Liss Forest Ballet School is a prominent ballet school located in Liss, Greatham, and Petersfield, Hampshire. The school's primary goal is to inspire and foster a lifelong love for Classical Ballet in its students. Regardless of natural ability, the school believes that with fun and encouragement, dance can bring immense joy and become a passion to perform, teach, or observe.
The training at Liss Forest Ballet School focuses on developing good stance, grace, fitness, and confidence – all of which are valuable transferable skills in life. Children are encouraged to strive for the highest possible standard within their capabilities, whether they dance for recreation or aspire to become professional dancers. Classical Ballet training also equips students with the ability to learn other dance styles and complements the ones they have already acquired. It also instils a love and appreciation for all styles of music, which is an integral part of dance.
The school does not only cater to children, but also welcomes adults who wish to relive their childhood memories of ballet or discover a new passion for the art form. The classes for both children and adults are filled with fun and excitement, as the highly technical nature of ballet is balanced with a focus on enjoyment. Achievements in dance are celebrated, regardless of whether students choose to take exams or not. The school motto is “DO IT WITH THY MIGHT,” reflecting the commitment and dedication that the students and teachers bring to their craft.
Liss Forest Ballet School has a history of producing successful dancers who have gone on to train at prestigious institutions such as the Central School of Ballet, Laban Conservatoire, Tring Park, KS Dance, and Young Dancer's Academy for full-time vocational training. In addition, the school has had students accepted as Cecchetti Scholars, Associates with the Royal Ballet School, Cecchetti Ballet, Central School, and Ballet Boost; as well as performing with the London Children's Ballet and English Youth Ballet. The qualifications earned at Liss Forest Ballet School, which come with UCAS points, have also helped students secure offers for various BA Hons studies including Theatre Studies, Film Studies, and Sports Therapy.
Dancers who achieve success at the Intermediate level are qualified for teacher training DDE Level 4, while many students use dance as their physical section for the Duke of Edinburgh award. Every child at Liss Forest Ballet School gets the opportunity to perform in school shows, and talented and confident students are given opportunities to participate in competitions and local appearances. The school believes that performing lies at the heart of the art, and when coupled with a strong technique, it allows for the development of style, musicality, and confidence.
The principal of Liss Forest Ballet School is Yolande Parkin, who has an impressive background in ballet. She won a scholarship to Elmhurst Ballet School at the age of eleven and trained under the guidance of esteemed dancers such as Bridget Espinosa, Dame Alicia Markova, Ronald Emblen, Terence Etheridge, and Leslie Edwards. After a professional dancing career in various styles with the Italian Operetta Company and Masque Dance Theatre (MDT), Yolande pursued a new artistic career in interior design, fabric management, and buying. However, she returned to her first love – ballet – after a twelve-year hiatus.
Yolande's initial training in the Cecchetti Method with Gillian Dawson (F. I. S. T.
D. and Examiner) laid the foundation for her teaching career. She has since gained the ISTD's highest teaching qualification of Fellowship, as well as Cecchetti Vocational exams to Adv2.
The biennial performances at Liss Forest Ballet School are a culmination of Yolande's diverse experiences, resulting in a refreshing and unique take on the traditional school show. Yolande has also contributed to the dance community by teaching for the Cecchetti Associates, choreographing for the Cecchetti Children's Awards, writing pupil summaries for Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and funding the Dance Prize for The Petersfield School. Her passion for ballet and dedication to her students make her an inspiring and respected figure in the dance world.
In summary, Liss Forest Ballet School is a place where students of all ages and abilities can discover the joy of Classical Ballet. The school's emphasis on quality training, enjoyment, and fostering a lifelong love for dance sets it apart. Whether students aspire to become professional dancers, teachers, or simply want to experience the beauty of ballet, Liss Forest Ballet School provides a nurturing and supportive environment for all.