Students and their Principal took home an impressive array of awards at this year’s Conference for the Dragons’ Den backed theatre school franchise.
For the third year running, Razzamataz Sheffield was crowned Most Outstanding School as well as scooping Best Team Member and Business Builder.
The dedicated students, staff and Principal beat off stiff competition from almost 50 schools in the Razzamataz network, much to the delight of their Principal Helen Bell, who has been running the school since September 2012.
“I’m incredibly proud to be bringing all these awards back to our team of dedicated students, teachers and staff,” says Helen. “I witness their hard work and dedication every Saturday during class time so it is really lovely that they have been recognised in these national awards. It is the commitment of everyone involved with Razzamataz Sheffield that has allowed our students to flourish and achieve some hugely memorable experiences. This is everyone’s award; our students for their commitment and for inspiring us every single week, to our teachers for their passion and sheer dedication to the school and to our parents for supporting us in everything we do.” 
The Most Outstanding School and Best Team Member Awards were judged by theatre director Max Reynolds, who has worked on a wide range of both West End and touring shows including Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors and The Witches of Eastwick.
Max was blown away by the excellent quality of entries at the Razzamataz Conference but Sheffield came out on top largely because of the positive impact that the school has made in the local community.
“It was clear that the leadership of the school has enabled everyone connected to it to excel,” says Max. “From offering wonderful performing opportunities through to examples of where students have gained in confidence, it was clear that this school goes that extra mile in every element of what they do. I was delighted to award Helen and her team Outstanding School and it’s a huge testament to them that this is the third year of winning in such a competitive area.” 
A great school is truly a team effort, which is why Razzamataz introduced the Award for Best Team Member, which was won this year by Melanie Simpson, the assistant Principal and teacher at Razzamataz Sheffield. “Glowing testimonials from both students and their parents showed that Melanie has made a huge impact in the lives of these young people. Going above and beyond in every area showed me she was a clear winner.”
The third Award, Business Builder, was scooped by Helen for her continued growth of her business and for utilising every available resource. “Helen has such a strong and committed work ethic and she is always the first one to volunteer to try new opportunities,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “We are delighted that Razzamataz Sheffield is the chosen school to trial many of our new products such as Razz Tots and our latest dance based exercise class for adults, Razz Fit.”
The students at Razzamataz Sheffield have had an incredible year including being featured in The Stage newspaper, performing at Meadowhall shopping centre, entertaining at Age UK, performing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End and gaining professional work modelling, appearing on TV and the stage in David Walliams Gangster Granny. Things are looking exciting for 2017 with the latest news that Razzamataz Sheffield will be performing at Disneyland Paris during the 25th anniversary celebrations.
Razzamataz Sheffield have lots more opportunities planned for students throughout the year. Classes are available for children from the age of 2 through to 18. To enquire about availability or book a free taster session, contact Helen Bell on sheffield@razzamataz.co.uk or call 07979189177/0114 3030 455.
