A St Albans-based dance school has hosted its first in-person Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams since the pandemic.

Brewer Dance Academy (BDA) had previously been forced to submit filmed examination entries, but was able to enter 51 students for in-person exams this November.

The students were entered for a variety of graded exams and solo awards, ranging from Primary Level for those aged four, up to Grade 8.

During the pandemic, more than 150 exam students had their examinations filmed and submitted online to the RAD examining board, with BDA thanked for being an ambassador for filmed exams.

Herts Advertiser: Helen Brewer, the owner of Brewer Dance AcademyHelen Brewer, the owner of Brewer Dance Academy (Image: Brewer Dance Academy)

Brewer Dance Academy (BDA) opened in St Albans in 1972. Helen Brewer, its owner and a former professional dancer, said:

"As a small local business, we are still feeling the pressure of recovery out of the pandemic, as well as seeing how current cost of living pressures are affecting our families.

"We keep our classes at an affordable price point and have developed a varied timetable, to help make ballet and dance as inclusive as possible.

Herts Advertiser: Two more dancers ready for their examsTwo more dancers ready for their exams (Image: Brewer Dance Academy)

"As well as RAD Ballet, we offer classes for boys only, contemporary dance and adult ballet, and have a long-standing partnership with Heathlands School for the Deaf.

"We were delighted when we discovered that the examiner had taken the trouble to learn some sign-language to help our first candidates feel more at ease."

Emily Kennedy, mother of Grade 5 student Lily Kennedy, said:

"The children love Mrs Brewer’s lessons. I’m relieved to see ballet opportunities getting back to usual, as everyone has shown such resilience over the last few years.

Herts Advertiser: Two of the students ready to perform a dance from The NutcrackerTwo of the students ready to perform a dance from The Nutcracker (Image: Brewer Dance Academy)

"Lily has been lucky enough to perform on stage this month in The Nutcracker with the English Youth Ballet, as well as completing her Grade 5 solo award, which is fantastic progress.

"It's an incredibly nurturing dance school with an emphasis on enjoyment, while providing first class ballet tuition with live pianist accompaniment.

Mrs Brewer's passion for dance radiates through the school, it's a wonderful community to be part of."

Herts Advertiser: Grade 7 students at Brewer Dance AcademyGrade 7 students at Brewer Dance Academy (Image: Brewer Dance Academy)

Emma Thompson, mother of Grade 5 student Olivia Thompson, added:

"Olivia has just added contemporary dance to her timetable and is really enjoying the different pace and movement, after many years of ballet.

"It’s also great to see the friendships between the older pupils, many of whom have been dancing together since early primary school."