academy of Dance Teacher Training Mentor committed to helping the next generation of dancers achieve greatness. Sophie is also one of only 55 teachers globally who has the prestigious accolade of being a Royal Ballet School Affiliated Teacher.
Sophie trained at The Hammond School Associates from the age of three, and successfully auditioned for the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain and joined them in their Millennium Season at age ten. She was a Hammond Dance Associate, (now known as Hammond Associates Programme) and made it to the short wait list for the Royal Ballet Junior Associates programme.
After a successful audition, MBNA granted Sophie a scholarship at the age of 11 to begin her full-time vocational dance training at the Hammond School, Chester. Later, at age 16, she was awarded a Dance and Drama Award to continue her training there. Sophie graduated in 2009 with a Distinction and a Level 6 TRINITY diploma in Professional Dance.
Teaching had always been Sophie's real passion and long-time career goal, and on completion of her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies, she was awarded the Registered Teachers Status by The Royal Academy of Dance.
Sophie established SGDA because she felt so passionately about wanting to create a fair, positive, and encouraging environment for children to train. She fully understands the importance of each student and strives to provide the best learning experience for each individual, Sophie has nurtured an environment of peer encouragement and appreciation, rather than that of rivalries and competition.
Sophie has an exceptional eye for spotting talent and potential in young dancers, and with her extensive teaching experience, she ensures that dancers realise and achieve their potential.
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Qualifications and Training:
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The Hammond School | Chester
Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance | TRINITY College London
Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies | The Royal Academy of Dance, London
Acrobatics Instructor | Acrobatic Arts, USA
NATD Registered Teacher | National Association of Teacher's of Dancing
Counselling Children and Adolescents | Diploma
Autism Awareness Diploma
Child Safeguarding Qualification | NSPCC
First Aid Qualification
Fire Marshall Qualification
Pointe Safe Certified Instructor | SF Performing Arts Physiotherapy, San Francisco
Affiliate Teacher of The Royal Ballet School | The Royal Ballet School, London
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Awards:
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Recognised Teacher Award | 2016+ | Council for Dance and Musical Theatre
Recognised School | 2016+ | Council for Dance and Musical Theatre
Top Dance School in Chester | 2020+ | Three Best Rated
Service Excellence - Chester | 2024 | Prestige Awards
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Lucy Warburton | CBTS, Dip TCL, RADRTS
Dance Educator
Lucy Warburton's passion for dance ignited at the age of six, leading her to commence formal training under the mentorship of Sophie Day at the age of 10. As the inaugural student at SGDA, Lucy flourished within the academy's training environment, it was through this training that she became a Hammond Dance Associate by the age of 13.
Lucy secured a coveted place on The Hammond School's Post-16 Professional Dance Course. Initially granted a scholarship, she later earned a Dance and Drama Award.
Lucy's teaching days commenced as a Student Assistant at SGDA from 2011 to 2016, evolving into roles as a Teaching Assistant and Cover Teacher until 2019. Since 2019, she has been an integral member of the SGDA Teaching Staff, leveraging a decade of experience to nurture students in alignment with the academy's ethos, mirroring the esteemed teaching style of Mrs. Day.
Now a fully qualified teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, Lucy consistently fosters the growth and development of each student under her guidance. Her pedagogy emphasises discipline, impeccable dance technique, and the cultivation of self-confidence in her students.
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Qualifications and Training:
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The Hammond School | Chester
Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance | TRINITY College London
Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies | The Royal Academy of Dance, London
Matwork Stage One Instructor | MK Pilates
First Aid Qualification
Fire Marshall Qualification
Child Safeguarding Certification | NSPCC
Student Assistants
At SGDA, we have a Student Assistant Programme where selected students with a strong work ethic and a talent for connecting with younger dancers provide valuable support in class. They assist fellow dancers, demonstrate techniques, and take charge briefly if needed. These student assistants play a key role in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment at our academy.
