Harlequin gave me the confidence and determination to succeed and achieve all that I wanted to within the professional dancing world.  I have been lucky enough to work in Paris, Japan, Hong Kong and over 7 years on Cruiseships, all of which has been amazing and is all thanks to the fabulous training I received at Harlequin Stage School.  Since retiring, last year, I have worked full-time for a global manufacturing company in Worcester, but have also been teaching Zumba for over a year and have just started teaching ZumbAtomic (Zumba for kids!), along with studying to teach dance within a fitness environment.

 

I have always been proud to have been a part of Harlequin, and still to this day, dancing is my main passion in life!  I love dancing, always have done, and always will!  And I would like to thank Paula and Harlequin for fantastic training, a lot of fun and some wonderful  memories.  Thank you :)

 

Harlequin not only taught me to dance but also taught me discipline, confidence and team work all of which have been invaluable since leaving in 2000 in both my personal life and career.

I had a 10 year professional dancing career working in various casino shows in both Europe and Asia and I spent 5 years travelling the world on luxury Cruiseships. I have loved every minute and have the great training at Harlequin to thank for this. 

The lessons I learned also helped me with my transition back into the real world when I retired in 2010 and got a 9 - 5 job!

This summer I have had my first baby but that hasn't stopped my passion for dance as I am now entering into the fun world of teaching Zumba!

I caught dance fever at Harlequin which I am positive will last a life time! Thanks Paula :)

 

I went onto train at the Royal Academy of Dance and did a BA (Hons) in Ballet Education and also gained my Licentiate of the RAD. I am now teaching RAD Ballet and Contemporary in dance schools in London and Kent, and I am hoping to go on to doing a PGCE.

 

I feel honoured to have been a part of Harlequin and have many fantastic memories which I will cherish from being there. Harlequin means alot to me as everyone supported me through the tough times after being diagnosed in 2007 with Aplastic Anaemia. With every ones support I was so gratefull to be welcomed back and attend lessons again whilst receiving treatment.

 

After gaining experience of teaching at the RAD in various dance schools, I have found how lucky I was to have such fantastic teachers at Harlequin who work hard to get the best out of everyone, which is reflected in all the achievements Harlequin continues to attain.

After Harlequins and the BRB I went on to study Classics at Birmingham University, and am now a Business and Projects manager in the defence sector. I have stayed close to the stage throughout the years, and am currently a member of the Worcester Musical Theatre Group.

Through the decade I was with Harlequins, I was extremely lucky to be involved in a host of performances, festivals, competitions and showcases, all of which were great experiences and happy memories. Harlequins provided me with the poise, composure and strength of will that enables me to tackle a very challenging and rewarding job with the confidence and commitment instilled throughout the group, and it has been a pleasure to watch my dance school continue to excel in every form of performance.

Joined Harlequin stage school at the age of 4, left in 2004 (age 13) to attend the Arts Educational School, Tring Park where I auditioned and attained a full scholarship on the dance course. I graduated aged 18 with Distinction and then obtained a contract with Scottish Ballet Company where I am currently employed as a full time company member and have been for the last 2 years. 

Harlequin stage school played such a huge part in making me who I am today! They were some of the best days of my life and I have so many wonderful memories and experiences that will stay with me forever and not to mention the life long friendships which I have made. I owe so much to Harlequin, especially Miss Paula for helping me to become the person I am today and without the wonderful training and opportunities I received I would not have achieved my dream of becoming a full time ballerina and for that I will always be grateful.

I am in my final year of Primary Teacher Training- I will qualify in June 2012 and will hopefully go on to begin my teaching career which my experiences at Harlequin inspired me to do. I'd always wanted to teach but Miss Paula gave me the opportunity to have experiences working with children earlier than I'd expected. The time I spent at Harlequin will never be forgotten; there for each and every person through good and bad times and always willing to help and support in any way possible. Harlequin is a special community of people and I know for all of us who have left, it was an emotional goodbye- but its never forever! Miss Paula has always said her door is open and coming back last year to help at summer school reminded me of the amazing and inspirational group of children and teachers Harlequin is. The school makes dreams come true and nothing is impossible.

Rachel Porter 

Even though I didn’t go on to dance professionally, I’ll always be proud of everything I achieved at Harlequin, as an individual and as part of a really special group of girls - many I still count as best friends, years later. 

I went to university, became a journalist and now write for national newspapers and magazines. And, although journalism may seem a million miles away from a career on the stage, I have no doubt that everything I learned at Harlequin about hard work, self-belief and aiming high, helped me on my way. x

As a young child I started to take a few dance classes with my best friend, and never in my wildest dreams did I believe this would be the start of the wonderful life I have lead up to now.  At Harlequin, under the talented eye of Paula, I learnt the skills that provided me with the ability, knowledge and confidence to go on to win a scholarship and graduate from Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts. 

I was then lucky enough to work in the profession for 10 years, alongside fantastic performers, traveling the world, dancing, staging & choreographing, and fore-filling my dream to do what I loved the most. Without Paula, none of this would have been possible, she helped make me the person I am, both on and off the stage.

I am now retired from the dancing world and happily married but carry with me the wonderful friendships and memories of some of the best years of my life. 

I went on to train at Bird College, gaining my BA (Hons) in Dance and Theatre Performance and graduating in 2004.  I then successfully auditioned for P&O/Princess Cruises and flew to Sydney, Australia to begin rehearsals in September 2004.  I was employed for two contracts and finished up in February 2006.  I was lucky enough to find love during these contracts and so I emigrated to Australia to be with my with my very own 'Crocodile Dundee', Darren, in April 2006!  We moved straight to Melbourne and I began fronting some of Melbourne's top coverbands.  I am now the lead vocalist, lead dancer and choreographer for Dracula's Melbourne (www.draculas.com.au) and have worked there since October 2006.  Darren and I are both in the show, which we enjoy very much, and we are lucky enough to have just built our own house on the outskirts of Melbourne.  We were married in April 2009... so far so good!

I find it hard to explain to other people what Harlequin was like... I'm pretty certain they think I'm crazy!  To be so involved, heart and soul, in something is difficult to convey to friends who have never experienced anything like it.  I can't think of a day when I didn't want to go to 'dancing' or be part of a festival, and the smell of floor polish still takes me back to Worcester Festival at Nunnery Wood!  Paula, you did so much, not just for me but for my family too.  You supported us when I was blissfully unaware that there was anything wrong... and saw me through university when everything was turned upside down.  

I spent most of my childhood at Harlequin, from the age of 5 to 16, and during that time I made some incredible lifelong friends, and some unforgettable memories. At 16 I was awarded a full scholarship and a place on the dance course at The Arts Educational School, Tring Park. I graduated at 18 with a distinction and a professional diploma and have been dancing ever since in contracts on cruise ships, at corporate events, tours, and production shows. If it wasn’t for the fantastic training and amazing opportunities I was given at Harlequin I would never be dancing professionally. Thanks to Miss Paula I was able to train with the Royal Ballet School on the associate program for 9 years, danced in Disney Land Paris, won the Janet Cram Outstanding Dance award, participated in the Young Dancer of the Year at the All England Dance Finals, and so much more. Miss P and her fabulous team of teachers are so inspirational, create beautiful choreography and teach you how to be a professional and perform on stage. It is a one in a million school, bursting with talent and a very special place. I hold such special and fond memories of Harlequin, which will stay with me forever.

Being apart of hq enriched my life from the very start...not only did miss p teach us dance but we were taught discipline and how to respect others....it was a big part of my life,meeting really good people that became good friends...although I didn't go on to dance college,I joined various theatre groups which I am still apart of now and enjoy!! 

I was lucky enough to be an original 'Harlequin' pupil when the school first opened (that makes me feel so old!) I then went on to study at Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts where I received a full scholarship for 3 years. When I left I went on to work for many different companies including an Irish dance company, a musical based in Oberhausen, Germany, a cruise line and many others. I travelled all over the world, saw lots of amazing sites and met lots of lovely people. All of this came from lots of hard work and motivation and above all the support and encouragement from a wonderful teacher. From the moment I became a pupil of paula's she saw something in me that no other teacher had and gave me the confidence to grow as a dancer  and a person. Harlequin was my 2nd home for many years and I loved it and all of the friends I made there. A couple of years ago I became a teacher at Harlequin and taught lots of beautiful, talented children, and even though I'm not teaching there now I will always follow the success of the school and each and every one of the pupils in it. It truly is a very special place and if you're reading this as a pupil then cherish the time you have there, you're very lucky to be a part of something so wonderful xxx

I danced (and was brought up!)in the Harlequin family from age 4-18. 

While I was there, I had so many exciting opportunities such as dancing at the All England Finals, as an associate of the Royal Ballet School, at Disneyland Paris and so much more.

I was awarded places at several dance colleges at 18, however I decided to take up the offer of a place at the University of Cambridge to read Natural Sciences. I have no doubt that the support and love of the Harlequin family and the diligence and confidence I gained by dancing there have helped me strive to achieve my best in all areas of life.

It is not just the outstanding teaching that sets Harlequin apart, but the lifelong extended family and friends you get which mean you never really leave Harlequin because you always carry the skills, friends, memories and love with you.

I started dancing at 2 1/2. I have been part of Harlequin Stage School since the first day it opened in 1992.

For me being part of Harlequin Stage School has been a life changing experience and I know that without it during my teenage years I might not of been here today.

At age 13 the bullying at school began and my life for the next 3 years at school was unbearable. I had days when I felt so down that I just wanted to disappear. 

I had great support off my family and was lucky that almost every day I was dancing where I made some of my best friends. Their support and friendship meant that I had a purpose and life was not all that bad. I could lose myself whilst dancing and I knew that I felt safe there. 

Paula gave me support throughout my dancing life and was always there for me as a teacher and friend.

I am still in touch with my dancing friends and Paula is one of my closest friends. I am now lucky enough to give something back to Harlequin by teaching there. 

I have had some great opportunities through dancing to do some wonderful things and without Harlequin and Paula I would not be the person I am today. 

I am proud to be a Harlequin Teacher and Parent and I hope that my children can have the same special life of being part of the Harlequin family as I did.

I started dancing at harlequin from the first day Paula set out on her own, since I was 6 and I'm still there now!! Harlequin is one united family that has been a huge part of my life ever since I can remember. There are so many memories I cherish from my time at harlequin and I feel so honoured and privileged that I still am adding amazing times to my harlequin life. I never wanted to do anything but dance and had the most amazing childhood growing up with harlequin, I made the most amazing friends we were all one big family. Paula taught me so much growing up and helped me through many tough times, I got to experience so many things and had so many opportunities, there are far to many to write, but every one was always incredible and we sure knew how to party!!! Which I am glad to say we still do very well now!!! I finished my training at HQN when I was 19 and left to continue training in dance and musical theatre at bird college london. From going away to dance college I learnt so much, but without my training from Paula there would be no way I'd have achieved what I did. I had a hard time away and Paula and harlequin were always on the end of the phone and when ever I had chance was always back through the harlequin door!! Things took a different turn for me and I fell in love with choreographing and teaching, where I was extremely lucky to have miss p take me under her Wing and let me come back to teach at harlequin. From the first day I walked back through the doors of harlequin and started teaching I knew I was home am where I belonged. I have been able to achieve so much teaching at harlequin and love every second. The feeling I get when I watch pupils at harlequin dance and achieve what they do is just unbelievable and I have no words to describe it. Paula has let me create and be part of some of the most amazing things i couldn't wish for anything more. I have now been teaching for Paula for a few years and harlequin is a huge part of my life. I have so many things to thank Paula and harlequin for and now as my life is changing and I am having my own little family, I just hope my little girl enjoys and gets to add many memories to her harlequin life. Thank you miss p and harlequin for everything it all means so much to me and I look forward to the most amazing future with many more exciting adventures to come. Miss Lianne xxxx

Training at Harlequin from age 5 led me to win a scholarship at Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts (now Bird College). I graduated with Associates in Modern and Ballet, and went on to work in cabaret and Musical Theatre both in the UK and on cruise ships in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Following an accident which meant I could no longer dance professionally, I re-trained as a teacher and have taught Dance, PE and Performing Arts in several secondary schools across the Midlands. Having worked my way up through Head of Department, and Faculty Leader roles I am now an Assistant Headteacher at a secondary school in Worcestershire. I still teach dance several times a week. 

 

Harlequin was an absolutely crucial part of my life from being a small child – and meant that I could achieve my dream of being a dancer! The experiences and opportunities that I had, from the discipline and hard work of daily class through to the festivals and performances that I took part in, were all an incredible introduction and foundation to working professionally in the industry.  It was the very best preparation I could have had – both for life as a dancer and as a teacher!

 

In amongst the hard work we made strong friendships, laughed and cried, and shared our successes and disappointments. Paula was a constant source of encouragement, energy, inspiration and motivation. All I ever wanted every lesson was to give my best for her.  She is not only gifted in choreography and the art of teaching, but instils a deep desire within her students to achieve their very best.  She sums up the rarest ability in a teacher – that of igniting passion for dance, along with the skill to develop the individual. I cannot imagine how life would have been without the care and support of Paula and the ‘Harlequin Family’ .... but it absolutely shaped me as a person.

I went onto Northern Ballet School and am still training there for another 2 years, hard work but will hopefully pay off! 

 

Now what harlequin means to me? Everything. I think it truely is the one place i have learnt the most in my life, i've learnt hard lessons there but at the same time i've had the absolute time of my life. The people that go there are all so special, each and every one of them. i started dancing when i was very young & growing up with people that have so much passion for one thing i love is inspiring. I believe that you cant teach someone to love dance they're just born with it & at harlequin everyone is and you can see it in them all and that is thanks to the amazing teachers that you have there! I know that if i have any problems or i just simply want to talk i always have the people back at Harlequin there, i've been through a lot and they have always been there as a shoulder to cry on. I miss them so much you dont understand but im so proud of them and i love going back to see them all and see how beautiful they have become. When i did the summer school last year & we did our leavers dance the last note when all the music and lights went down, thats when it hit me every emotion i had ever felt at harlequin and the fact that i was leaving an amazing place and people i like to call my family, it is a moment i will never aver forget. I had a good 12 years at Harlequin & wouldnt change anything for the world. What more can i say? i love you all so much & wish you every luck for the future you really are a special place & amazing family to me, all my love in the world Victoria Harriman xxxx 

After leaving Harlequin Stage School Emilie achieved a BA (Hons) degree in Dance at Bretton Hall University, Leeds in 1999. She then went on to work for the University as a member of the Dance Department teaching ballet and choreography to dance and drama students. Having met her fiancé Chris in 1997, who was also studying at Bretton Hall they left Yorkshire and headed back to The West Midlands where Emilie became Head of Dance at Sutton Coldfield College.

Since 2000 Emilie has progressed from Head of Dance to Faculty Leader of Performing Arts at a Specialist Performing Arts School in Birmingham and is presently in the process of developing her role as an Assistant Head teacher too.

Dance has always been a huge part of Emilie’s life and alongside her teaching job she has had her own Youth Dance Company whichrepresented Secondary School Dance across the country for many years. A large element of Emilie’s work has been to promote Boys dance and as part of her company she created work which was showcased at many venues including the National Dance TeachersAssociation National Conference as an example of excellence.

Emilie has also worked as a freelance dance advisor for over 20 Primary Schools and 15 Secondary Schools by where she has provided INSET to teachers, written and created dance resources as well as choreographed for many schools and colleges to help raise the profile of dance. Choreography is Emilie’s biggest passion in dance and has built a reputation that has enabled her to be an advisor for Channel 4, a choreographer for 2 large scale Opera Companies and choreographed dance work for publicity material used in schools.

In 2008 Emilie gave birth to Amelia, who has very much found dance to be a love of her life and in November this year will be taking her first ballet exam. Emilie only wishes she lived closer to Worcester as she would love nothing more than for Amelia’s dance teacher to be Miss P X Emilie has such fond memories of Harlequin and remembers the very early days well, it was Miss P’s infectious drive for excellence that has provided Emilie with a springboard to do the same in her own teaching career.

Presently little Amelia is awaiting the arrival of a little brother who should be here by 24th October 2011. Having been with her hubby for nearly 15 years and happily married for 5 and with a perfect little family nearly complete Emilie lives each day with a big smile on her face and is extremely grateful for the journey she has made and that Harlequin Stage School was a part of that.

Paul began his performance career on BBC television in ‘Bob Says Opportunity Knocks.’ From this he continued his training and danced in several productions such as Hello Dolly and Giselle at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. As a Director/Choreographer he has produced over 50 musicals and pantomimes including We Will Rock You, Rent, Crazy For You, Me And My Girl, Seussical The Musical, Guys And Dolls, Sweet Charity, West Side Story, Damn Yankees, The Pajama Game, Oklahoma, Nunsense, Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Little Mermaid. For the last 15 years he has been a lecturer and programme manager in Performing Arts at Worcester College of Technology, specialising in musical theatre, commercial dance and professional practice. As a dance teacher he enjoys working with Harlequin Stage School, recent winners of All England Dance Competitions, where he teaches jazz classes. Paul was lucky enough to work in Cyprus last year at Potenzia Del’Arte as a musical theatre director and consultant. Most recently he performed on the Ocean Countess cruise ship for Cruise And Maritime as a singer and performance host. Whilst on board ship he played Potiphar in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and visited Norway, Denmark and the Arctic Circle. More recent credits include playing the part of Steven in The Promise for Zip Theatre Company. You can see him touring the local schools in this production until October half term 2011. Paul will be playing Slime in Sleeping Beauty this Christmas at The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. Come along and throw things!

Harlequin was like a second home to me. When you are serious about performing & you're doing all the classes available, you are there practically every day after school/college. I always loved walking through the doors, everyone there felt like my family. You don't just get the very best in teaching, you get a real support network, you make friends for life, and you have the most amazing opportunities to be a part of a very very special place.

I have so many magical memories of my time at Harlequin, I have photo albums full to bursting of pictures of all the shows, trips, festivals, exams, parties, summer schools, sleep overs & achievements. 

When you're growing up, I feel that it is incredibly important to feel a part of something, to feel valued, to be included & accepted. Harlequin is so much more than you're regular performing arts school, when you enroll here, it will take you on the most incredible journey as a performer & as a person. You will learn so, so, much & it will give you the best possible start you could wish for into the entertainment industry.

I have been working professionally in the industry now for 13 years. I have played many parts in numerous West end shows & International tours. I've done bits & bobs of TV & film & now I'm the lead vocalist with 'The It Girls' & we travel all over the world performing, i'm having such a wonderful time!

I wasn't able to go away to dance college, the funds just weren't there, so I had to do things the hard way. I moved to London on a wing & a prayer & just went for every single open audition going. It was really tough but when you're that passionate about your dreams, nothing will dissuade you. It paid off & my first big gig was a UK tour of West Side Story understudying Anita! I was worried that I'd be really behind & would've missed out on so much not going to dance college, but I soon realized that Harlequin had put me in such good stead that I was actually ahead of the game most of the time! People have always commented on my professionalism & dedication to my job & the manner in which I treat everyone that I work with. All my lessons learnt were from Miss Paula & the Harlequin team. I will never be able to thank Paula enough for all that she did for me. She really helped me to spread my wings & fly.

To teach is to touch a life forever & Paula has done so much for so, so many children. I know how much she cares for each & every one of her pupils. Miss P pours her heart & soul into all that she does for the school. It is her life.

I did a lot of teaching & choreography for Paula in my last few years at the school, I LOVED it! It was very hard to leave when I was 18, I very nearly stayed & became a full time teacher, but I knew that there was a dream that I just had to follow. But the door is always open & I am always going back to visit & help out when I can. I keep in touch with all the kids that I taught & am available to offer all my advise & knowledge to anyone who would ever need my help. Paula is one of my most treasured friends & her family are very, very precious to me. I just simply can't praise the school enough & it deservedly stands alone in its greatness. To be a part of it is to be a part of something truly wonderful.

Katie Shergold

Being part of Harlequin was one of the most special, most important parts of my life.  It wasn't just a hobby, i lived, breathed and slept Harlequin and i wouldn't change that for the world. It was a wonderful way to spend my childhood!

I have so many fond memories of my time there and have made so many amazing friends who i know i will always be close to.

You and your school really have been like family. Having gone through some really tough times you never failed to be there for me. No matter what was going on I knew I could always escape when i came to dance class. Alongside amazing people i could just lose myself in something i love.  In all honesty I have so much to thank my time at Harlequin for. Your love and support was invaluable. A peice of the person i am today would be missing if it weren't for Harlequin.

Since leaving Harlequin at 18 i went onto train at London Studio Centre and Graduated in 2008. I went on to join the UK Tour of 'West Side Story' for 12 months, and on my return to london i began to concentrate on the more commercial side of the industry. I Appeared in Cheryl Cole's music video '3 Words' and worked on various commercials including the advertisement for Got to Dance Starring Davina Mccall. In the Last year or so i have been backing dancing for various UK and American artists such as Justin Beiber, Katy Perry, JLS, Cheryl Cole, Professor Green, Cher Lloyd and have been involved in dancing on X Factor finals 2010. In the Summer of 2010 I joined the company 'ZooNation' for their summer run of 'Into The Hoods' at the Royal Festival Hall, and since then have been cast in their new upcoming show 'Some Like It Hip Hop' as the character 'Sudsy Partridge'. I also appeared in the Peacock Theatre run of 'Shoes the Musical' which was choreographed by Stephen Mear. 

Harlequin is a very special school with some amazing teachers. I was first introduced to the school by edward around the age of 16 which was when i began my ballet training. The talent there is overwhelming but is accompanied with a warm friendly feel, with incredible training. I personally learnt a great deal in my short time at Harlequin, and feel it gave me best training i could have asked for before heading down to London.  I always love coming back to teach at Harlequin, the students are always a pleasure to work with and the standard just gets higher each time i return. This is of course a major credit to Miss Paula, achieving so much in all her years of running the school, and for being such a huge inspiration for all her previous students, and i'm sure the many more talented youngsters who are coming up through the ranks.