My name is Catherine Chivers. I studied Primary Teaching and Dance at Middlesex University and have a B.Ed [Honours] degree. I have over 20 years teaching experience in London, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I was the Performing Arts Director at The Elms Junior School to Trent College for 14 years. I taught dance and drama throughout the school and produced all the large scale musical productions. I also choreographed the Trent College musicals such as The Boyfriend, Annie, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma.I am a qualified Ballet and Tap dance teacher [Associate IDTA] and a qualified Fitsteps, Fitsteps Tone and SeatedSOSA instructor. I loved volunteering with the Lake Enders at Lakeside Arts Nottingham - a group of adults with learning difficulties developing theatre and art skills. I run a dance/exercise class for the adults at WAP [West Area Project- Lenton] which brings a smile to my face every week! I have also volunteered with Bamboozle- a wonderful charity who create multi sensory performances and workshops for children with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties and their siblings and families. I have also worked in special schools teaching dance and drama and have learned Makaton Sign Language to Foundation Level.I run an inclusive dance class for adults over 16 which started as a Lottery funded Dance Syndrome project at the studio and is a fantastic creative experience for everyone involved. This Manor Arts EveryoneDance group has now outgrown the studio so we rehearse at Beeston Youth and Community Centre each week!

I love children and relish seeing their confidence grow as they learn through dance and drama. I enjoy using stories and books to inspire learning and introducing children to a range of music. Children's musical experience certainly doesn't need to be limited to nursery rhymes alone! I've become really interested in creating multi-sensory experiences for children. All children can gain so much from holistic learning experiences.