Ballet4Life nominated for One Dance UK award

Image above: ABallet4Life class at ArtsEd in Chiswick

Nominated for the People’s Choice award

Ballet4Life has been nominated for an award in the One Dance UK awards.

The awards are ‘an annual celebration for people from across the dance sector to unite, celebrate, acknowledge and reward the people who have made an impact on the vibrant UK dance landscape’.

Ballet4Life offers all sorts of dance classes, not for children but for adults. Whether you are a beginner or coming back to something you used to enjoy but haven’t done for a while Donna Schoenherr and her team of dance professionals offer an attractive programme of classes to get you dancing.

Images above: Donna Schoenherr, founder-owner of Ballet4Life

Twenty years of living in Chiswick and inspiring people to take up dancing

Donna set up Ballet4Life in Chiswick nearly 20 years ago, in 2014, having been a professional ballet dancer in New York. Donna has toured the world, working with companies such as the Cleveland Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Michael Mao Dance Co.

The following year she launched Move into Wellbeing®, a dance programme for people living with Parkinson’s disease and other mobility restrictions. Move into Wellbeing® was inspired by Donna’s father who lived with Parkinson’s for thirty years and who she saw benefit hugely from music and movement based therapy.

She now employs fellow professionals to teach dance across a range of disciplines: pointe, masterclasses, contemporary dance, beginner courses, barre and the very popular 50+ ballet classes. Her classes have made a positive difference to many people living in Chiswick.

READ ALSO: Donna Schoenherr, founder & director Ballet4Life – Profile

Images above: A Move Into Wellbeing class

‘Their commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment is remarkable’

The One Dance UK awards champions the excellent work of dance artists, teachers, practitioners, educators, schools, choreographers, companies, venues, scientists, and writers, with a glittering evening of celebrations, all for those who contribute to the dance sector throughout the UK.

‘The shortlisted nominees and recipients truly reflected the commitment and innovation that exists across the many parts of the dance sector.’

There are eleven award categories in all. Ballet4Life is one of 14 companies who have been nominated in the ‘People’s Choice’ category. The nomination states:

‘All the teachers are exceptional, offering not only clear teaching, but also embodying compassion and understanding for the variety of human experiences within broad communities. They have made ballet part of many community members’ lives again, bringing wholeness, health, wellbeing, and joy.

Image above: Ballet4Life class at St Peter’s Church Hall in Southfield Rd

‘I couldn’t have asked for better ballet training’

Here are some of the other glowing comments in the People’s Choice nomination:

‘Ballet4life has given me a real chance to continue my love for ballet as an adult, and what’s more important, to discover a community of friends.’

‘The work Donna does is amazing, her heart and soul is poured into Ballet4Life, she takes such great care of all those involved, whether you’re new or have been coming for years. Her classes enable you to meet some fantastic. I don’t know what I’d do without Ballet4Life!’

‘Their dedication to teaching adult amateur ballet has left a lasting impression on me last 10 years. With a profound understanding of the art and unwavering patience, they have transformed my ballet journey. Their commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment is remarkable.

‘Each class is a delightful blend of technique, grace, and personal growth. Their ability to make ballet accessible to adults of all levels is truly commendable. I couldn’t have asked for better ballet training.’

Images above: Cuban ballet dancer Yosvani Ramos, who gave a masterclass for Ballet4Life dancers this summer

Money in the bank

Being nominated for an award such as this is a big feather in their caps, not only for the recognition, but for the added value it gives them when they are applying for grants.

You are the People and if you think they demonstrate excellence in teaching dance and would like to support them, you can vote for them here: People’s Choice Awards 2023

We are delighted to say Ballet4Life are members of our Club Card scheme, offering discounts for classes to holders of a Chiswick Calendar Club Card.

See their current offer here: Ballet4Life Club Card offer

Read more stories on The Chiswick Calendar