Killester School of Ballet was established in 1974 by Ann Coffey, to offer classes to children and young people in the Classical ballet syllabi, both graded and vocational of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), the vocational Classical syllabus of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and the Modern Theatre Dance syllabus , both graded and vocational of the ISTD. Ann’s wish was not just to share the happiness that dance can give , but , through dance, to nurture, encourage and help young people to become competent, confident and enriched by their dancing experience. For 25 years, its home was in the British Legion Hall, in Abbeyfield, Killester and many hundreds of students were trained and examined in this landmark building.
In September 2004, the school moved into its new home at St. Brigid’s Parish Resource Centre. The centre is beautifully situated beside the peace garden and has excellent facilities. Parents on Saturdays can bring their children in to class and have refreshments in the coffee dock while they wait.
As more of her students were taking their dance studies to vocational level, Ann decided in 2002 , to expand the Modern Theatre branch of the school and invited Sarah Brophy to teach this work at all levels. Ann's daughter, Lisa, having completed her teacher training in both Ballet and Modern Theatre Dance at Inchicore College, Dublin, was accepted at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Dance in London, where she undertook a BA ( Hons) in Dance Theatre. On its completion in 2010, Lisa returned to Dublin to work as a Contemporary Dance Artist and to teach. Lisa teaches both Ballet and Contemporary Dance within the school.
Laura O'Callaghan, one of Ann's most advanced students, having completed her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) in 2009 joined the teaching staff of the school, while her sister Ruth, who also completed the CBTS course in 2010 is a guest teacher with the school. Both girls were mentored by Ann during their teaching course.
It is Ann’s vision that, with a close knit family of teachers, the unique ethos of the school will continue far into the future.
Mission Statement
The mission of Killester School of Ballet and Modern Dance is to provide training in Classical Ballet and Modern Dance to professional standard for children and young adults. The School is dedicated to creating a safe, understanding and encouraging environment, that enables children and young people to appropriately develop both mind and body through this training. Each student is valued, nurtured and encouraged and it is hoped that their experience in the school will enrich their future, provide happy memories and encourage a lifelong love of dance.
About the School
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