“Growing my students’ confidence, whilst growing my own” – Meet Ana-Mai

Meet Ana-Mai!
Meet Ana-Mai Addenbrooke, who is one of our dance teachers at Razzamataz Sheffield. Ana-Mai started in January 2020 and had to quickly pivot to online teaching during the pandemic. She is currently the dance teacher for 7 hours on a Saturday delivering classes to the upper school ages 9-18 and Project Intense Phase 2, a class that delves into the more technical aspect of dance. Ana-Mai is also our Enrolment Co-ordinator welcoming all our new students!
Ana-Mai says “I had what is probably a very typical dance background. I started at the age of two and dance quickly became the only thing that I was interested in. I went through all the dance exams and became a ballet scholar. I attended the summer schools at the Royal Ballet and after leaving school, was offered a place at the Northern Ballet School in Manchester where I studied Musical Theatre.

In between auditioning, I had always taught but mostly adult classes. When I saw the vacancy at Razzamataz Sheffield, it was so appealing because I would get to share my passion and creativity with young people who could then find their own path. However, I lacked confidence in myself and was concerned this would be a drawback”

 

“Being part of the Razzamataz team and working with the students was the catalyst to believe in myself more, build my personal development and create relationships with students, all of which gave me more self-belief. Our team is so supportive and there is a lovely atmosphere at the school, all of which led to me now having the confidence to take on the main dance teaching position within the school as well as other roles.”

 
 

What do you love about being a Razzamataz teacher?

Being able to build relationships and a rapport with students means that you can really be there for them. So many young people have a lot going on in their life but once they step into their local Razzamataz, it is their safe space. As a teacher, you can gauge whether they are having a bad day and you can turn that around for them, which is incredibly special. Working at Razzamataz means that I have been able to develop many different avenues such as mentoring, progressing creative projects and due to the opportunity to start working in the Razzamataz Sheffield office two years ago, I’ve learnt new skills on the business side of running a theatre school. The balance of the admin with the creative is very enjoyable and has helped me gain new skills. This has also increased my confidence and has made me a better teacher because I understand the whole process including the importance of customer services, because I’m the first point of contact for all parents.

What are the benefits of performing arts training?

It gives children and young people the tools to express themselves. Sharing the space with other like-minded individuals also gives them the confidence to explore their individuality and develop everyday life skills. It’s a great experience for all people and what’s more it’s fun.
 

Your advice for young people?

Performing arts is an incredible industry but you must learn to be adaptable. At Razzamataz, we need to change things at short notice if something is not working out and that is true for the industry in general. Bring your strengths to the role because you are uniquely you. Have belief in yourself and understand that we are all works in progress. Whatever age you are, it’s important to recognise that confidence is something that you need to keep working on and building within yourself.
 

Want to join our Razz Family? 

Team Members – Razzamataz Theatre Schools Sheffield have a team of over 15 talented teachers and assistants and often have opportunities to join the team as their timetable grows. With many people starting out as work experience placements or Assistants and progressing to teachers or Managers within the school.

Students – To find out more or book a free trial session for children age 2-18 contact the Razzamataz Sheffield team on 07979189177 or email sheffield@razzamataz.co.uk.

Alternatively you can respond to this email with:
– Your name and contact number
– Your child’s name & DOB and a member of our team will be in touch soon️.

Classes are held every Saturday during term time at Meadowhead School.
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