Member Article

Teesside High alumni to launch Middlesbrough dance studio

A former pupil at Teesside High School is set to open a new dance studio in the heart of Middlesbrough, providing a local hub for dance and fitness classes for all ages.

Freelance dance teacher Nadia El Menabawey, who teaches co-curricular activities such as Baby Ballet and Street Dance at Teesside High School, will launch The Loft Studios in April, based in the Forbes Building on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough.

Miss Nadia, as she is known to her pupils, has spent the last six years carving out a successful career in the dance industry after graduating from Masters Performing Arts College in Essex in 2011. Nadia worked in London for two years and returned to her native North East in 2014 to take up a career in teaching.

After a brief break fulfilling a performance contract in Marrakech, Morocco, Miss Nadia returned home with a dream to provide more dance opportunities to Teesside youngsters. “I am so passionate about the dance industry and everything I have been able to achieve as a dancer. Equally, I love teaching and I have always dreamt of being able to open my own studio to provide a facility for aspiring dancers and performers.

“The Loft Studios will provide a modern, spacious environment and all of the facilities needed to teach a range of dance genres and fitness classes such as Zumba and BootyBarre – a fun energetic workout that fuses techniques from dance, Pilates and Yoga.

“I have renovated the entire space within the Forbes Building and fitted a professional sprung floor, which most studios do not benefit from.

“I’m really excited to also provide a space for former professional dancers to come along and train once more. Normally, from this area, we would travel to Newcastle or Leeds to have access to such a space.

“I feel like I’ve come a long way since leaving Teesside High. I have dyslexia, and my teachers were always so supportive in helping me deal with it. They knew my dancing really helped me concentrate and manage my problems. They encouraged me to work hard. I absolutely adored my time at school and am forever grateful to the staff there.”

Nicola Stephens, Deputy Head at Teesside High School, said: “Nadia was an excellent student and participated in a range of sports during her time here. However, it was in dance where Nadia truly shone and we are delighted her career has been so rewarding.

“Nadia is extremely popular with our Prep pupils who she works with on a weekly basis and we are all in full support of her new venture. I am sure The Loft Studios will be a great success.”

The Loft Studios will open in April 2017 on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Samantha Hockney .