Introduction
Sarah Cookney
Sarah, who has danced and aspired to teach modern dance since the age of six received her formal modern dance training with Brigitte Reeve and Michelle Reid. Sarah’s journey in dance has been a very successful one, winning the Western Province Junior Championships as well as Intermediate Championships. Sarah also won all her sections in the finals in her age category and came second in the search for “Stars of Tomorrow.” Sarah opened her own studio in 1991 with 16 pupils and has grown, exponentially to over 300 students.
Sarah is a prominent member of the dance community and is an examiner for the Cape Dance Association. Sarah is in the process of obtaining her membership diploma in International Examining with the A.I.D.T (Association of International Teachers) where she has her advanced teaching diploma. Sarah is also a member of the Western Province Dance Teachers Association and the Cape Dance Association and Theatre Dance Association. Sarah is also one of a few dedicated teachers who got Dance studies at FHHS implemented.
Sarah is Yoga Teacher and Level 3 paramedic. She is also actively involved in choreographing the Fish Hoek Primary School and Senior High School plays. Sarah has choreographed many set dances for various competitions and numerous musicals including “Grease”, “Joseph”, “7 Brides for 7 Brothers”, “The Boyfriend”, “West Side Story”, “Annie”, “Oliver”, “Wizard of OZ”, “Sound of Music”, “Chicago ”Hairspray.” Peter Pan, The King and I, Charlotte’s Web, Aladdin, Jane, Mulan and Narnia “the Lion the witch and the wardrobe” and “Robin Hood.”
She has also choreographed the dancing for the FHPS competition held at the V & A Waterfront and won 1st prize for 3 years in a row.
Sarah has toured to New York and Dallas, where she participated in dance classes at Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham and Broadway, along with a convention with Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Shane Sparks, Dave Scott and Tyce Diorio who are world renowned Choreographers.
Sarah has won numerous choreography awards as well as winning 20 sections in the Cape Town eisteddfod and Cape Dance Festival. She was awarded for Best Choreography at Eisteddfod and Adjudicators choice at the Festival.
“If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.”
