CLAIRE SMITH (R.A.D RTS / M.U.K.A)

Claire started her dancing career at a young age with The Manor School of Ballet, under the Directorship of Noel Platfoot. Progressing through the school, she decided to further her dance career after gaining her Elementary in RAD and ISTD Ballet and enrolled in the professional Dance course at the North of England College of Dance.

Claire passed exams in ISTD Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap and National dance up to intermediate and advanced level as well as RAD Ballet and, after gaining distinction for her Teaching Certificate, returned to Edinburgh in 1996 where she started teaching for the Manor. In 2004 she became a Partner of the School.

Claire was fortunate at both School and College to study music, singing, drama and contemporary dance leaving with GCSE and HIGHER GRADE certificates. This also encouraged Claire's love for the theatre.

Claire has performed in many plays, concerts, amateur musicals and dance shows, with various companies including Edinburgh Music Theatre Company, Theatre of Song and Dance, Edinburgh Gang Show and Prestonfield House Hotel's "A Taste of Scotland". She also performed with her College Company Dance Kaleidoscope in many dance shows both locally and abroad.

Working at the Manor School has given Claire the opportunity to choreograph, direct and produce many dance numbers and shows. But Claire also likes to get involved with other events locally and teaches dance sessions at Edinburgh Zoo Summer School. Claire has also acted as City Arts Advisor for Girl Guiding Edinburgh, coordinating events and shows throughout the city and was also recently asked to choreograph for an adult company "Showcase" in Edinburgh, supporting Macmillan Cancer Research through shows at Morningside's Churchill Theatre.