Dronfield Eye issue 211 July 2023

EYE on looking good, feeling good
Stepping out with free trial classes
Celebrating ten years at her friendly
Gomersal Lane studio is Dronfield Dance
& Theatre Academy director and principal
Sally Wragg. Dronfield Eye’s Sarah Ashley
called in to enjoy a free trial dance class
W
HEN Sally Wragg began dancing at the age of two,
training at the famed Constance Grant Dance
Centre in Sheffield, little could her family have known that
she was taking the first steps on what would go on to be a
lifetime’s career.
Dronfield’s Sally has now been dancing for 44 years and has 30
years of teaching experience.
She successfully auditioned for professional dance jobs on
cruise ships but turned down those opportunities, realising that
that teaching was her main calling.
“I knew from a young age that I not only wanted to teach, but
wanted my own school,” she explained. “In November, 2011, my
dream came true when I opened my own dance school, starting
from scratch. I had three classes a week, which very quickly grew
and by April, 2013, I moved into my current studio premises, with
two rooms running at the same time, five days a week.”
To meet demand from young and old alike, Sally now employs
three trusted and talented members of staff. She now mainly
coaches teacher training, as well as teaching her adult classes.
“What makes DDTA unique is I also include 'Be Activated', as
well as running workshops. We are the first dance school in
Derbyshire and Yorkshire to include this amazing energyincreasing
technique that not only improves your body’s
performance, but it also reduces the risk of injury.”
Hundreds of local people took their first dancing steps at a
young age with Sally and her team, boosting confidence, having
fun and the freedom to express themselves.
Said Sally: “Learning to dance has many benefits, so much more
than people realise. It gives children and teens the confidence to
not only work as a team but independently too. It teaches
commitment, accountability and to communicate effectively with
others. It develops both body awareness and positive
mindfulness and encourages adaptability, resilience and to the
opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone - which is where
the true magic happens.”
Small group class sizes allow DDTA to give every child the
quality attention they deserve in a fun, safe and nurturing
environment. The Theatre Dance Class includes Ballet, Tap and
D
Sally Wragg: ‘Learning to dance has many benefits’
Freestyle and is the perfect way for your child to make new
friendships.
But Sally gets as much enjoyment out of encouraging adults to
step out too. Adult classes are for people who want to learn to
dance, but are worried they won’t be able to keep up with
everyone or might forget the steps. They are also for those who
danced as a child and would love to start again.
Said Sally: “It’s never too late to learn to dance. No lycra, no
judgement, just great fun! You can forget the pressures of daily
life and put a spring back into your step.”
Full details of DDTA classes, including free to attend trial
sessions for children and adults, are available via
www.dronfielddancetheatre.com
RONFIELD Eye’s Sarah Ashley joined in a free back-to-back DDTA trial session:
“I started with a beginners’ class in Tap. This was the first time I had attended any dance
classes, the only dance I have done before is in a nightclub after a few cheeky drinks.
“When I arrived I was made to feel very welcome and relaxed. As this was the first week of the
class, it was great to start at the same level as the other ladies attending. We began with putting
together a few steps and, once mastered, we then added more steps and progressed until we
had a short routine which was danced to ‘Blame It On The Boogie’. The class was great for
some exercise and was also a lot of fun.
“We then went into a second class - Jazz. This was also a beginners’ class but the other ladies
were four weeks in, so I had to learn fast and get up to speed with the group.
“Again, everyone made me feel very welcome and at ease. Sally started the class with a recap
of the previous weeks and took us through the routine that the rest of the class had previously
learnt. I was surprised that with this been my first ever Jazz class I actually picked up it up fairly
quickly and really enjoyed the class.
“As the class went on and we added more steps to the routine, there may have been a few
wrong steps by myself, but Sally was great and went back over the moves to help me. This
routine was danced to One Night Only from the show Dream Girls.
“Both classes were fabulous and no matter what is going on in the outside world, once you
begin your class all is forgotten and the fun begins.”
Sarah keeps a watchful eye on her Tap instuctor