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About Us
Joanna Willey BA (Hons) IDTA
Joanna was born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and studied Violin, Piano and Singing at Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester and St. Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh before completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Performing Arts – Music. She is also a qualified Dance teacher with the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA).
Joanna made her first professional appearance at the age of 6 appearing in a pop video for EMI Records. Since then she has performed extensively showcasing her skills in many different genres – from dancing with the ‘Lewis London Ballet’ to playing in the ‘Northern Junior Philharmonic Orchestra’ with world famous conductors such as Daniel Harding at the Snape Maltings Proms and Harrogate International Music Festival. Whilst at University, Joanna worked professionally as a violinist in Robbie Williams’ band making appearances on TV Shows such as The National Lottery Show, Top of the Pops and Parkinson.
Between 2004 & 2007 Joanna worked for THAMES (Tower Hamlets Arts & Music Education Service) in London where she taught music and dance to over 500 children per week at 7 inner city schools. She was promoted to Lead Violin Tutor in 2006.
Joanna set up Fusion Arts Academy 7 years ago in London’s Docklands and decided to relocate the school to the Isle of Wight in 2007. As well as running Fusion Arts, Joanna has spent the last few years working as a Key Stage 2 & 3 Music Teacher at Northwood Primary School, Cowes and a Wider Opportunities Violin Teacher with the Isle of Wight Music Service.
Fusion Arts Academy Term Dates
Autumn Term 2010
27th September - 17th December
(Closed for Half Term: 25th October - 31st October)
Class Timetable
Tuesday (Garfield Road, Ryde)
4.00 - 4.30 Melody Bear (Pre-School Ballet / Movement) £3.50
4.30 - 5.00 Grade 3 Ballet £3.50
5.00 - 5.30 Junior Musical Theatre £3.50
5.30 - 6.00 Grade 2 Jazz Moves £3.50
6.00 - 6.30 Street Beat Tap £3.50
6.30 - 7.00 American Cheerleading (Age 8 - 14) £3.50
7.00 - 7.45 Senior Musical Theatre (Age 12+) £4.50
Wednesday (St. Andrews Hall, Cowes)
4.15 - 4.45 Melody Bear (Pre-School Ballet / Movement) £3.50
4.45 - 5.15 My First Ballet with Melody Bear (Reception / Year 1) £3.50
5.15 - 5.45 Junior Ballet (Years 2 - 4) £3.50
5.45 - 6.30 Musical Theatre £4.50
6.30 - 7.30 Popstars (Hip Hop Dance and Pop Vocals) £5.00
Thursday (Garfield Road, Ryde)
4.30 - 5.00 My First Ballet with Melody Bear (Reception / Year 1) £3.50
5.00 - 5.30 Tip Tap Toe with Melody Bear / Junior Tap (Reception - Year 2) £3.50
5.30 - 6.00 Grade 1 Jazz Moves £3.50
6.00 - 6.30 Level 1 Hip Hop £3.50
6.30 - 7.15 Level 2 Hip Hop £4.50
7.15 - 8.00 Level 3 Hip Hop £4.50
For a map and venue details please click
The Melody Movement Class introduces children to dance and movement using the natural actions of the body such as walking, running, skipping, hopping and galloping. It is designed to help children’s physical development, co-ordination, concentration, creativity and self-expression in a dance format.
Melody Bear Movement
The Melody Movement syllabus has been created by Jill Bridger, a registered Royal Academy of Dance teacher with 20 years experience of teaching young children. Jill created her syllabus to give her pre-school children a creative and inspiring programme of dance classes which could meet the needs of all the children. She found that the addition of Melody Bear and her achievement stickers encouraged the children to participate and to continue their dancing as they matured.
American Cheerleading:
These classes are designed to be a fusion of traditional cheerleading mixed with street dance. All classes start with a warm up followed by covering technique, e.g. splits, cartwheels, jumps, steps, leaps and kicks, cheer hand positions, arm motions and body isolations. It is possible for more experienced pupils to begin covering basic stunts and pyramids. We then work on a routine to bring this all together. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm!
Musical Theatre:
Musical Theatre is a mix of singing, dancing and acting. Students are encouraged to work towards examinations with the London College of Music (LCM) which can be taken on the Island. We build up a repertoire of songs in the Musical Theatre genre which are usually choreographed and work on performance technique as a group. Work previously covered with other pupils includes excerpts from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Oliver, Bambi, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and Chicago.
Hip Hop:
Our Hip Hop syllabus was created by the ATOD (Australian Teachers of Dancing) Hip Hop Core Committee. The syllabus includes Levels 1-12 and is structured to introduce students from 6/7 years of age to hip hop with a thematic approach in the first 2 levels. It encourages individuality, style and improvisation throughout and allows teachers and students the freedom for personal interpretation of the movements. The syllabus progresses systematically and builds strength, energy and dynamics. The ATOD syllabus will continually evolve with regular updates to keep abreast of the changing culture that is hip hop.
Jazz Moves:
Our Jazz Moves Syllabus incorporates but is not limited to a comprehensive warm-up; stretches; floor and corner work including turns, kicks and jumps; historical steps; up to the minute moves; combinations; progressions and dances. It progresses systematically and builds strength, energy and attack. It is designed to technically develop students to individually reach their full potential whether on a recreational, professional or teaching level and is designed to enhance creativity with student choreography and improvisation included in major levels.
Popstars:
Our Popstars classes are very popular as the lesson consists of both Street Dance and Pop Vocals (Singing). You will be taught how to warm both your voice and body up safely, stretch your technique, build your confidence with new steps and then work on a variety of different songs & routines in modern styles such as Pop, Rock, Funk, Hip Hop & R&B. Once again, no experience necessary, just enthusiasm!
Film, TV & Modelling Agency:
Many parents ask if we have an agency at Fusion Arts.
Although we don’t run our own agency we are often approached by TV companies/advertising agencies due to the nature of our school. Information on all casting opportunities is always passed on to our students & parents.
We also have very good links with a reputable model/casting agency in London. Children on their books have been used by companies such as Nickelodeon, Sony Ericsson, The Bill, Eastenders, Crimewatch, Debenhams Direct, Tammy Girl, Mizz Magazine, Holby City, Panorama, Freemans, Tammy Girl, Silent Witness, M&S, and Barratts to name a few.
Pupils at Fusion Arts are invited to audition for their books and these auditions are held on our premises both in London and on the Isle of Wight. Many of our pupils have already had castings and worked professionally for companies including Nickelodeon and Silent Witness.
Private Music Tuition
Joanna teaches Violin, Piano and Singing (Musical Theatre & Pop) from her home in East Cowes.
Lessons can be arranged during the day or in the evenings and are available to both children and adults. Lessons cost £14.00 (30 minutes) and £28.00 (1 hour). Joanna can prepare students for examinations recognised by the QCA / DfES or lessons can just be for fun!
Venues:
Mondays
1
East Cowes Community Hall
Falcon Road
East Cowes
Please note that East Cowes Community Centre is the building next to the Scout Hut. On street parking is available on Adelaide Grove. Please do not park on Falcon Road or in the Scout’s car park. Thank you.
Wednesdays
2
Northwood Community Hall
Northwood House
Ward Avenue
Cowes
PO31 8AZ
Please use the main visitor’s car park and walk through the grounds following signs for the reception. Our classes are held in the old stables.
Uniform:
Popstars/Musical Theatre:
Fusion Arts T-Shirt, Plain Black bottoms & Black Jazz Shoes.
Students also need a folder to keep their lyrics in.
Melody Bear
(Girls):
Pink Fusion Arts style leotard with skirt, pink crossover cardigan, pink ballet socks, pink ballet shoes.
(Boys):
Navy blue shorts, white t-shirt, white ballet socks, white ballet shoes.
Tap:
Black Fusion Arts style leotard, Black Tap Skirt, Black Tap Shoes, White ankle socks
American Cheerleading:
Fusion Arts T-Shirt, Plain Black bottoms, Black Jazz Shoes and Finger Grip Pom Poms
Fusion Arts Dancewear Price List
Fusion Arts Academy T-Shirt £12.00
Jazz Shoes £14.00
Black Fusion Arts Style Leotard £12.00
Pink Ballet Shoes £10.00
Melody Bear Pink Leotard with Skirt £12.00
Pink Crossover Cardigans from £8.00
Dance Socks £2.00 (pink, white, black).
Black Tap Skirt £12.00
Black Capezio Tap Shoes (inc. taps) £18.00
Pom Poms £12.00 per pair. (Available in many colours)
Contact Information
If you have any questions or would like any futher information please don't hesitate in contacting us.
For all enquiries please contact Debbie or Caroline on 01983 861991
8.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday or 9.00am to 1.00pm Saturday
Parents can call Joanna on 07786 787322
Email: info@fusionarts.co.uk
News and Announcements
Joanna, our principal was presented to HRH Prince Charles and Camilla on his 60th Birthday for her work with Fusion Arts. She would like you to know that he's a fan of Tap Dancing!
Congratulations to all pupils who passed their IDTA Ballet & Tap Exams with Honours & Highly Commended!
Congratulations also to our Isle of Wight Musical Theatre Pupils who all gained DISTINCTION in their recent examinations with the London College of Music. Exams taken ranged from Grade 1 to Grade 5. Our next LCM Exam session will be in April 2009.
Our next exam session will be in March where both London & IOW pupils will have the opportunity to take exams with the Australian Teachers' of Dancing in Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap and Jazz Moves.
Joanna attended a 4 day course in July with the Australian Teachers of Dance in Covent Garden, London.
Congratulations to Ruhi Singha on her filming work with Nickelodeon (Kids Choice Awards advert).
Congratulations to Ishon O'Connor on working with the BBC show 'Silent Witness' , Nickelodeon and your various castings.
Congratulations to Zanfe O'Connor on getting to the final of the 'Little Champs Dance Competition' in Stratford.
Congratulations to Rima Nsubuta on gaining a place at the prestigious 'Brit School'.
Congratulations to all of our pupils who passed their London College of Music Drama and Music Theatre Examinations with flying colours!
Past Performances
Pan Community Partnership Awards Ceremony @Cowes Yacht Haven (Popstars) November 1st 2008
Celebration! (Broadway Theatre, London) July 2008
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