IDS makes a series of star turns in true theatrical style and joins the social calendar of the South West’s must have magazine… Devon Life.  Britain’s celebrity dance master, Wayne Sleep, led the way with Anne Walker on a whistle stop tour of IDS’s headquarters for its 2010 Catalogue launch… yet taking the time to sign autographs was much appreciated by IDS’s customers, family and friends alike.

Read the article in Devon life @  http://devon.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/wayne-sleep-launches-new-book-catalogue-24660/

Sunday saw me in Wigan for the official relaunch of Freestyle Dancewear which has been transformed into Pointes Dancewear. An amazing transformation has taken place resulting in a fabulously enticing pink heaven of a shop! Owners Laura and Chris Blackburn are specialising in the fitting of pointe shoes and are aiming to attract customers from around the north west.

The Grand Opening was performed by Francesca Filpi of The Royal Ballet Company who had spent the day teaching locally for CLB Productions also run by Laura and Chris.

This weekend has seen the start of the new term for many dance schools and the shops have been busy too. It’s also a time of “new beginnings” for some businesses.

On Saturday I was the guest of Janet Moon Academy in Paignton where I cut the ribbon on their new premises. Although Jan has taught for many years this is the first time she has had her own studio so there was great excitement. After the ribbon cutting the students performed some numbers from a recent show. Good luck to Jan and her assistant Ami for the future!

What a brilliant day we had! After weeks of gloomy weather the sun broke through as Wayne Sleep stepped off the train and we had a glorious afternoon!

Customers, suppliers and staff packed into the bulk warehouse to watch Wes perform the worlds first choreographed version of Thriller in a forklift before the catalogues were unveiled by Wayne who, as you can see, couldn’t wait to start flicking through the new Diamond Book. Wayne then entertained us with stories from his long and amazing career. Thank you Wayne for joining IDS once again and sharing “Precious Little Sleep”.

Your catalogue should be with you very soon!

Today we have celebrated the 10th Anniversary of one of the Senior Management Team. Allison joined IDS as a member of the sales team and now 10 years later she is one of the key players in the business.

Here is Allison receiving gifts and a cake from Anne and Ian.

I am so looking forward to catching up with lots of people next Friday (27th) when we launch our 2011 Diamond Book. I am thrilled that Wayne Sleep OBE will be our Guest of Honour and will launch our best ever catalogue.

This time we have more costumes, more shoes, more uniform than ever before – in fact we have added all the things you have been asking for. There’s one or two surprises too which we shall reveal on Friday!

All this week we have been exhibiting at the Dance Teacher Web Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. This is a great event which includes outstanding movement classes and inspiring and informative business seminars. I was joined by Ian, Andrew and Kate. As part of the evening social activities we took in a performance of the Cirque Du Soleil production Viva ELVIS™ and as you can see from the photograph, he even took time out from his busy schedule to drop by our booth and say Hi!

Allison and Elaine are flying the flag at the massive Dance Teacher Summit in New York. 1400 dance teachers are enjoying a packed schedule of classes and workshops but, most importantly, they are visiting the IDS booth to collect their fabulous FREE flower corsage.

Allison and Elaine are delighted to be meeting customers who are recounting their great experiences of working with IDS as well as meeting many new people. Here they are on their booth.

1st Position takes centre stage at Covent Garden with each and everyone of the 225 Royal Ballet School students performing at their annual school performance receiving a well done and thank you goodie bag.   

IDS pictured the two lead dancers in The Lilac Garden, Angela Wood and William Bracewell who will join ENB and BRB respectively.  Wayne Sleep who was IDS’s guest at the performance was thrilled with the show spotting his favourites to look out for in next year’s performance.