Shropshire dance teacher crowned teacher of the year

Opal, from Shrewsbury, teaches dance to Performing Arts students at the Gobowen-based college for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She also runs her own dance school, called Identity School of Dance, in Shrewsbury, where she specialises in classes for children and adults with SEND.

Opal has coached students and youngsters for solo, duo and group dance competitions in street dance, modern and musical theatre, run by Audacity Events. She has supported children and adults to win many awards, so everyone was proud to see her receive her own accolade. Opal was thrilled to win the Audacity Dance Teacher of the Year Award for her work with Identity School of Dance and her work with Derwen Dance Crew (DDC).

Opal was particularly proud to have been nominated by students, parents and colleagues who all wrote compelling statements on why she should be crowned Dance Teacher of the Year.

Opal says: “A parent nominated me for Dance Teacher of the Year, and then many parents and carers, students and staff from Derwen College sent in their nominations of why they think I deserve to be crowned dance teacher of the year. It was heart-warming to read so many lovely comments, especially from students.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard I’d won, as there were hundreds of nominees. I feel extremely proud and lucky. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.”

One parent, whose daughter Chloe attends Derwen College and Identity School of Dance, said: “Opal really does deserve this. Providing opportunities and fun dance classes for so many children and young adults that would never be able to participate. The confidence my daughter has gained from attending dance school is huge. It much more than just dance skills she has gained and continues to shine. Opal you are amazing!”

Performing Arts colleague, Aimee Ingham, also nominated Opal. She said: “The time, love, effort, money, care, passion and work this woman puts into Identity School of Dance is mind blowing. She really does offer so many amazing opportunities for learners with SEND and always goes above and beyond, always puts the students first and they absolutely adore her for it. She regularly works 14-hour days, pouring her heart and soul into everything she does, even managing to find time to direct the Derwen College production of The Wizard of Oz!”

Audacity judges said: “We have had so many amazing nominations for our Dance Teacher of the Year award, and it was an extremely difficult decision.

“Opal received so many lovely and heartfelt nominations, and it’s very clear to see how appreciated she is by her students and dance parents and how very hard she works to bring such amazing opportunities to dancers with SEND. We see ourselves what an amazing job she does. She is such an outstanding and important person in not only the dance world but the SEND world too. The award is on its way this week!”