We are delighted to introduce the new principal of Artz Dance. Miss Sophie Clarke. Yes that’s right from November 2023, Sophie will start her new role, taking over the baton from Meg Griffin. Sophie is no stranger to Artz Centre life, in fact Sophie has been involved in Artz Dance since it was launched in 2014 and in 2019 was crowned Artz Dancer of the Year. She has since gone on to train professionally at the prestigious Phil Winston’s Theatre Works, where she also gained her IDTA Teaching Diploma in Modern Jazz.
Sophie is no stranger to the students either; having choreographed many dances for countless projects over the last 5 years; including her impressive work with the RSL Advanced classes. This feels very much like a homecoming from one of Artz Centre’s very best.
– Sophie Clarke
Dance & performing has been a life long passion of mine & Artz played a big role in changing it from a hobby I loved, to helping me pursue it as a career. I will be forever grateful for those teachers throughout my life who have pushed me to really believe in myself. I still look up to my previous dance teachers, I aim to become a role model for the younger generation as they did for me. As a former Artz student & dancer of the year, I can’t wait to be stepping into the role of the new principal of dance. I’m excited to work with the students in creating some amazing productions which will show off all the dedication & talent the students have. I will guide the students to learn, dance, believe in themselves & most of all have fun!!
Sophie has already presented her ideas for the future development of Artz Dance, building on the great work that the previous incumbents of the role have started. The first thing she wants to do is, is to re-introduce Totz Dance for pre-schoolers, allowing the youngest of children to benefit from the Artz Centre experience. She is also keen to provide dance for adults as a way of keeping fit and promoting wellbeing and working closely with schools to strengthen that link between arts and education. Sophie also has a particular interest in providing active sessions for the elderly and for people with additional needs.
I am really delighted that we have been able to secure Sophie’s services, to continue in the work that Meg has been doing for the last 3 years. Sophie is an exceptional operator, in both her ability to teach and her ability to choreograph dance. As a former student here she understands first hand the importance of the Artz Centre’s values and has exciting plans to grow the provision even further. Sophie will retain the services of ‘Richie’ who has been an integral part of the school for the last 12 months and will be looking to select old and new peer mentors to become part of her new team. Having another ex- student join my young dynamic leadership team makes me excited and extremely proud. I want to wish Sophie all the very best on what I am sure will be an incredible journey
– Mark Ashton (Executive Director)