BreakThrough Dance Co. was founded by Laura-Jane Allis in October 2007. Laura-Jane started her dance career at the very young age of 3 where she attended dance classes in Ballet, Tap and Jazz. She went on to train professionally at Cambridge Performing Arts, UK where she studied and qualified in Dance and Musical Theatre.
Originally from London, Laura Jane moved to Ireland with her family over a decade ago and has settled well here ever since. After a few years of teaching in different community centres and areas in, and around County Clare, Laura Jane decided it was time to open a studio dedicated to everything dance.
One thing I started to notice; there was nowhere for children to learn all the disciplines of dance which I had growing up. It was either Irish Dance schools, Ballet schools or Hip Hop schools but there didn’t seem to be a dance studio that offered everything. Growing up in England there was a dance school around every corner that offered Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Modern classes.
Everything was so accessible and I think that’s what was missing from Ennis. By this time, I knew I could provide that, or I was going to give it my best shot anyway! I was lucky to have that on my doorstep growing up, why should it be any different over here? I have a passion for dance and performing arts. It’s the only thing I ever had a passion for and now I get to call it my job. I feel blessed.
There are so many talented children in Clare (and Ireland) and I get to nurture that talent and help them become the best dancer or performer they can be. It’s so rewarding. The commitment from all the students and parents is unbelievable and they’re the ones helping me to grow the studio, improve the standard, and help those who want to progress to further dance training in the UK.
I feel like BreakThrough is now that stepping stone for students who want to further their dance careers. It wasn’t an option before. Now there are endless opportunities out there for any budding performer and dancer. It’s exciting, and if I can gently encourage them to follow their dreams and realise that anything is possible-that in itself is why I decided to do this.
My name is Douglas and I am 18 years old. I’m from Clare but I’m studying in Dublin. I started teaching with BreakThrough in 2014. Teaching is something I look forward to doing every weekend and I’m passionate about it.
My classes are mainly focused on the styles hip hop, jazz funk, modern dance and commercial. I usually teach to an advanced level as I aim to push the students to their maximum capability. Classes are always high energy with the main focus being on choreographing pieces for either the end of year show, competitions, or any events/gigs that we have been asked to perform at. I am very committed to my classes and my students and I expect nothing less in return.
I always make sure that I am up to date with the latest trends in the dance industry and unique innovative pieces is what I hope to produce at the end. Students learn one or two dances in the term. I don’t try to rush anything and I always strive for perfection.
I have always said one dance done brilliantly is better than many dances done badly. If you’ve been in my classes before you would know that for me performance is everything and I always encourage students to do more than just the moves.
From the students I expect hard work, dedication, and commitment. Hard work in my classes does not go unnoticed and the students who give the most in class always get rewarded. I also expect that students are in class on time and in class every week. Missing class will result in distractions for me to move on and also for other students.
Cooperation is extremely important in class and I always encourage the students to enjoy it and ask questions. I always love to see newcomers in my class and the friendly studio environment makes people feel comfortable straight away.
Ruth studied dance at Killester School of Ballet since age 7 and has been successful in Royal Academy of Dance graded examinations up to and including Grade 8 Award and Vocational examinations.
She commenced her training in ISTD Modern Theatre Dance in 2002 and has completed all Modern Awards and Vocational Graded examinations to Advanced level.
Ruth has completed up to Grade 8 RIAM examinations in piano. She has completed a BA in Humanities from St. Patrick’s College and in 2008 she completed an MSc in Multimedia from DCU. In 2013 she completed the Higher Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching) and is presently working as a primary school teacher.
Ruth completed the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) in 2010. She is currently living and teaching in Ennis, Co. Clare.
