Leading youth a merry dance

10:08am Friday 27th February 2004

A FORMER Russian ballet dancer is teaching young children, in Hounslow, a variety of dance styles, after setting up her own special dance classes.

Irina Mironova, of the International Street Dance Studio, has been performing ballet since the age of eight, when she studied at the University of Georgia's School of Art and Ballet.

Having learned to dance and perform with the State Opera and Ballet Theatre of Georgia, in Tbilisi, until the age of 21, Irina wanted to share her skills with children by becoming a teacher.

The 36-year-old said: "After I left Georgia, I migrated and began choreographing in Russia, teaching pupils across the country. I moved to London in 2001, teaching gymnastics and dance in many schools around the boroughs of Hounslow and Spelthorne, an experience I have found to be extremely rewarding."

Over the past two years, Irina has taught pupils at Beavers Junior School, in Hounslow, St Ignatius School, in Sunbury, Cardinal Junior School and Southville Junior School in Feltham, and has already been approached to teach at other local schools this year.

Speaking about the importance of teaching children how to dance, Irina said: "Due to limited funding, schools rarely include gymnastics or dance classes in their curriculum and I feel that this is not beneficial for the children's upbringing and social development.

"Dance is not only enjoyable, but it is also a good form of exercise, which would help to reduce the number of obese youngsters in this country.

"I am a strong believer that if a child is physically active, it will help them have a better frame of mind for their education as it will provide freshness to their lives, but unfortunately there is still a lack of qualified dance teachers for children."

Having found it difficult to find employment as a professional dance teacher, due to former students of the Royal Ballet School or other recognised UK dance schools being favoured, Irina decided to create the International Street Dance Studio at Heathrow Gymnastics Club.

Since September 2003, Irina has been teaching steps to a variety of dances, such as ballet, rock n' roll, salsa and tap, in her private classes to young children, aged between four and 13.

She said: "One day, I was driving past the Heathrow Gymnastic Club and decided to approach the manager, Vincent Walduk, as a choreographer, who wanted to run dance classes for young children. He was very keen to help organise something new and offer their facilities.

"Currently, I have more than 20 happy and keen young children in my classes, but I am willing to accept anyone of any experience, whether a beginner or expert performer. Before a child joins the class, I always offer a free lesson to assess their age, skills, movement and ability. For me personally, it is extremely important that every child is enjoying what they are learning and wants to attend the classes, which is why it is vital that they are placed in the correct group.

"The idea of these classes is to make a real difference in the children's lives, by helping them develop confidence and discipline. Once they begin to believe in themselves, their dance skills will also grow.

"I want to teach the children proper dance steps and movement which will develop in time and I am sure that by next year, the children will be ready to take part in competitions."

Despite performing at national competitions for the Rhythmic Gymnastics Team and teaching choreography to schoolchildren throughout Russia, Irina has found the greatest pleasure and sense of achievement from teaching the students in her classes.

The Hounslow resident said: "When I was younger I enjoyed dancing and performing gymnastics, but I began to realise that I was simply performing for the crowd, and fulfilling my employment duties, rather than enjoying the moment and dancing for myself.

"This is why I prefer teaching young children as it is more beneficial and rewarding to see their little faces light up when they are being taught new movements and steps.

"My best teaching experience so far has been the parents' evening, which was held in December, when the children were so excited to perform in front of their friends and family. The positive feedback from the crowd was an amazing feeling, especially when you hear how proud the parents are of their children.

"I hope to arrange an end of year show for friends and family this summer, which will incorporate the whole range of dances that the children have learned. This will teach the youngsters to be more disciplined, by having to practise at home and also encourage the importance of teamwork."

Classes are held at Heathrow Gymnastic Club, in Green Lane every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, between 5pm to 6.30pm, with children being allocated to their appropriate teaching level. For further information on how to join the International Street Dance Studio, please call Irina on 020 8737 2851.