Derwent Danceworks is an IDTA school of Dance and Drama offering lots of varied classes to children and adults in York, Thorganby and Escrick. From humble beginnings in 2009 with three weekly classes in Thorganby Village Hall, the school now offers all theatre subjects to all age groups across three branches in Thorganby, Escrick and Knavesmire. If you’re local to Wheldrake, Escrick, North Duffield or Elvington as well as South Bank or York city centre we hold classes to suit any age and ability.
Our aim is for children to find every class fun and fulfilling, while adults find reassurance that tuition is of a high standard, safe and always creative!
Classes include Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Streetdance, Freestyle, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Drama for kids, and StreetFit®, Ballet, and Tap for Adults.
Principal Miss Kate Womersley AIDTA is also employed freelance in local schools on a regular basis providing extra-curricular dance and drama activities.
Miss Kate Womersley AIDTA – Principal
Miss Kate has had IDTA training in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz and Freestyle from the age of 5. She later gained experience in Streetdance, Character, Commercial Jazz and Musical Theatre through various performances and competitive festivals. She received two Theatre Award nominations for Modern Jazz and has a string of medals achieved in competitive festivals. Miss Kate has reached Advanced Performer’s level in all Core Theatre subjects.
Through the IDTA Miss Kate as achieved Associate qualifications in Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz, all with Distinction. She has also attained a Diploma in Anatomy, as well as further teaching and instructor qualifications such as Zumba Basic® and StreetFit®. Miss Kate is currently studying for her Associate Theatrecraft qualification. She regularly attends teaching courses and workshops in order to keep her skills up to date and of a high standard.
Miss Kate has been an assistant teacher for over nine years and has taught independently in York for eight. She has close links with several small theatre companies, including the multi-award winning White Rose Theatre Company. Her achievements in choreography include pieces for the performance group Casa (hosted by Victoria School of Dance in West Yorkshire) which reached the TV stages of a major national competition.
Miss Kate also provides extra-curricular tuition for schools and community groups such as Brownies and Guides, as well as private tuition for older students towards BTEC, A-Level and GCSE qualifications.
More recently Miss Kate has been delivering A Level Dance Theory lessons in a Specialist Performing Arts college to sixth form students.
All Derwent Staff have full, clear CRB/DBS checks.