EDA NEWS

THE YEAR AHEAD...
YEAR 5

2025/2026 SEASON

2026 welcomes in our 5th year!

This year promises more opportunities to learn, perform, and shine, with exciting new classes, workshops, and performance opportunities planned across all age groups. Whether you’re taking your first steps into dance or continuing your journey with us, we’re here to support every dancer in reaching their full potential.

We can’t wait to see the studios filled with smiles, determination, and the love of dance that makes EDA so special. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, let’s make this milestone year unforgettable!

PERFORMANCES & EVENTS

2026

We are always proud to show off our versatile dancers. Each year EDA are lucky enough to be invited to collaborate and perform in projects supporting fantastic causes. The EDA dancers love captivating audiences, performing a mixture of styles to showcase the academy throughout the academic year

One Short Day in the Eminence City the EDA Annual Show

When: 11th January 2026

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Performers: FULL ACADEMY

The 5th annual showcase performance for Eminence Dance Academy. The first year we have opened the show to the general public. This year, we asked the audience to help raise money for Bowel Cancer UK - proudly raising £380, in memory of Claire Cole.

Spring Forward with Take Art

When: 6th & 20th March 2026

Where: Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre

Performers: EDA Performance Squads / Cheer

Bringing Somerset's dance talent together. Take art are a charity providing access to the arts for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

EMINENCE ANNUAL SHOWCASE

RAD Exams 2022

Each year, Eminence Dance Academy brings our entire community together for a spectacular showcase, giving every dancer the chance to share their passion, progress, and hard work on stage in a professional theatre setting. It’s always a magical experience — both for our performers and the audience.

This year is extra special, as we proudly celebrate our 5th anniversary. For the very first time, we’re opening the doors of our annual showcase to the wider public! We invite you to join us in supporting our incredible students — from age 3 to 73 — and experience first-hand the talent, dedication, and joy that makes EDA so unique.

Come and see the magic for yourself — we can’t wait to welcome you!

NEXT SHOW DATE:
SATURDAY 9TH JANUARY 2027

EXAMINATIONS

🌸 Spring = Ballet | Royal Academy of Dance

☀️ Summer = Contemporary | Rambert Grades

Royal Academy of Dance - Ballet Exams 2026:

Very best of luck to the 36 students preparing for the RAD exams in just a few weeks!

Exam Dates:

Saturday 14th March & Wednesday 18th March 2026

Rambert Grades - Contemporary Exams 2026:

Junior students are in preparation for their first contemporary exam - Grade 1 - in the summer term.

Exam Dates:

TBC (June 2026)

Rambert Grades Exams 2025:

Congratulations to the senior contemporary students who had another successful summer exam session with Rambert Grades - Grade 4. We are extremely proud of the Contemporary students' success, under the fantastic guidance of Miss Louise. Another 100% pass rate with with lots of brilliant marks including 6 distinctions.

COMPEITION SUCCESS | 25/26

Eminence's most dedicated talent audition to become a part of the competition teams. Dancers train weekly alongside core classes, preparing to compete at a national level. Dancers perform group routines, solos or duets across all category's in Theatre Dance.

Destination Dance

Poole | January 2026

Another inspirational competition at Destination Dance, with EDA's best achievements at a competition so far; 15 trophies, 3 dance idols and many of the routines scoring in the top scores of the day!

Huge shout out to the tremendous teachers who received excellent feedback on their creativity and visions. Dancers we are so impressed with your continuous hunger to grow - congratulations!

DD Awards & Placings: Juniors 💙

✨ DANCE IDOL - Izzy S-C

⭐️ Overall Highest Scoring Routines of the Competition:

2ND🥈 Reflection - Martha & Elizabeth | Duos

3RD🥉 Touch the Sky | Groups

3RD🥉 Speechless - Izzy S-C | Solos

Groups:

1ST 🥇 Lyrical | Touch the Sky

2ND 🥈 Jazz | Get Ready

Solos:

1ST 🥇 Lyrical - Speechless - Izzy S-C

3RD 🥉Commercial - Future Nostalgia - Nancy

Duos:

1ST 🥇Open - Reflection - Martha & Elizabeth

2ND🥈Commercial - Wings - Meggie & Isla.C

DD Awards & Placings: Seniors 💙

✨ DANCE IDOL - Darcey.T

✨ DANCE IODL - Elouise.C

⭐️ Overall Highest Scoring Routines of the Compeition:

2ND🥈 Best Friend - Alice & Eden | Duos

3RD🥉 Cinema Italiano - Elouise | Solos

Groups:

1ST 🥇 Lyrical | Scars to your Beautiful

2ND 🥈 Jazz | Tainted

Solos:

1ST 🥇 Jazz - Cinema Italiano - Elouise

3RD 🥉Jazz - New Money - Darcey

Duos:

1ST 🥇Commercial - Best Friend - Alice & Eden

1ST🥇 Jazz - That's Life - Elouise & Luisa

Hotshot

Bath | September 2025

Congratulations to all the EDA competition dancers, you gave EVERYTHING on stage.This was the first time many of the juniors had taken a solo to a competition, and they did us all proud!

Big thank you to the chaperoning seniors (Luisa & Elouise), led by Claire Cole. The dancers all looked fabulous and they all went on stage full of joy and excitement - which helped them to succeed.

Awards & Placings

Judges Choice Award:

⭐️ Saturday | Arwen @vickywyattchoreography

⭐️ Sunday | Izzy S-C @elliebeaumont_dance

🏆 Best Choreography Award for ‘Touch the Sky’ (Miss Emilie)

🏆 Highest scoring routine of the day (Arwen: Power of Love)

🏆 Izzy S-C | Choreo Challenge: Top 7 (Minis)

1ST 🥇Arwen | Mini Lyrical

🏆+ Junior Highest Score of the Day: Power of Love

2ND 🥈Touch the Sky | Junior Lyrical

🏆+ Best Choreography Award

3RD 🥉Alice | Senior Commercial

3RD 🥉Tainted | Senior Jazz (Team)

3RD 🥉Scars to your Beautiful | Senior Lyrical (Team)

Destination Dance Finals

Coventry | June 2025

EDA are so proud to be a part of this mega star community!! Out of the 3 dancers who were selected for finals (Elouise, Isla & Alice), Alice was the only EDA dancer able to attend - and my goodness she owned that stage for us all!!

Alice scored platinum at both regionals and finals for her two solo routines (jazz & commercial).

Alice is a testament to her own dedication and hard work. I am beyond proud of the dancer she is transforming into. At 15 she is competing against students ready for vocational training. It is just a delight to see her shine on stage alongside such talented performers, and come away with a trophy!! 🏆

Starz

Bath | June 2025

Congratulations Eden, Isla & Felicity on completing another fabulous competition.

No trophies but lots of self growth. Every time these girls take to the stage we see a new element of their dance capabilities unlock. Forever proud of the dancers who push the limits to awaken their full potential.

Big thank you to Chaperone Team leader Charmaine and Miss Louise for supporting the dancers backstage. Massive thank you to all our teaching staff for the awesome choreography and giving the dancers the confidence and belief.

Supreme

Bath | May 2025

An amazingly friendly event, with the best atmosphere to introduce our new juniors to their first ever competition, and they made it to the podium for both their routines!

Awards & Placings

🥇Tightrope - Lyrical (Junior Squad)

🥈Get Ready - Jazz (Junior Squad)

🥉Eden - Commercial Solo

🏆 Winner of the Jazz Challenge - Izzy S-C

🏆 Winner of the MT Challenge - Izzy S-C

🏆 Top 7 Musical Theatre Challenge - Nancy J

🏆 Judges Junior Potential Award - Nancy J

Well done everyone, awesome day, with awesome results.

Destination Dance

Swindon | March 2025

Thank you to the talented and encouraging choreographers and teachers who created such fabulous work for our students. As always, another inspirational competition at destination dance. We grow more each time we compete!!

5 Golds, 3 Platinums, Trophies/Medals and a huge congratulations to Alice on being spotted by the judges as a ✨DANCE IDOL✨ !!

SO proud!

ASSOCIATE SUCCESS

Championing students additional training

English Youth Ballet.

EDA Performers:

Arwen M

English Youth Ballet (EYB) is one of the UK’s leading youth ballet companies, offering aspiring young dancers aged 8–18 the unique opportunity to perform in full-length classical ballets alongside international professional dancers. With a focus on nurturing talent outside of London, EYB tours nationwide, giving young performers invaluable stage experience, professional training, and a taste of life in a ballet company.

Website: https://www.englishyouthballet.co.uk/

Ballet Boosts Associates.

Ballet Boosts Associates (BBA) is a vocational training programme for aspiring ballet dancers. Classes take place on Sundays in Exeter and train aspirational young dancers who wish to progress to full-time training or a professional dance career. Our very own Miss Caroline is the BBA tutor for the South West.

Website: https://www.balletboost.com/ballet-boost-associates/

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Project Dance.

EDA Members:

Alice F
Lily-Rose G
Elouise C
Luisa B
Darcey T

Project Dance is a local company bringing dance to the masses in a way that hasn't been done before. Project Dance are bridging the gap between professional training and pre-professionals. The company goes on tour each year, providing professional opportunities for artists at the beginning of their career.

The latest tour: BUSK

Website: https://projectdance.org.uk

Rambert Pre[pare] Programme.

EDA Members:

Jasmine B

Rambert Pre[pare] course is a programme of ballet, conditioning, contemporary and creative classes, plus workshops in other dance styles. Dancers build a foundation of skill, knowledge and creativity to springboard onto pre-vocational training. Classes take place on Saturdays at Rambert School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance, Twickenham.

Website: https://www.rambertschool.org.uk/courses/young-peoples-courses/prepare/

ONWARD TRAINING

Proud of EDA's Alumni

Italia Conti, London.

EDA students:

Isabelle McKenzie (2025)

Italia Conti is one of the leading vocational training colleges, a Performing Arts institutions in the country; founded in 1911.

Italia Conti has an outstanding international reputation for providing Performing Arts training for a wide variety of disciplines, enabling students to become versatile and valuable members of the theatrical profession.

Website: https://www.italiaconti.com/

LEAF Studio, Bournemouth.

EDA students:

Chloe Allonby (2024)
Isla Rowswell (2025)

LEAF is a specialist Sport and Performing Arts Studio school, offering bespoke education for talented 13-19 year olds. Combining a core academic curriculum ,with high quality vocational studies in Performing Arts & Sport. LEAF provides opportunities for students to seamlessly transition into employment, professional performance or university, equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to succeed in their chosen field.

Website: https://www.leafstudio.co.uk/index.asp

Bristol Conservatoire of Theatre Arts

(Formally: The Big Act)

EDA students:

Emily Farnham (2023)
Ewan Cassell (2024)
Joshua Beaumount (2024)

Full-time vocational drama school, based in the heart of Bristol. The Big Act offers a range of training opportunities for students aged 16+ and 18+ wishing to pursue a career in the performing arts. Offering full-time courses at a pre-vocational / foundation level and professional vocational training.

Website: http://www.thebigact.com

Bath Dance College, Radstock.

EDA students:

Jasmine Bragg (2025)

BDC Theatre College is a private specialist performing arts school based just outside Bath. BDC offers a vocational training course that prepares students to take the next step towards a career in the performing arts industry. Alongside foundation training, the course includes a BTEC level 3 extended diploma in performing arts (equivalent to three A levels).

Website: https://bdctheatrecollege.com/

Shockout, Manchester.

EDA students:

Vita Basta (2024)

Shockout is a vocational dance training centre and an Accredited Centre of Excellence. Shockout offers Degrees in Professional and Commercial Dance, Street and Hip Hop Vernacular Dance, Musical Theatre & PGCE (14+) Dance.

Website: https://weareshockout.com

Bath Spa Uni, Bath. (BA Dance)

EDA students:

Courtney Moreton (2024)

A university degree programme with a strong focus on practical studio work. The course suits creative individuals who are looking for a degree that is both physically and intellectually stimulating. The majority of the BA Dance course focuses on contemporary techniques (Cunningham, release, somatic practices, contact improvisation) but the course also provides opportunities for to explore other styles and genres.

Website: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/ug-dance/

TEACHER MENTORING

RAD Mentor (CDT)

Huge congratulations to Miss Alice on passing her practical teaching for her CDT. A heartfelt 'Thank You' to the students who have given Miss Alice their full support and enabled her to grow and develop as a ballet teacher over the past year.

Many congratulations to former successful trainee teacher,

Miss Amy Williams, who has recently taken over as Principal at a dance school in Manchester. Amy successfully passed her RAD CBTS course under Miss Emilie's mentoring in 2023.

The Certificate in Dance Teaching (CDT) *formally Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS)* course takes 2 years of academic study and practical work to complete due to the amount of content and in-depth learning. Covering topics in anatomy, child mental & physical development, safeguarding & safe dance practice, personal professional development, classical ballet education, practical dance exams and 6 months of assessed teaching.

Miss Emilie is a registered mentor for the RAD, helping aspiring teachers begin their pathway to dance teaching. Priority is given to former & current EDA members, although new trainee teachers can apply to train with Miss Emilie via email:

info@eminencedanceacademy.co.uk

MEMORY LANE

Past Performances

Images: Eminence Dance Academy

Yeovil Christmas Lights Switch On 2025 with Yeovil Town Council

When: 22nd November 2025

Where: Yeovil Amphitheatre, Yeovil Town Centre

Performers: Performance Team / Cheer / Junior Comp. Squad

Yeovil Town's annual Christmas Light Switch On. EDA opened the evenings events dancing under the large screen and drawing in the crowds. The evening of entertainment was followed with other local groups from The Octagon Choir and Castaways Theatre Group. The cast from Beauty & the Beast - Yeovil's Festive Pantomime - turned the lights on.

The Kings Command Performance with the Kings Commitee

When: 4th October 2025

Where: Milborne Port

Performers: Silver Swans

A fund raising variety show - raising money for the Oncology Unit in Yeovil Hospital. This year the event raised £3116. This year the money was split between the Oncology Unit and 'Future Roots'.

Shining Star Awards 2025 with Yeovil College

When: 8th July 2025

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Performers: Eminence Cheer

The annual end-of-year event celebrating outstanding student achievements and recognising exceptional effort, determination, and resilience across various academic programs and apprenticeships.

Super Saturday with Yeovil Town Council

When: 5th July 2025

Where: Yeovil Town Centre

Performers: Eminence Cheer & EDA Performance Squad

A big community event where the local business come together and celebrate in the town centre. Live music, dancing, crafts, circus performers and interactive fun for all the family. Its great to be a part of and feel the community come together.

SHiNE 2025 with The Octagon Academy

When: 8th June 2025

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Performers: Eminence Cheer / Silver Swans / Elouise (Soloist)

The Octagon Academy's annual production. Raising money for the Foyer Club Charity and the Octagon redevelopment.

Spring Forward Gala with Take Art

When: 27th April 2025

Where: Macmillan Theatre, Bridgewater.

Performers: EDA Senior Squad

A gala night on stage, celebrating Spring Forwards 20th Year! Invited guests from the world of dance across Somerset and the South West will collaborate for a one night of top talent dancing the night away.

Spring Forward with Take Art

When: 7th & 21st March 2025

Where: Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton.

Performers: EDA Performance Squads

Bringing Somerset's dance talent together. Take art are a charity providing access to the arts for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

Eminence Showcase 2024

When: 11th January 2024

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Performers: FULL SCHOOL

The annual showcase performance for Eminence Dance Academy.

A Very Merry Christmas

When: 19th December 2024

Where: Merriott Centre, Sherborne Girls.

Performers: Junior Squad

EDA dancers performed in this fabulously festive collaborative show. Local performers came together to celebrate the festive season through song and dance.

Thorpe Park Performance

When: 6th October 2024

Where: Thorpe Park

Performers: Performance Team - Fright Night Theme

EDA dancers performed in the park and then spent the day riding rollercoasters and exploring scare mazes. We also got to watch Miss Sophie perform as part of the professional team of dancers and actors during Fright Night season. Epic epic day!

24 Hour Dance-athon 2025 with The Octagon & Project Dance

When: 20th - 21st July 2024

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Teachers: Miss Louise (Musical Theatre) / Miss Georgia (Heels) / Miss Emilie & Miss Sophie (Lyrical & Cheer)

The Octagon Academy's annual production. Raising money for the Foyer Club Charity and the Octagon redevelopment.

SHiNE with The Octagon Academy

When: 8th June 2024

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Performers: Senior Lyrical "I Put a Spell on You"

Bringing Somerset's dance talent together. Take art are a charity providing access to the arts for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

Collective with Project Dance

When: 28th April 2024

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Performers: Soloist: Luisa Buse / Small Lyrical Group

An evening of music and dance celebrating the very best talent in the South West. A collaborative show in aid of The Octagon Theatre's redevelopment and Project Dance's Young Dancer's Bursary Fund.

Spring Forward with Take Art

When: 7th & 22nd March 2024

Where: Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre / McMillan Theatre

Performers: Mids Squad / Senior Squad

Bringing Somerset's dance talent together. Take art are a charity providing access to the arts for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

EDA Winter Showcase 2023

When: 10th December 2023

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Dancers: FULL SCHOOL

The annual showcase performance for Eminence Dance Academy.

SHiNE 2023 with The Octagon Academy

When: 29th April 2023

Where: The Octagon Academy

Performers: Mids Performance Squad & Senior Performance Squad & Silver Swans

The Octagon Academy's annual production and the final production at the Octagon Theatre before is closes for refurbishment.

Collective with Project Dance

When: 28th April 2023

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Performers: Soloist: Luisa Buse / Small Lyrical Group

An evening of music and dance celebrating the very best talent in the South West. A collaborative show in aid of The Octagon Theatre's redevelopment and Project Dance's Young Dancer's Bursary Fund.

Spring Forward with Take Art

When: 8th & 27th March 2023

Where: Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre / McMillan Theatre

Performers: Mids Squad / Senior Squad

Bringing Somerset's dance talent together. Take art are a charity providing access to the arts for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

24 Hour Dance-athon with The Octagon & Project Dance

When: 17th & 18th February 2023

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Teachers: Miss Louise (Musical Theatre) / Miss Georgia (Heels) / Miss Emilie (Lyrical & Cheer)

The Octagon Academy's annual production. Raising money for the Foyer Club Charity and the Octagon redevelopment.

EDA Winter Showcase 2022

When: 11th December 2022

Where: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Dancers: FULL SCHOOL

The annual showcase performance for Eminence Dance Academy.

Collective with Project Dance

When: 24th July 2022

Where: Octagon Theatre

Dancers: Soloist: Luisa (Soloist) / Small Lyrical Group

An evening of music and dance celebrating the very best talent in the South West. A collaborative show in aid of The Octagon Theatre's redevelopment and Project Dance's Young Dancer's Bursary Fund.

A Concert for Ukraine

When: 1st April 2022

Where: Octagon Theatre

Performers: Grade 3 Ballet / Lyrical

A show created to help raising money for the Ukraine crisis. Fundraising a total of £8,684.86 for School in a Bag's Ukraine Crisis Appeal and Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)'s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.