Adele Meads School of Dance and Performing Arts is a renowned dance school located in Denbigh, New Zealand. Situated at Abram's Lane, just off Chapel Street, the school boasts a main studio, a smaller studio, a changing room, and a comfortable waiting area.
The school was founded in 1960 by Adele Meads with only six pupils. However, by 1964, the school had already established itself and begun to thrive. In April 2014, Miss Fiona Rees, the granddaughter of Adele Meads, took over as the school's principal. Assisting her as the deputy principal is Mrs.
Patsy Rees, Adele Meads' daughter. In addition to ballet, modern, tap, disco, and musical theatre classes, musical theatre classes are taught by Mrs. Nia Roberts, a well-known singing and music teacher in the area.
The primary aim of the Adele Meads School of Dance and Performing Arts has always been to maintain a high standard of teaching and discipline while nurturing pupils in a caring and friendly environment. The school accepts children from as young as 2 years old, starting with the Melody Bear movement classes. Patsy Rees, who underwent all her training at the school and is a Licentiate of the Allied Dancing Association, plays a crucial role in upholding the school's standards.
The curriculum at the school is diverse and includes ballet, modern, tap, disco, musical theatre, and Melody Bear movement classes for the youngest pupils. Pupils are encouraged to work towards dance grade examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance and the Allied Dancing Association, as well as musical theatre singing grades with the London College of Music (for musical theatre pupils only). However, these examinations are not mandatory. Senior students are also given the opportunity to work towards major examinations, and the school is immensely proud of its outstanding examination results in both grades and majors.
Miss Fiona Rees, the school's principal, trained at Adele Meads before receiving a full-time placement at Merseyside Dance and Drama College in Liverpool. She graduated in 1992 and is a fully registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance. Fiona is also a Fellow of the Allied Dancing Association and has been working as an examiner, visiting other schools and conducting examinations.
The Adele Meads School of Dance and Performing Arts recently celebrated its 60th anniversary at Trefnant village hall with pupils and parents. They also had the privilege of watching their former pupil, Amber Davies, perform in the West End production of 9 to 5, showcasing her incredible talent.
The school is actively involved in various community events and charity shows. They have been invited to participate in “Chance 2 Shine” at the Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl on Sunday, November 8th, in support of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. The school also organises performances and grade examination sessions with the Allied Dancing Association, with pupils consistently achieving commendable and honourable results. In addition, the school has been invited to take part in the Got to Sing Got to Dance charity show involving various dance and drama schools at the Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl, showcasing the talent of their pupils.
The Adele Meads School of Dance and Performing Arts warmly welcomes all students who have joined the school since September 2014 and continues to provide exceptional dance education, fostering a love and appreciation for the performing arts in students of all ages and abilities.