Awards Night 2024

About last Saturday Night... Saturday 15th of June we had our 2024 Annual Awards Night! WOW! We can't thank our team of staff, our pupils and all our supporters for making it the night it was. We had an absolute ball and its all thanks to our amazing TDC family. Your dedication and support always amazes us, thank you. 

We have to praise our dedicated staff for all the time they have given up to make another amazing event possible, and to all the helpers in the background. On this night we also celebrated our teacher Jordyn's birthday, she would like to thank everyone for their thoughtful gifts and cards, helping her celebrate, embarrassing her and always reminding her of how old she's getting. We also sadly began to say our goodbyes to our wonderful Abby, It's not quite farewell yet as she continues to dedicate herself to TDC in supporting us through our last show with her. However, from September we will no longer have Abby as part of our staff. Saturday night we congratulated her on being awarded her First class degree in Primary teaching and wished her the best of luck as she fulfills her dreams and hard work of becoming a Teacher this year. Well done again Abby, we will miss you!

Now it's time to look back at this year's award winners and give them the praise and spotlight they deserve. This year was harder than ever to narrow it down, our winners are a reflection of going the extra mile, their dedication to dance, the love for TDC and having that extra sparkle that shines in class. All our TDC pupils never stop blowing us away in classes, rehearsals and even in their kind and giving nature coming into class each week, that's why we take the time to award them all with a medal for their hard work each year and put on this night to help us celebrate. But as we continue to grow and more us sparkle brighter each week, it becomes harder and harder to select a small group of deserving winners. So this year we will also be looking at presenting awards at our first floor show in December! Here's a reminder of our special winners from our Awards Night 2024 and the reasons why they have sparkled for us, as presented by our teachers; Jordyn, Ellie, Emma W and our Principle Emma M. 

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Recognition Announcement - Eliza Domanska

Before we get started, we would like to recognise a pupil we are sadly saying goodbye to this month, as she moves country, we would like to congratulate all she has achieved with us these past few years and thank her and her family for all their support. I hope you all join me in wishing Eliza the best of luck at her new dance school in Poland. 

TDC Stretch and skill stand out – Ruby Irvine 

I have the pleasure of announcing this year's first award, our stretch and skills stand out. This year we have watched this pupil achieve new skills over and over, growing with confidence in herself and building beautiful strength and technique in her movements. She is a quiet hard worker, who loves every moment of class, we can’t wait to see what else she can achieve in level 3. We hope this award allows you to build your confidence and keep wowing us with your perfect lines. Our TDC Stretch and skills stand out is Ruby Irvine.

TDC Versatility Award – Georgia Oliver 

Our next award goes to a pupil who is thriving across all styles of dance. We want to recognise that it is a big step moving into Junior classes from preschool and being introduced to a whole new world of dance. This pupil has done it all from impressing us with their knowledge of ballet steps, coming into class with a new skill every week (skills that not many 6 yr olds can do), to wowing us with their performance in classes like Musical theatre and hip hop. We want to highlight our all her hard work this year with our TDC Versatility Award. Well done Georgia Oliver.

TDC Rising Star Award – Erin Wilson 

This year’s rising Star award goes to a pupil who has had an incredible dance journey with us, from being a timid pre-schooler and struggling with confidence to now being a standout in all her classes. I can always rely on her to remember the steps, support others, and have the biggest smile when performing. Her continued hard work and dedication is shown every week, especially when she shows up to class with not 1 but 2 new skills she worked on at home. Looking at how far she’s come we know she’s born to be a star. Our 2024 Rising star is Erin Wilson.

Little Miss TDC 2024 – Lily Harkness 

Our first of 2 new awards, Our Little Miss TDC 2024. This award represents all that TDC is when it comes to our school values, having a love and passion for dance and being a true performer. For being just 4 years old we can tell this girl has all of these traits, from her first day we could recognise a natural talent for dance, she never misses a beat, knows every song we use, and can move her hips bigger and better than any of her teachers. Not only is she a wee mover, but she is also kind, polite and helpful in class, she is a joy to teach! That’s why our little Miss TDC 2024 is Lily Harkness.

TDC Spirit of Dance Award - Lucy Davidson

The spirit of dance award goes to someone who presents a positive attitude towards everything involved at TDC. This girl has worked extremely hard to overcome a major injury which resulted in her missing out on classes last year. She has worked extra hard since August and made the most of all the classes she attends. The improvement of this girl is amazing from her beautiful technique to her ability to take on and understand corrections given by her teachers. This girl continuously strives to improve herself and it shows with the skills she’s gained in gymnastics including back handspring, side Aerials and standing back tucks. She is an absolute dream to teach for all staff and we are lucky to have her in our dance school as she presents a great model to all other kids. Well done Lucy Davidson.

TDC Crew Superstar – Noah Hill

This award is going to a boy who we feel has progressed so much this year. He has been working so hard to build his confidence and it definitely shows as the improvement in his dancing is amazing. His leadership skills in class are fantastic and he acts as a great role model to the younger kids in class. He is so kind to everyone and offers his help every week with the mats and tidying up. I am so proud of him, and I cannot wait for his family to see the difference in him this year, especially the confidence he shows in his freestyle. Your TDC Crew superstar is Noah Hill.

TDC Commitment Award - Ellie Millar

This award goes to a special dancer who is very hardworking and dedicated to her classes. Not only is it her first year with us, but it is also her first year trying dance as a hobby. We know this is not an easy thing to do, especially at senior level but this girl has blown us away with her improvements in every class she attends. Her work ethic is second to none and it is evident to all staff that this girl, not only works hard at class but goes home and practices until she is perfect. We are proud of her progression over the past year and can’t wait for her to showcase this in August at our show. Our TDC Commitment Award goes to Ellie Millar.

TDC Spotlight Award - Hope Pate

This award is given to an individual who we feel deserves recognition for their consistent hard work and determination throughout their time at TDC. This girl shines through in every class she attends and exceeds all expectations. She motivates others as she faces all challenges with a positive attitude. Her journey as a dancer has amazed us all over the past year. She is a pleasure to have in class and we can all rely on her making us laugh. It has been lovely to watch the little ones look up to her when she has been helping in classes and it is evident, she is loved by all when she’s welcomed by cuddles every week. Having missed our last two shows, we can’t wait to see her perform in the show this year. Our Spotlight award goes to Hope Pate.

TDC Miss TDC Award - Millie Friels

Miss TDC award is a new award this year. The award has been created to recognise students who exemplify our values at TDC. Those who inspire not only their teachers but their peers too and who’s passion for dance shines through in every class.

It is hard to put into words how amazing this little girl is. She only started dance classes with TDC this year and WOW the potential this girl has is phenomenal! She is one of the youngest pupils in our intermediate classes but watching her you would never know. Her technique is stunning, and her performance skills bring us close to tears every week. But most of all the determination and work ethic she shows just blows us away. We are so proud of her improvements this year and look forward to seeing what her future brings. I’m so excited for everyone to see how wonderful she is in this year’s show. Our Little Miss TDC is Millie Friels.

TDC Broadway Superstar – Emily Holmes

I have the pleasure of presenting the ‘TDC BROADWAY SUPERSTAR AWARD’ to an

exceptionally talented individual. This child has dazzled us all with incredible performances,

showing a level of dedication, skill and passion that truly sets them apart. Their boundless

energy and ability to captivate an audience reminds us all of the magic in what we do.

Tonight, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the bright future that lies ahead.

Congratulations, Emily Holmes. You are our Broadway Superstar!

TDC Most Improved Newcomer – Eilidh Hoynes

It is now a pleasure to present the ‘Most Improved Newcomer Award’ to a remarkable

young individual. This child has shown extraordinary growth, dedication, and determination,

transforming from a promising beginner into a standout performer in a short time. Their hardwork, positive attitude and willingness to learn have truly paid off, inspiring us all with their journey. Congratulation Eilidh Hoynes - You are our Most Improved Newcomer.

TDC Personality of the Year - Annalucia Defendi

It is a joy to present the ‘Personality of the Year award’ to a truly outstanding individual. This

young person has lit up our TDC family with their vibrant spirit, kindness and infectious.

enthusiasm. Their positive attitude and warm presence have made a lasting impact on

everyone around them, embodying the very best of what it means to shine from within.

Congratulations Annalucia Defendi. You are our Personality of the year!

TDC Recognition Award – Jennifer Thomson

It is a privilege to present these flowers as a token of recognition to one of our older pupils.

who has been a cornerstone of our TDC family for many years. This student’s dedication,

resilience and unwavering commitment have set a great example for all within our TDC family. Her journey with us has been filled with many ups and downs and we felt it necessary to give her an award of recognition as we have seen her grow into a mentor to other pupils within her class without even realising it. She has a natural ability for making others feel included and welcome and really is a joy to teach. Please join me in congratulating Jennifer Thomson.

TDC Teacher’s Choice Award - Charlotte Thomson 

Our teacher’s choice award goes to a girl who having only just moved up to intermediates has worked so hard and is excelling in every class she takes.  She is a very kind and helpful little girl and makes a conscious effort to help others in class.  When she first joined our TDC family she was very shy and timid however her confidence has grown, and she is a completely different girl. Her attendance is close to perfection and she’s always immaculate in school uniform.  Gymnastics was a style she struggled with however this year she’s came on leaps and bounds, with her determination and this is evident with how amazing her cartwheels and handstands are now looking.  Overall, she has been a standout in all areas this year and we are so proud of her progression. Well done Charlotte Thomson.

TDC Most Determined Individual - Ariella Dempsey  

This award goes to a remarkable little girl who has a phenomenal ability to remember all her dances for the show at the level she can as she is only 5. Her technical ability is outstanding, and she has massively improved over the last year. She is the youngest pupil in level 3 gymnastics and advanced Acro but works just as hard as everyone else (oldest is 16) She had a rocky start due to being one of the youngest but has been amazing at persevering through and it’s been worth it as her level of ability in gymnastics is amazing for her age.  She’s always smiling and its clear TDC is her happy place.  She is great at remembering the choreography and always knows not only her own space but everyone else spaces. This girl never stops practicing and enjoys coming into to class to showcase what she’s learned at home to the staff and her peers. For a primary 1 its crazy to think just how amazing she will be in years to come.  She really is a superstar!  

 TDC Achievement Award - Conor Murdoch

This award goes to a little boy who I absolutely adore and have enjoyed watching him grow from day 1. He started a few years ago and used to have a meltdown from the minute he entered the room.  We continued to persevere and reassured his Mum that once we had him in within minutes, he would settle which he did and since then has never looked back. It has been such a privilege to watch this little boy develop his dance and performance skills but ultimately, we’ve seen him grow as a person too. He’s adapted amazingly well to new teaching staff and to a variety of different dance styles he’s achieved such an immense amount over such a short period of time, and we look forward to his new journey in the junior class.  

TDC 2024 Scholarship Winner - Christopher Donnelly

This year’s scholarship winner goes to a highly committed and hardworking individual. Their passion for learning and their ability to learn moves quickly is to be admired. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide a child with the opportunity to participate in the dance school in a variety of different styles free of charge. There is no limit to the number of classes you can attend whilst on our TDC scholarship and we believe that this individual would be the most grateful pupil to receive this award. This year’s Scholarship winner goes to our very own Michael Jackson … Christopher.

TDC Rainbow Memorial Award - Skye Knowles

The winner of this award goes to a little girl who hascompletely immersed herself inall her classes this year. She hasgone from strength to strength inall of her classes and as a result has come on leaps and bounds. She is the most respectful andhardworking little girl who is the perfect role model for all pupils at TDC. She is a true inspiration and the perfect example of what hard work, commitment and determination can achieve. Our Rainbow Memorial award winner is … Skye Knowles.

Well done again to all our incredible winners!

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Our professional photos 2024.

Check out the link for all our magic mirror snaps as well!

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Well done and thank you all... Let's continue to dance together, dance forever. Support one another and continue to grow as dancers, performers and wonderful individuals (as you all already are). 123... TDC.