BA (HONS), RAD RTS, Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance
A native to Edinburgh, Ms Wood began her dance training at the age of 3. After a year of professional dance and drama training in Edinburgh, she was accepted onto the 3 year Degree course at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Head Quarter’s in London.
On completion of training at the Academy, she graduated with a BA (HONS) in ‘The Art and Teaching of Ballet’, and a Licentiate from the RAD, together with an extensive knowledge and experience of dance and it’s relating subjects.
Her first professional post took her back to Edinburgh, teaching and entering pupils for RAD and ISTD examinations, up to advanced levels, in addition to preparing children to perform on stage in the school show and the annual Pantomime at the King’s Theatre.
In 2002, after moving to Germany, she continued teaching, and RAD examination work with children, together with private coaching, performance on stage, Pilates based Body Conditioning, and choreography.
During her three and a half years in the United States, Sara performed with the Northwest Florida Ballet Company, and taught free classes in ballet and modern techniques to children and adults, together with Pilates, private ballet coaching, and choreography for the NFB school performances, and local competitions. During her time in the USA, she was also invited to teach, on several occasions for ‘Okaloosa Walton College’ and the ‘Gainesville Ballet School’ summer schools.
On return to Edinburgh, it was Sara’s ambition to set up her own ballet school where students have the opportunity to learn an enjoyment of dance, gain appreciation of dance as an art form and benefit from an enhanced sense of personal achievement.
In 2008 Edinburgh Ballet was established. With a modest 7 students on opening day, the school has continued to grow and develop into one of Edinburgh’s finest dance schools, achieving excellent results in their Royal Academy of Dance Examinations across the board each year.
Edinburgh Ballet Students have successfully completed performances on professional stages, as well as taken part in local dance events, participated in theatre outings, and entered dance competitions.
Sara has enjoyed many years of dance performance and teaching herself, and wishes to continue to bring this enjoyment and experience into the lives of others. She believes that each of her students are talented, and would like to support them in continuing to achieve their highest potential.
‘I believe every single person has the potential to become a great dancer. All it takes is positivity, passion, dedication, and a love for dance!”