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Appendix A: Extract of Goodman Dance Centre Business Plan
Goodman Dance Centre future plan for Acacia Hall and Darent Suite. Purpose of Document
The purpose of this document is to submit a formal expression of interest in working with Dartford Borough Council (DBC) to re-develop the Acacia Hall and Darent Suite. Background
The Goodman Dance Centre understands that DBC is seeking responses from local businesses and social enterprises to create a sustainable operating model for the Acacia Hall which combines both economic and social benefits for the residents of Dartford Borough. The Acacia Hall is currently under- utilised as a mixed use conference and a function facility. This proposal demonstrates how this important asset can be turned into a self-sufficient and sustainable venture that contributes positively to the lives of the local residents and businesses of the Dartford Borough. The Opportunity
The Goodman Dance Centre is one of the most successful and longest running dance schools in Kent. Its founder, Len Goodman, Head Judge on “Strictly Come Dancing” and “Dancing With The Stars”, together with his staff have been teaching all forms of dance at the studio in Dartford for in excess of forty years. Over the last five years, the studio has been looking for an opportunity to expand, to take advantage of the increased popularity of dancesport and in turn raise the profile of the studio.
Goodman's also offers a valuable service to the local community, with a range of dance classes that caters to a wide range of backgrounds and ages from the local neighbourhood. These classes include adult, senior and children’s Ballroom and Latin (social and competitive), alternative rhythms, modern sequence, professional dance training, line dancing, disco/freestyle, street/hip-hop, ballet, tap, modern jazz and performing arts (acting, singing and stage dancing).
In conjunction with this, there is an ever increasing demand to provide structured career opportunities for dancers from all backgrounds in nationally accredited teacher training and vocational examinations. Our Proposal
The Goodman Dance Centre proposes to work with the council to re-develop the Acacia Hall and Darent Suite. Our vision will be a thriving business centre for Dartford that caters for the need of all dance genres across all practices
CABINET 30 JUNE 2011 including social, youth, fitness, education and professional training. We will run two divisions – the Goodman Dance Centre and Goodman Accredited Learning Centre (Education and Training).
Goodman Dance Centre
It is envisaged that the following operations would take place:-
Set up as per our current class dance timetable and expand present number of pupils and create new classes where possible.
Bring under one roof all existing classes from the Goodman Dance Centre and the other locations where we currently hire premises.
Introduce new dance classes in dance genres that we currently do not cater for.
Commence Performing Arts classes for children offering a basic grounding in the various skills of modern theatre.
Commence monthly social practice night open to existing dancers within Goodman’s and to all social dancers of all levels who dance elsewhere.
Introduce new dance classes in dance genres that we currently do not cater for.
Set up Wheelchair Dance classes & workshops.
Commence dance lessons for the deaf
Regular Tea Dances
Easter & Summer Holiday courses for children.
Dartford Show
Summer Ball
Team building dance events for private & public sector.
Workshops with guest lecturers in various dance genres.
Full scale biennial performance at the Orchard Theatre
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Goodman’s Accredited Learning (Education and Training)
As an independent dance school, we have already made significant progress in positioning ourselves as an advanced centre for teacher training and professional tuition.
We are currently an “Approved Dance Centre” for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) which is one of the largest worldwide dance examination boards. Through this we offer a range of EU and UK NQF accreditations via class seminars, long and short courses, class and individual tutorials, distance learning modules and private study, as well as other forms of learning.
Recent changes in our industry have forced the varying dance faculties to fall in line with government frameworks. We are able to deliver not just social dance classes but high level portfolio of teaching qualifications to support teachers requiring qualifications levels 2 – 6 in Ballet, Tap, Fitness, Modern, Commercial Dance (Freestyle, Street, Urban) Ballroom & Latin, within the Government’s Qualification and Credits Framework (QCF) as well as Professional Teaching qualifications within numerous Professional Dance Awarding Bodies to members of the European Union.
This represents a significant opportunity for Goodman’s to be one of the leaders in our profession and we already have advanced plans in place to capitalise on these changes. One of these plans is in conjunction with the British Ballet Organisation (BBO) which is the only body to have a nationally recognised QTLS qualification in dance teaching verified by the Trinity College London. Advanced negotiations are in place for Goodman’s to be a regional provider for the BBO; thus enabling us to offer advanced graduate programmes.
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The Goodman Accredited Learning department will be able to offer:-
Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instruction (Exercise to music)
Level 3 Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) – Diploma in dance instruction British Ballet Organisation (BBO) – Diploma in dance teaching
Level 4 ISTD - Diploma in dance education BBO - Diploma in dance teaching Trinity College London – Preparing to Teach in Life Long Learning Sector (PTLS)
Level 5 Trinity College London – Diploma in Life Long Learning Sector (dance) with Qualified Teacher in Learning Skills (QTLS) Trinity College London – Safe and Effective Dance Practice
Level 6 Trinity College London – Diploma to Teach Children and Young Persons
Equivalence of levels on the qualification framework.
Level 3 Equivalent to A level Standard
Level 4 Equivalent to the first year of a degree or a Certificate of Higher Education
Level 5 Equivalent to the second year of a degree, a Diploma of Higher Education, a Foundation Degree or a Higher National Diploma
Level 6 Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree with or without Honours
In addition to these professional qualifications we will also be looking to offer the following services:-
Work in conjunction with Adult Education Centre and further education providers by delivering the courses that they require.
Set up and launch our Community Outreach programmes and a Performance Company.
Offer a one year degree course in musical theatre..
Set up dance career advice evenings.
Introduce the Len Goodman Scholarship Award.
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Benefits to Dartford Borough Council
The proposal provides a number of direct and indirect benefits to the council and residents of the borough. Direct Benefits
• Constant active use • Increase in people using its car park facilities therefore the introduction of parking fees could be considered • Reduction in running costs such as utilities, staff and wages • Reduction in internal maintenance costs • Increase skilled permanent employment in the borough • An education path and career progression for Dartford’s young people • Offering an information and career support service for local students
Indirect Benefits
• Raising the national and European profile of Dartford • Local amenities for people wanting a social outreach centre • Bringing people from outside the town into the area therefore increasing local trading footfall • Health and lifestyle projects for all age groups • Cross over courses from Amateur to Professional • Offering rental space for other youth and community organisations • Engaging youths in a positive and rewarding pastime helping to “keep them off the streets.”