Sarah Martin
Dance Teacher & Choreographer
GRADUATES
Graduates of WBYDC have gone on to train professionally at prestigious dance & theatre schools such as London Contemporary Dance School, Laban, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Millennium Performing Arts, IAB Barcelona, LIPA, London Studio Centre, Bird College, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Read College and the University of Chichester.
We have also got England Rugby stars as ex-WBYDC members
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/rugby-world-cup-dancing-has-helped-148883
WBYDC Graduate Testimonials
Cameron - 2022 Westie Graduate, currently studying at Northern School of Contemporary Dance
Although my time at WBYDC was not as long as I would have liked due to Covid, I was lucky enough to have found a family where I was supported and allowed to creatively express and grow. Sarah is such a talented dancer and teacher, with a rare ability to connect with her students and create individual and unique bonds with all. I could not recommend WBYDC enough to anyone who loves dancing or wants to begin their dance journey as no matter what experience you’ve had, you are encouraged and taught new skills that are incredibly valuable not only in the dance world, but also in day to day life!! I’m incredibly proud of the dancer I am today and I owe all of that to Sarah!!
Alexandra - Graduate of the BA Hons course in Dance at the Institute of the Arts in Barcelona
West Berkshire Youth Dance Company isn’t just a dance company, we are, including the ones who have graduated, a family. My time at WBYDC has enabled me to grow tremendously within the field of work I wish to pursue. With a main focus in the styles of contemporary and jazz I have been able to develop my technique as well as find out who I am as a dancer; which can sometimes be hard to find at a young age. The multiple opportunities we were given as a company and the beautiful memories made, has honestly changed me, not only as an individual but as an overall dancer and performer.
Friday nights used to be the highlight of my week knowing I had class to go to, not forgetting our fantastic days out as a family and the incredible theatres which we performed in.
All credit goes to Sarah for sharing her talents and for always believing in us, pushing us to achieve our absolute best. If it wasn’t for WBYDC I wouldn’t have had the confidence to audition and continue to develop my knowledge, training and technique at the Institute of the Arts, Barcelona as I complete my degree.
WBYDC will always have a special place in my heart, it is where my training started, it made me who I am today and for that Sarah, I thank you.
Matt - Graduate of the BA Hons Contemporary Dance course at Laban
I really enjoyed my time at WBYDC meeting likeminded people and working with them in a professional yet fun environment. I was really supported by Sarah who helped me decide on what to do with my dance career and also helped improve my technique and performance qualities.
WBYDC has definitely helped me get to where I am today. The opportunities to perform were invaluable and helped teach me how to work within a company
Harriet - Graduate of the University of Chichester where she studied dance
WBYDC had such a fun and welcoming atmosphere that I looked forward to every class. I loved the fact we did both a contemporary and jazz routine and being able to contribute towards choreographing the pieces. My time at WBYDC helped push me out of my comfort zone, and also gave me a chance to really dance just for the love of dancing, I feel everyone needs to have that.
Ewan - Graduate of the BA Hons course in Dance at the Institute of the Arts in Barcelona
For two years I was a member of West Berkshire Youth Dance Company and within this time I have made friendships that will last a life time, role models to look up to that follow the same dreams as you and a second family with a supportive group of dancers.
Being a part of WBYDC allowed me to develop into a more versatile dancer, training in styles that were new to me, which has helped me massively now that I am studding at the Institute of the Arts in Barcelona. WBYDC gave me the fundamental skills and an open minded attitude towards different styles to allow me to develop my technique.
Also being a part of Westies allowed me to become a more confident performer as I was provided with inspiring performances opportunities, which has given me a mature attitude towards show work allowing me to strive towards my goals of performing professional works on stage.
All of this would not of been made possible if Sarah didn't push me to my limits to help me fulfill my potential as a dancer. The two years were an unforgettable experience and I am grateful that I got the opportunity to be part of a company like WBYDC. Once a Westie always a Westie.
