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Pond-Grainger Performing Arts
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Testimonials from past and present
pupils “I started dancing with PGPA at 4 years old and
loved it so much I didn’t leave until I was in my 20’s! Miss Jakki is an excellent
teacher who inspires her pupils to become the best dancers, singers and
actors they can be. She inspired me so much that I became a teacher myself. The school caters for pupils who want to become
professionals as well as those who want to learn for fun. It’s a great school and I cherish all the amazing
memories I have of my time there” Amanda Cassin BA (Hons) LIDTA
AAC DDI “PGPA is a special place. Everyone is supportive and
friendly. It’s like being part of a second glamorous family! There are so
many different classes on offer and everyone is included and welcome. It has
been great to see Amelia make progress in dancing and work towards IDTA exams
(the school always gets excellent results) but the lessons offer so much more
than just technique. They have built her confidence, kept her fit and
introduced her to a great group of friends. The annual shows and performances in big venues have
given us memories to last a lifetime. Being part of PGPA gives Amelia so many
opportunities both on stage and off. We couldn’t ask for more” Alison Barber “Wow phenomenal!!!! Just fantastic all of the girls
looked so professional!!!! Absolutely amazing xxx well done miss Jakki Grainger”xxx Kelly Robinson Stewart At the age of
6, I went to see one of my friends from school in her 'dancing school show'.
Even at that age, I knew this was no ordinary 'dancing school show': there
was singing, bright costumes, lights, humour, a
live band and lots of different styles of performance. It was a show full of
variety, and I knew I wanted to be up on the stage singing and dancing too!
Fortunately, my parents allowed me to attend, and so for the next 10 years I
was a pupil at the Pond School of Song and Dance - as it was then called! My
younger sister joined the school shortly after me, followed by both my Mum
and Dad at 'adult tap' - so as a family, we have known Jakki,
Paul and the whole family nearing on 40 years! In addition, Paul taught me
piano, and my sister was bridesmaid to Jakki and
Paul when they married! I learnt so
much from Jakki - not just how to dance and the
techniques inherent within that discipline, but also how to put on shows, how
to stage numbers and how to give variety to productions. From the age of 6 to
16, my love of musical theatre was greatly encouraged by Jakki
and when the school put on shows, there were many music and dance styles that
we were all allowed to explore. In class, Jakki
allowed me to be myself - never suppressing my humour,
but always bring firm and fair. The skills I
learnt, both as a dancer and singer at that young age with Jakki have helped me enormously in my career as a
professional director, choreographer and performer. Being able to tap dance
to a high standard, is a skill that I am so grateful
to have. All the songs we learnt for the school shows gave me much musical
history knowledge and opened the door for me to discover similar material -
something I continue to do with my ongoing archival work with song writers.
In addition to directing and choreographing, I also teach BA and MA Musical
Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting at Some teachers
find difficulty in relating to students when they grow up and work
professionally, but Jakki has always been
encouraging and supportive and a regular attendee at my productions. We
always have fun and humour-filled conversation! Here's to the
continued success of Pond-Grainger Performing Arts! Stewart Nicholls
– Director & Choreographer > “Best show, best fun, and best bunch of people. Thankyou to everyone who makes it all happen, and thankyou Miss Jakki, the best
teacher ever.” Joanne Gibbs “I love PGPA because it’s a place where I can be
myself. I love the energy it gives me and the focus for my free time. I love
it that I am always learning something new, and when I started secondary
school it helped my confidence and gave me a voice. I love the shows and
spending time with my friends. My teachers are great at what they do” Amelia Fensome “PGPA is a huge part of our lives and we have been
at the school for the past 24 years. My 4 year old daughter now attends the
school and always comes out of her classes bouncing and happy, just as I used
to. I had so many great opportunities to dance at some fantastic venues. I have made so many memories that will stay with me
forever. If you are looking for a dance school that is fun,
yet professional, PGPA has the perfect balance and I would definitely
recommend.” Clare Collins “I have been at PGPA for 15 years and can honestly
say that being with this school has taught me so much: my confidence rose
with being able to hold myself in front of an audience, how to convey a story
with movement and vocals, and finally, create long lasting relationship. All
of these aspects helped me to develop myself both personally and
professionally contributing towards my appointment of head girl at school. I owe Miss Jakki so much,
PGPA isn’t just a dance school - it’s a family.” Zoe Swann “Thankyou so much for all
your encouragement and the countless amazing opportunities you have given me
over the years. I am so grateful for everything. I have mostly appreciated the love and support you
have given to me and all your students in all that we do. You have enabled me
to build my confidence both as a dancer and a person .
I have loved every second and will continue dancing at university,
I hope to come back in the future, thankyou Miss Jakki.” Gabrielle Law “Thankyou so much for teaching
me to dance for what feels like my whole life! I have loved being part of the Pond Grainger family.
Thankyou so much for giving me wonderful
opportunities, these are some of my best memories. I am very sad to say goodbye.” Sarah Hogben “Lottie and I have been
part of the PGPA family since 2006, before Lottie
even started school. Over the years Lottie has
had so many amazing opportunities. PGPA has been invaluable in teaching Lottie to dance, discipline, confidence and independence
but has also allowed her to develop friendships out of her school
environment, as they say “friends who dance together stay together “. We love our dancing family and the memories that are
made with PGPA.” Suzanne Croft “I have so much love and respect for Miss Jakki, she
is always there for me and has taught me so much!” Hannah Hamilton “I have been at PGPA for 33 years and Lily for 18
years, Miss Jakki has played a positive and
influential part in our lives, we would not be who we are today without Miss Jakki and this amazing dancing family. We love Miss Jakki, she is a teacher and a friend and want to thank her for
simply being the best!” Yolanda & Lily Hotchkiss “ My daughter and
I have enjoyed being part of the PGPA team for the past ten years. Miss Jakki has taught us Tap, ballet, jazz, modern and drama.
There have been numerous amazing opportunities throughout the years which
have been exciting and memory making. We are proud to be part of a family who continue to
grow together and stay life long friends” Lisa Wernick “I have been at PGPA for 19 years and still enjoy
coming to lessons each week! I love the opportunities we get to perform in
shows at exciting venues as well as the friendships we get to make that will
last for years” Emily Warner “Thankyou for the best 11
years of my life, you have taught me so much and I am eternally grateful. I
love you with all my heart.” Freya Anning “I joined the PGPA senior’s a few years ago and even
though I came to the school late from another dance school, I was warmly
welcomed by Miss Jakki and all the lovely people in
the school. I’ve made great friends and love coming to classes each week for
fitness, fun and a catch up with friends!” Amelia Durie ‘Being part of PGPA has been and continues to be an incredible
experience. What makes Pond-Grainger such a special School is
the sense of family and acceptance that you feel the minute you enter your
first class, and that feeling has stayed with me for the 17 years that I have
been with the school.This is so important because
I’ve not always been the most confident performer, but thanks to the hard
work and dedication of our lovely teacher Miss Jakki,
I now absolutely love performing and showcasing the incredible skills I have
learnt. It’s more than a dance school, it’s a family in which we make friends
for life” Abi Gibbs |
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. PGPA