Our dance tutor Anna De Freitas has been teaching with us for 30+ years, mostly at Bedford House.  With the building now closed for a year-long refurbishment, classes have moved to Millman Street with her contemporary dance classes open to 4-16-year-olds.

We caught up with Anna to find out what drives her to teach and what makes her dance classes a bit different.  

“In modern life, I found there is pressure on children to compete in their every day. In my dance classes at HCA, it is a space for children to be heard and express themselves through dance.  The classes are more bespoke to the children now, looking at what they need whilst learning different styles of dances such as contemporary. Children learn structure and form alongside flexibility and the skills of performance.  I believe learning to dance allows children to explore who they are.  

I remember a moment when I was six I was dancing and I knew this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.  My training is in the Legat and Russian Vaganova style and I have performed all over the world in ballet and character companies as a soloist and principal dancer.

I have a real passion for the possibilities of dance to build confidence in children and young people.  The children often have an input into the choreography and help to make props and masks for our shows.  We even include a bit of flamenco and Argentinean tango! I love the children I taught and I love the children I teach.  I am excited about the future of HCA and exploring the different possibilities of dance bringing our community together.”  

Keep an eye out for more stories as part of our #activeHCA theme this Autumn.  Check out our activities calendar for full listings for children and young people, or email admin@holborncommunity.co.uk for more info.