Dancer of the Month

Dan Krikler

Hello I’m Dan and I feel as though I have been dancing at Allesley all of my life. In fact it has only been two and a half years; a time that has not only taught me a great deal about dance and performance, but about life and the life that I want to lead.

Having turned eighteen in September and in the knowledge that I will be leaving home this year, I feel quite reflective toward my life so far:

Growing up I used to laugh at my older brother Ben for doing ballet. He is now studying a degree in physics at Imperial College London, and yes I do make fun of him for this too. In contrast, he appreciates my love for musical theatre and is hugely supportive of me. As children we argued both verbally and physically as all siblings must! Now however, as a brother and a friend I feel great warmth and respect for him and know that we will always be very close.

Then & Now

Both of my parents are amazing people. They are as different as is possible to be of which I am thankful because I feel I get the best of both them! I have as much respect for dad as an orthopaedic surgeon as I do for mum as an artist. The thing I now appreciate the most about them is that while they continue to guide what I do, they let me choose what I think is right and support me in that. Thus they have helped me to reach a point where I can make my own decisions (even if they aren’t always right) and take responsibility for what I do.

Holidays with dad and mum

It wasn’t until about thirteen or fourteen that I had the urge to perform. I joined Leamington Spa Stagecoach on an impulse, one which turned out to be very good as I found that I loved all of the classes. My interest grew and I joined a Kenilworth theatre group. As I progressed I found that I wanted to take things more seriously and it was just after my sixteenth birthday that I watched the Coventry Youth Operetta’s production of Guys and Dolls. I was blown away by the professionalism and standard of the company and joined YOG for their next show, Crazy For You. I enjoyed the first five months of rehearsal as the new kid but it was in the show week that I really got to know people. It wasn’t until my second show that I realised these were going to be good friends. The ‘YOG lot’ or ‘Yoggers’ became and still are the closest friends I’ve ever had and I have had so many incredible times with them over the last three years and five YOG shows.

 

 

 

Holiday Swans

In June 2006 I joined Allesley School of Dance and suddenly realised how good people actually were. Although I was improving, for a while I struggled to keep up at all. Since then, under the guidance of Mrs Pughe and Lizzie, I feel I have progressed quickly. It hasn’t just been the teaching, but a personal encouragement that has given me the confidence in myself to believe I can achieve something. For that I will be forever grateful.

The Allesley showcase was one of the best times I’ve ever had! I’ve also never been as nervous as I was at the start of the show. While the numbers were fantastic, it was the people who really made it for me: all around me were my friends of varying ages. Doing what I love with the people I love I couldn’t have been happier. Thank you!

I believe that dance and performance is unique in what it offers. Nothing can evoke such emotions or inspire so great an energy as what happens on stage. We are lucky to be part of that, and I will continue to do so for as long as I can.

Manliest bunny ever!

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