Helen Connor
 
 I have been involved with dance from a young age starting with ‘modern’ and ‘jazz’ classes in my home town of Darlington and moving on to local a amateur dramatics group. In my early teens I began contemporary dance classes, which gave me an insight into a completely different style of dance. I developed a growing interest in the world of dance and choreography and decided to pursue it more seriously.

After studying Theatre Studies and Performing Arts at 6th Form College I took a year out to continue dancing in Darlington where I took part in and helped to choreograph shows at Cockerton Family Theatre Group. Then at the age of 19 I moved to York where I studied for 3 years and achieved a 2:1 in a Communications Arts BA(Hons) degree Specialising in Dance. On top of my studies I also ran the University Dance Society, which proved to be an enjoyable and beneficial (if sometimes extremely stressful!) experience. We held weekly classes, regular shows and fundraising events, and it was during this time that I made the decision to continue dance teaching and choreography on a professional level. Since leaving University I have continued to teach classes where possible and generally enjoy anything dance related!


Helen Flanagan
 
As a youngster I was involved with a variety of performing arts classes including ballet, tap and modern dance, singing and drama. I had the opportunity to perform on the Alhambra stage in Bradford and other local arts centres in West Yorkshire. Although this did not continue into my teens I have always enjoyed a good dance session and regularly attend events where I can indulge myself with good music to dance to.

With a growing need to learn some new moves for the dance floor I went in search for a class that would cater to my tastes. This is when I met Helen, the dance teacher, during her final year at university. I invited myself to University Dance Society and all was well. My enjoyment of the mix of Hip Hop, Street, Pop and musical styles Helen taught continued until she finished University. Helen wanted to begin teaching dance professionally and I was keen to learn more so we decided to go into business to try and take this further - an idea was born! KINESISdance. With business knowledge and a head of ideas I have been able to offer the other half of what was needed to set the business up. I will continue to support the administrative aspects of the partnership whilst attending the classes along with other participants to learn as they do. For the future I aim to play a big part in the organisation of classes and performances while developing my dance skills and techniques. This will enable me to eventually participate more in the choreography and teaching aspects.

 KINESISdance
  Since meeting through the Dance Society, it became clear that we shared the same love of Hip Hop (music and artists) along with an enthusiasm for all things musical which inspired us to run our own dance classes and hopefully encourage other people to get involved and enjoy the exciting, fun, fulfilling thing that dance can be.