OUR JOURNEY
Simon Says Dance, also known as SSD, was established back in 2011 by Simon Hunter, starting with just a handful of students each week. Now, we teach over 600 students each week across our venues in Edinburgh.
In 2011, Simon set out to create a new 'Commercial' dance offering in Edinburgh for youngsters. With there being little to no opportunities available for kids in this very much new and emerging style of dance in Edinburgh at that time, Simon decided to launch this fresh concept within the activity-provider industry in Edinburgh.
With the booming trend of Commercial dance, thanks to successful pop music videos and the like, the Simon Says Dance concept took off and we are now one of the biggest Commercial Dance offerings in Central Scotland. In 2018 we officially opened our own dance studios 'SSDHQ', close to Edinburgh City Centre.
Building on our success, we more recently expanded our dance and performance class offerings to proudly offer RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, Acrobatic Arts (Acro), House, Jazz and Musical Theatre, as well as our main offering of Commercial.
Simon Says Dance also offers exciting holiday camps and unforgettable birthday parties as well as fun dance sessions to external bodies, including Nurseries and Schools for Health Weeks and such-like. We have built close relationships with numerous local Nurseries, Schools and Charities, which we're really proud to support.
In 2011, Simon set out to create a new 'Commercial' dance offering in Edinburgh for youngsters. With there being little to no opportunities available for kids in this very much new and emerging style of dance in Edinburgh at that time, Simon decided to launch this fresh concept within the activity-provider industry in Edinburgh.
With the booming trend of Commercial dance, thanks to successful pop music videos and the like, the Simon Says Dance concept took off and we are now one of the biggest Commercial Dance offerings in Central Scotland. In 2018 we officially opened our own dance studios 'SSDHQ', close to Edinburgh City Centre.
Building on our success, we more recently expanded our dance and performance class offerings to proudly offer RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, Acrobatic Arts (Acro), House, Jazz and Musical Theatre, as well as our main offering of Commercial.
Simon Says Dance also offers exciting holiday camps and unforgettable birthday parties as well as fun dance sessions to external bodies, including Nurseries and Schools for Health Weeks and such-like. We have built close relationships with numerous local Nurseries, Schools and Charities, which we're really proud to support.
Simon Says PERFORM!
We believe in giving all our students the opportunity to perform. Whether that's in class at one of our mini end-of-term showings (class dependent), internally held Competitions or in a fully rehearsed show on-stage at the Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh.
Throughout the year, our Teachers work on numerous pieces, developing stunning routines that challenge our students in many different ways.
Every June, our Junior students (those who attend a 30, 40 or 60min class - with the exception of Acro, Breakdance and Stretch) have the chance to perform their routines on stage at the Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh.
Every December, our Academy students (those who attend any of our Commercial Academy offerings) also have the chance to perform their routines on stage at the Brunton.
All our theatre shows are recorded, so the memories can be enjoyed for years to come!
Out with the above, we often carry out mini end-of-term showings at class where applicable, so parents can see just how much their child has come on since joining Simon Says Dance.
Throughout the year, our Teachers work on numerous pieces, developing stunning routines that challenge our students in many different ways.
Every June, our Junior students (those who attend a 30, 40 or 60min class - with the exception of Acro, Breakdance and Stretch) have the chance to perform their routines on stage at the Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh.
Every December, our Academy students (those who attend any of our Commercial Academy offerings) also have the chance to perform their routines on stage at the Brunton.
All our theatre shows are recorded, so the memories can be enjoyed for years to come!
Out with the above, we often carry out mini end-of-term showings at class where applicable, so parents can see just how much their child has come on since joining Simon Says Dance.
MEET THE SSD FAMILY
We have a fantastic team of talented and dedicated role models here at Simon Says Dance. All appropriate staff hold Public Liability Insurance, are First-Aid Trained and PVG Disclosure checked for your peace of mind.
Simon Hunter
Director, Commercial Teacher & Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Simon, founder of Simon Says Dance, is both the face of SSD and teacher of our most popular style we offer - Commercial. A blend of multiple styles, Commercial is extremely fun and upbeat. Simon has taught this style for the past 8 years in leading Edinburgh dance schools and SSD, now leading the teaching team here. |
Craig Johnson
Director & Business Manager Craig is a Business Management Graduate who joined the SSD team back in 2017 after leaving the corporate world where he worked in a busy HR Department. With his commercial acumen, Craig manages all operations of Simon Says Dance, including Admin, Finance, Marketing and much more! Sadly he wasn't graced with dancing feet.. |
Amy Griffiths
Freelance Teacher Ballet, House, Commercial, Acro (Deputy DCPO) The multi-talented Amy is the dedicated Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Certified Ballet teacher. Amy also teaches the styles of House, Acro & Commercial and is both qualified and well-experienced from her time teaching at established dance schools in Edinburgh before SSD. |
Laura Thomson
Freelance Teacher Jazz, Commercial & Acro Laura - a.k.a 'Gilly' to most - is another multi-talented teacher. With both professional training and extensive experience in the industry both as a performer and teacher, Laura brings invaluable skill and personality to the classes she teaches at SSD. |
Caitlin Stemp
Freelance Teacher Musical Theatre The fantastically characterful and imaginative Caitlin is the dedicated Musical Theatre teacher. Caitlin has a breadth of knowledge in the Arts field, with experience teaching Musical Theatre (a mix of singing, dancing and acting) to children across Edinburgh and Glasgow. |
Kirsty MacDonald
Freelance Teacher Tap & Stretch Kirsty, the ISTD Certified Tap teacher, provides feel-good Tap classes to both children & adults at SSD. Experienced from teaching at renowned Edinburgh dance schools, Kirsty's fresh & modern approach to Tap has somewhat reinvented this style, making it extremely fun to watch and do. |
Savanna McNaughton
Freelance Teacher Jazz & Acro A recent Dance For All Graduate, Savanna brings a breadth of knowledge and experience from her dance studies, which she will translate into her classes at SSD. Savanna is also a trained Acrobatic Arts Teacher, coming to teach classes at SSD from October 2019. |
Chris Buendia-Diaz
Freelance Teacher Breakdance Chris is a skilled Breakdance teacher bringing over 12 years teaching experience from his time at schools across Central Scotland as well as from his time running his own Breakdance Company. He has developed his own Breakdance Syllabus which challenges students to reach their full potential. |
Stacey
Creative/Business Support Stacey helps us out with all things creative at SSD, including Holiday Camps and our Annual Shows! Stacey helps us to achieve 'wow' performances at our Annual Shows through her amazing costume expertise! |
Pauline
Receptionist Pauline is our Friday/Saturday Receptionist - better known as Simon's Mum! On Fridays alone, Pauline welcomes over 400 students through the doors of SSDHQ across a 6hr period, so she's always on her toes! |
Adam
Facilities Support Adam is the one who makes sure SSDHQ is always looking its best, which is no easy task. From DIY to keeping things spick and span, Adam is our saviour who ensures you're always walking into a shipshape SSDHQ! |
SSD Assistants
We also have a team of fabulous SSD assistants, who assist our Teaching staff to ensure the smooth runnings of our classes. They, like our Teachers, are role models for our students - especially the youngsters! They instil confidence and provide us with invaluable support on a day-to-day basis.
Niamh
Joe
Sophie
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Jazmine
Jude
Demi
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Mila
Emily
Emma
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Anna
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Ellie
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Sarah
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