In conversation with an ATAP teacher, Maddy Jacques
Our Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP) aims to instil a passion for learning ballet, prioritise high-quality teaching, and adapt to the evolving needs of the art form.
It all begins in the studios with our teachers. Our programme empowers teachers to lead and assess their students’ learning, giving them more professional growth opportunities, creativity, and job satisfaction.
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing one of our ATAP teachers, Maddy Jacques, about her experience with the programme.
What is your background as a ballet teacher?
I am a freelance ballet teacher, ballet examiner, and an Associate Artist with the Royal Opera House Chance to Dance project. I currently teach at a Performing Arts College in Leeds and a local dancing school in York and work in schools for the Royal Opera House Chance to Dance Project.
What has your experience been like as an ATAP teacher?
I attended the ATAP training in August 2023. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I felt a little nervous going back to class, but by the end of the week, I felt so inspired; I had found my spark again. I couldn’t wait to return to teaching and start delivering the work. The tutors were, and still are, so supportive. This new approach to teaching and the fresh ideas we discussed during the week’s course have helped in all areas I teach, not just the ATAP work.
How have you integrated ATAP principles into your teaching methods?
My dancing school students will be completing the ATAP assessments alongside their ISTD and RAD exams.
How have you found this new way of teaching?
The children have embraced it enthusiastically; they love the creative practice and the body conditioning. By combining all the aspects of the ATAP work, it is already producing more well-rounded little dancers. They love discussing and watching sections from different ballets and can see where all their hard work in class is leading.
The creative work the students are beginning to produce in class is exceptional. It is helping to bring my shy students out of their shells. It gives my confident students a new challenge to get their teeth into. With the freedom we have as teachers to deliver the work, there isn’t a student it doesn’t suit.
What has support been like?
I have been really impressed with the resources available online. If I have any queries about the technical expectations for a step or if I need some inspiration for the creative practice, there are easily accessible materials for me to go back to time and time again. There is also a fabulous marketing kit and plenty of guidance in the Teachers Hub area for any other queries I may have.
The support from the tutors has been excellent, and I think the drop-in clinics will be really useful as I get further down the ATAP path.
What are the benefits of membership for teachers?
The benefits of ATAP membership that I value the most are the on-demand platform and the support we receive. So many resources are available, and the drop-in clinics are useful and reassuring. I have met some fabulous teachers on this course who are as passionate about teaching ballet as I am; we have a busy WhatsApp group and Facebook group where we often bounce ideas off each other regarding teaching methods & new approaches, etc.
I’m also looking forward to the CPD days that are included with my membership; I’m sure they will be as inspiring and helpful as the intensive ones.
Applications are now open for our Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme. Learn more here and apply today.
