TESTIMONIALS

The testimonials below are from happy children and teachers that Zest has worked with:

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“Thank you so much for a really enjoyable and stimulating workshop during our Activities Week. The students were singing your praises and had a great time throughout, stating that ‘Miss is a fantastic teacher who got all of us involved’ and ‘managed to get me dancing when I’ve never danced before’! When asked whether we should bring you back again next year, the students were unanimously in favour!”

Mark Gritten, assistant Head, Whitmore High School


“This week we enjoyed a fun-filled, exhilarating and highly energetic morning of enrichment workshops with Zest Dance. The children (and staff!) explored different cultures as they learnt a variety of dance styles and techniques. The creative, inclusive sessions developed confidence, strength and stamina as the children expressed themselves through movement.
 
Reception children learned the traditional moves of  Ukrainian folk dance, Years 1 and 2 enjoyed the vibrant beats of Bollywood, Years 3 and 4 had fun learning Brazilian dance styles and Years 5 and 6 explored African dance rhythms. They loved creating and performing their own sequences at the end.”

 

Written for the school newsletter by Kerry Phipps, Enrichment Coordinator, St Ives School


“On behalf of all of the KS1 team at Greenfields, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for yesterday’s Bollywood dance workshops looking at Hindu stories. The children absolutely loved the day and when we were doing our class activities they were all really keen to find out more about the stories you told them about. Staff across the school commented on how great the end of the day assembly was and it was fantastic to see all of the children getting involved”.

Natalie Sabonchan, year 2 teacher, Greenfields Primary School


“I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your hard work today with our Geography Day. The children had a wonderful time learning dances from all over the world, and it was a really special experience for them. It was lovely to see their pride and enjoyment during their performances. The staff have been singing your praises; given the short amount of time you had with each class you worked miracles! Thank you so much and we would love to have you come back again in the near future.”

Year 4 teacher, St Anns Catholic Primary School


“Just to say an enormous thank you for your fantastic work with the children this week! It was an absolute delight to sit back and watch them perform today and I am very impressed with what they can remember. We have thoroughly enjoyed having you in school and the children have gained so much from their South American themed dance lessons with you. You are three inspirational women and we love what you do! “.

Sophie Hughes, Head of Music, Kings Hawford School (3rd Year of doing their Arts week where we provided 3 teachers for 3 days)


“Zest provides fun and engaging dance workshops on a range of historical, geographical and cultural themes; with strong subject knowledge and excellent delivery.
Olivia supported our school in our recent Geography Day celebration; teaching children a range of dances from around the world. She also gave some cultural background and interesting stories about the dances and her own experiences of them. She even bought in props and costumes to really engage the children; who said they felt “real like Bollywood stars” when performing!
It was a fantastic day; enhanced by Olivia’s enthusiasm. Children of all ages and abilities participated with the dances and were keen to share their learning in a well choreographed performance in our celebration
assembly. This was even more pleasing to see, given the short time she had in which to teach the dances.
We look forward to Zest returning for our History Day celebration!.”

Cara Murphy, year 4 teacher, St Anns Catholic Primary School


“Francis was amazing!! It was really a fantastic day and the kids got so much from it. The African dance performance the day after was a huge success and they boys all remembered the dances well. Thank you so much for giving us the exact experience we were looking for. I look forward to working with you in the future.”.

Rachel Iddols, Dartford Grammar School for boys


“Many thanks for all your assistance with our dance workshops today.
Krupa was AMAZING she did an outstanding job and was wonderful with the students. She has that something special with SEN students, the ability adapt to their needs, I saw this in one workshop towards the end of the day where 3 students in wheelchairs were able to really enjoy the routine, that I noted she had adapted to include more upper rather than lower body movements. Thank you to Krupa and Zest.”.

Elizabeth Kosky, Shaftesbury High School


“Once again a huge thank you for the Bollywood workshops. All the girls had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed their sessions. It was tailored fit our needs perfectly and they loved learning a brand new style. The mums are over the moon and feedback from them has been amazing. The children have been inspired and I’ve received lots of messages about them dancing Bollywood style around the house, so thank you again!”.

Emma Knight, Pulse Dance Academy Director


“The workshops were fantastic! Very well received by staff and pupils. We are now busy using what we’ve learnt to put together a polished performance. Can’t fault Vanessa on her knowledge and teaching style, she was great. Thank you very much for all your help in arranging the day and thank you to Vanessa for the excellent assemblies and workshops. I would definitely recommend you to other schools looking for something similar”.

Rachel Lacey, year 3 teacher, Greenfields Primary School


“I just wanted to express my appreciation Olivia for all the work you did today, you exceeded my expectations! I have never known all teachers to comment so highly on a company we have had in before (and I’ve been there 5years!) The performance year 5 did, was amazing! All children were buzzing from your sessions! I hope you enjoyed your visit today, and once again thank you so much for all your hard work.

Claire Louisa, year 5 teachers Hadlow Primary School


“Thank you so much for 4 outstanding dance sessions! I have never seen the children so engaged in a dance session and we will definitely be booking again. The session were suitable for all children of all abilities and really inspired the children. They were fun, energetic and all dance routines were broken down into easy steps. I was amazed by the end product!”

Mari Peters, Deputy Headteacher, Dundale Primary School and Nursery


“I just wanted to pass on a big thank you from all the staff and the children at our school for the Decades dance workshops you provided for us over the three days. The children showed great enthusiasm and enjoyment in taking part in them and I have already had many positive comments.”

“I just wanted to e-mail and say what a pleasure it was working with you again. I have had very positive feedback from the teachers and the children who found it an enjoyable exciting experience. Thank you for the wonderful range of cultural dances you provided us with and for all the hard work you put in. I’m sure I will be in touch again later in the year to arrange another visit for next year!”

Wendy Keeny, Nursery Teacher, Glebe School (from visits in 2014 and 2015)


Over the last year and a half, Zest has come to Brandlehow school and delivered high quality contemporary and street dance to children across all ages.  They also delivered a series of multicultural dances including African, Bollywood and Greek to tie in with our cross-curricular teaching methods and helped the school be a part of the record breaking Big Dance 2010!  The children always thoroughly enjoy the sessions because they are not only taught choreography to music that is current but are also able to explore their own moves.”

Amit Patel, year 5 teacher Brandlehow school Putney, London


“At Shoreside we have been lucky to work with Zest for the last 7 years. Olivia has taught individual dance sessions from Nursery up to Year 6, where the children have learnt routines in street dance, bollywood and general movement. As a school we participate in a local village show every July and Olivia has choreographed dances for the infants to perform in the arena, which have always been brilliantly received by the general public and enthusiastically performed by the children. Olivia has a great rapport with the children, no matter what their age and they adore the dance sessions. We are really looking forward to working with Zest and Olivia this coming June. ”

Sharon Turley, year 1 teacher, Shoreside School, Ainsdale


“Olivia has visited our school for the past three years and her dance sessions are fantastic. She inspires all of our children, both Infants and Juniors and the children enjoy them so much that they forget they are learning! Her supportive nature is wonderful for the children and her sessions are completely tailored to be inclusive for all abilities, especially for those with special educational needs. We will definitely be having her back for the next three years!”

Leah Burgess, Year 3 and 4 co-ordinator, St Michael’s Prep school, Otford


“Zest has taught at Fairfield preparatory school and has delivered a programme of various dance styles and workshops to our year four boys and girls over the last 3 years. We have been impressed by the standard of teaching and the ability to motivate across a broad range of abilities, making it both interactive and fun. The children finish off their day with Zest with a dance performance in assembly to the rest of the school and parents. The workshops are so successful with pupils, teachers and parents and have become an invaluable part of the Year 4 curriculum”.

Cathie Leah, Head of PE, Fairfield preparatory school, Loughborough


Fun and energetic were just some of the words used by the children to describe Zest’s Bollywood dance workshops. As part of an India day project Zest spent the day in school with us teaching 9 and 10 year old children how to dance Bollywood style. The lessons were carefully structured, enabling every child to fully participate. A great time was had by all”

Brigitte Bruce, Year 4 teacher, Biggin Hill Primary School, Bromley


“The Bhangra dance workshop went very well indeed. Ambur was great with the students and they all joined in and seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was the best bit of the day for many of them (which was actually what I intended!).”

Maggie Vafeas, Head of yr7+8, Chatham House Grammar School


“I have never been that good at dancing so I wasn’t sure what to expect doing a dance about global warming. But it helped me understand things a lot better and I really enjoyed performing it to my friends in assembly, even though I was really scared.”

Emily, aged 11, Brighton


“All our students got totally involved and had a fantastic dance day, and the performance they did at the end really added to their experience.They will remember the fun they had for a long time, thank you Zest!”

Daniel Fuller, year 5 teacher, North London


“Just wanted to say thank you so much for the dance workshop with our Nursery children. The children all loved it and the staff were full of praise – so thank you very much!”

Ian Morris, Deputy Headteacher, Valley Nursery School


“I wanted to email to thank you for the amazing day the students had today. Thank you to you for making it so easy to organise and I so appreciate the fact that everything went so smoothly! And a big thank you to Krupa who has just been amazing with the kids today. ???? They were so engaged and really had a fab day! “

Vanessa Ruault, Deputy Coordinator of MFL, Harris Academy