A passion for song and dance

It’s wonderful to hear how the performing arts has become a passion for Annabel Stewart, in Year 7.  Twelve-year-old Annabel has been dancing since she was five years old and discovered her love of singing at primary school.

Annabel dances with the Janet Seymour School of Theatre Dance, in Reeth and Low Row, where she attends classes in ballet and tap. She passed her Grade 5 ballet in the summer of 2021 and is now preparing for her Grade 6, which is a very high standard for someone of such a young age. She is also about to take her Bronze exam in tap.  Janet Seymour, Dance School proprietor, said: “Annabel has been a joy to teach from her very first lesson in our Pre-Primary ballet class. She has always done her best and her dedication has paid off. At such a young age, Annabel is already working at a professional level in ballet and tap. I am very proud to have her as a member of my dance school.”

Annabel has always loved singing and sang throughout her time at primary school, singing with the school choir and also being lucky enough to sing twice as part of ‘Young Voices’, a huge massed schools choir event. More recently, Annabel enjoyed listening to her mum perform with the Dales Community Pop Choir. She was overjoyed when Debbie Allenby, the conductor of the Pop Choir, launched Northern Youth Voices for younger singers, in September 2021.  Annabel has attended rehearsals every week since then, along with her sister, and has already performed at The Station and more recently at the Wensleydale Tournament of Song. Debbie Allenby said: “Annabel’s love and enthusiasm for making music and singing is clear to see. She is a talented musician and a fabulous ambassador for our choir, always setting an excellent example for other members. We feel privileged to have her sing with Northern Youth Voices.”

Annabel said: “I really enjoy singing and dancing and do this three times each week.  It’s not only fun and develops my skills but I also get to meet some really lovely friends too.”

As well as singing and dancing, Annabel also manages to fit in a netball practice before she goes to choir on a Monday evening!

Well done Annabel for your dedication to the performing arts and sport – keep up the good work!