Meet the founder of School Of Funk
My name is Anne-Marie and I am the founder of Anne-Marie’s School Of Funk.
Before becoming a dance teacher, I always thought I would be a vet. I studied my A-levels and earned my place at University to achieve this, however I later decided to take a gap year and complete a BTEC National Diploma in Performing arts.
That was it. I had found what I had wanted to do for the rest of my life. Dance was my destiny.
From there I completed a higher national diploma, with a distinction and this was the beginning of the journey… with these under my belt, I began working with various organisations around North Somerset, including Barnardo’s, the YMCA and local youth clubs in the area, providing dance activities and opportunities to young people from all walks of life.
This was the making of Anne-Marie’s School Of Funk and led to the company being invited into schools to facilitate, breakfast, lunch and after school club activities. This work included working with excluded students and also those with severe additional needs in specialist centres.
We beileve that dance is for everyone! Which is why we are proud to also facilitate classes for local dementia sufferers in the area… providing music, song and dance to the residents. Last year School Of Funk featured in a documentary for the BBC with Stacey Dooley with the residents of Tilsley House. Which you can catch up on here: On bbc I-player.
I am extremely passionate about dance and in helping my students surpass even their own expectations. I believe all dancers, no matter age, ability, or background, should have the access to grow and explore their passions and potential both in and out of the studio. Since first trading as Anne-Marie’s School of Funk in 2003, I have had the pleasure of seeing my students partake in competitions around the UK, showcases, workshops and attend national dance events to enhance and develop their knowledge as dancers.
I am incredibly proud of the company and of all our dancers who have given their time, energy and commitment into their dance journeys; giving up early mornings, evenings, weekends and more, not to mention the parents who join them every step of the way.
The dancers are what makes the company, and I look forward to welcoming many more to School of Funk in the future. x
“We are a dance company who have been teaching, leading, and facilitating dance activities across North Somerset for young people and adults of all abilities since 2003.We believe that dance is inclusive, no matter your walk of life or physical abilities, and the most important ingredient to any dancers success is having fun.”
Anne-Marie's School Of Funk 