Testimonials

Urban Strides offers professionalism and integrity in their services both for their students and their clients. Our day is always made brighter by users of Urban Strides who find the time to share their thoughts on the service that we provide. There is nothing that we enjoy more than receiving these testimonials. Whether it is positive or negative criticism, your feedback is vital in order for us to continue our special service, so thank you for sending them and keep them coming!

Below is a selection of excerpts from the testimonials we have received for your perusal. Please feel free to contact us and send in your own testimonial!

CLASSES

"Andy Lately Classes Have Been Sick. So Raw. You are Great Teacher I've learnt alot from you! Thanks so much!xxx
Shernay Glasgow, Misbourne Class

"I went to the Wycombe class last night and really enjoyed it!! It was really good fun and a great atmosphere and very welcoming, can't wait until next week!!! Andy, you're very inspiring and a great teacher"
Noreen Shafir, High Wycombe

"Urban Strides came to our school today and it was so good! the dances were well good! I'm definitely getting the cd and dvd!"
Rosanna - Workshop participant

"Hey its Sam, I was in your class at Strodes College yesterday. I really enjoyed it and really appreciate your advice as it will reflect the rest of my dance areas. Thank you so much! It was great and I recommend it to everyone"
Sam - Strodes College

"I went to an Urban Strides class for the first time this week in Wycombe. I had a wicked time. Andy is great teacher. Wish I had his energy!!"
Gemma Binstead - High Wycombe

"Just wanted to say cheers for the great workshops at LIPA this week. Thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed them and definitely want to do more work in that style. Hope to see you back up here soon."
Kazik - LIPA Student

"When I saw Urban Strides, I had to join!
I can dance better now and it's all down to you!
So, ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO READ THIS AND DON'T DO URBAN STRIDES... I suggest next term you book to start because SERIOUSLY... it's AMAZING!
Thursday was Awesome!!!
Can't wait till next week..."
Hazel Culliney - Misbourne Class

"Andy always has time to talk and teach you certain aspects of performance and technique on a one-to-one basis, which proved invaluable with my technique. His classes are energetic, technique driven and above all fun to be involved in which makes the learning curve so much easier."
Paul Kitson - Former student now a professional dancer in the West End.

"Thank you for coming to my school and teaching me some cool dance moves. I really enjoyed it and I liked it when you waved and popped. You are a really good dancer. Thank you very much"
Declan - Workshop Participant

WORKSHOPS

"Thank you so much for the fantastic dance sessions you did at our school. The children said you were the best part of our performing arts week and all the staff thoroughly enjoyed it too! The concentration and enthusiasm you got out of the children was brilliant. Your unusual methods of encouraging respect, good manners and commitment from the children were fab and the children loved every minute of the workshop!"
Amanda Whiteley - Chalfont St Giles Junior School

"I was really impressed by how Andy dealt with the more awkward students and never ceased to give us 110%!"
From Godstowe Preparatory School

"The students were very positive and enthusiastic. A number came up at the end to thank Andy which was a sign that they had really appreciated what they had experienced. The way Andy linked dance to Maths was brilliant and I will be recommending this to Maths teachers around the country!"
St Clement Danes School

"On behalf of the staff, pupils and parents, I would like to thank you for the attendance of Urban Strides at our school. The performance was superb. The quality, precision and enjoyment of the whole dance group was evident for everyone to see. Everyone was particularly impressed with the number of males involved and it has certainly been a motivation for many of our boys taking up dance. Please convey my sincere thanks and appreciation to the whole dance group as they were a great credit to you."
Headteacher - Great Kingshill School

"Very positive. They all enjoyed the workshop and are glad they attended. Many of them have expressed an interest in enquiring about follow up sessions. Excellent content and challenging enough to keep all the boys engaged and motivated for the whole session. The workshop leader had a great rapour with the boys."
Jenny Munro - Lord Williams School

"We asked the participants to rate the workshop out of 10 and the overall average was 10! Some comments included "Andy Instone was the best thing ever", "It was a safe day" & "Andy Instone - Fantastic". The workshop was a perfect mix of street dance and business insight. The links Andy made between the motivation needed to train and run a business struck a chord with the participants. An excellent workshop!"
Countec Limited

"I would like you to know how much the children and teachers enjoyed your visit on Friday. The children had such a great time and couldn't stop talking about it. They thoroughly enjoyed doing something different and as we haven't ever done hip hop dancing at school it certainly was different for them. It made such a difference, especially to the boys, to see a male dancing and it being his profession. You dealt with the children fantastically and really showed that you enjoy teaching what you love, even to children this young. I do hope you are able to carry on teaching all ages as this is something that the children won't forget. Thank you again"
Great Kingshill Combined School

"They want more!! Excellent and motivating.please let us know when you are free again"
From Mereway Community College

"The children thought it was Fab! They enjoyed the dancing and it is a credit to Andy that they all listened carefully! Andy has obviously impressed the boys as some of them are planning to go to the new Saturday class! The communication between Paul & Andy and the School was excellent and showed great professionalism. It was informative and helped and I really appreciated the courtesy call after!"
Great Kingshill Combined School

"He was fantastic, superb and all the students had a wonderful time. We are looking forward to having him back again"
From a secondary school in Hampshire

"The workshops were absolutely fantastic & awe inspiring. Probably the best workshop we have ever had at the school. He really fired the children up and they had a lovely day."
From a secondary school in Hertfordshire

"I've never come across a teacher with so much enthusiasm, energy and above all a special rapport with kids....from the novice to the experienced...you got them all to dance and held their attention for one and a half hours. Truly amazing."
Sarah Jones and Cath - Hay Festival

"All the children really enjoyed the style of dancing taught to them and it gave them an insight into hip hop and how it was founded."
Kim Dye, Stagecoach, Doncaster

"They were ALL positive comments, the pupils were not only excited about learning the dance but also the components that make up the dance. It was a very educational session and we look forward to next year"
Sarah Davis, Henry Box School

"Workshop thoroughly enjoyed by all. Lots of thank yous to you and me for organising it. Always great to see our children overcome their fears of something new and realise it is fun. Andy bonds brilliantly with the kids and his enjoyment is infectious"
Inger Metaj Castlefield School

"It was an enthusiastic lecture which was enjoyed by all. It was an insightful session we came away after having had fun but also having learnt something about the history of the dance style"
BTDA

"Students loved it and have been practising the steps. Good awareness of health and safety. Pitched at right level. Sam was very friendly"
Cottesloe School

"Students thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and as their teacher I have to say I have never seen my pupils so focused, interested and involved as they were."
Kerry Hyde, English Martyrs

"Andy is a fantastic practitioner and a credit to our profession. We will undoubtedly be inviting Urban Strides back to our school to work with many of our other students."
Donna Hart, Warren Comprehensive

"Students found the workshop enjoyable and challenging and found Sam to be an inspiring teacher. I was pleased with the content and the leader and found that it was exactly what I was looking for!"

"Thank you, yet again, for an absolutely fantastic contribution to our perform-a-storm course. You are such a great guy to have on the team and your work is awesome! "
From Bridget Gordon - Producer, Perform-a-storm

"I'd just like to say thank you for providing such a fantastic dance teacher yesterday. Andy Instone was a true professional who really motivated the children. They have learnt a great deal from their sessions. I've enclosed some letters of thanks from all the children involved. They all want him to come back for more sessions!! Please pass on my praise and appreciation to him."
From a workshop in Surrey

"It was great to finally meet you on Tuesday! Thank you for giving the children such good classes, They had a fantastic time and can't wait to have you back. I will be in touch. We would love to have you back and I know I have to book you in advance!!"
Jane Anderson - principal Chiltern Academy

"Just a quick note to let you know our workshop was a huge success thanks to Andy. Our students can be very challenging but he was able to relate to them easily and sustain their attention. He was very professional and adapted to our needs readily. The movements were suitably selected and very well taught (I trained at the Laban Centre many years ago!) The students thoroughly enjoyed their sessions and we look forward to booking Andy again. Our students were also pleased to meet Adam the work experience student, especially as they recognised him from TV! A very successful workshop two students now want to do work experience as dance instructors please pass on our gratitude to both Andy and Adam."
From a senior member of staff at an emotional behavioural difficulties school

"This is the first moment I have been able to get online and thank you for the fantastic workshop you delivered on Tuesday. The kids absolutely loved it and thought you were fantastic!! The GCSE girls were on such a high when I taught them the next day...They even wanted to do sit-ups as part of their warm up!! Everybody including Jacqui, Louise and myself had a fab day and would love it if you would come back to spend another day with us!
From a workshop in Colchester

"The children thoroughly enjoyed the workshop & every child joined in. The children were so excited afterwards about what they had learnt - fantastic! Teachers were full of praise too! Nothing could be faulted! Really pleased with how the entertainment was received by the children. Andy's passion shone through and inspired the children. Thanks very much."
From Bucks Education Business Partnership - High Wycombe

"I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to you and your dancers for providing such fantastic entertainment for the Mini Enterprise competition on Wednesday 8th February 2006. Your commitment and infectious enthusiasm were really appreciated both before and during the event. Both the kids and adults seemed to really enjoy the performance and the workshop. This was undoubtedly due to your professionalism, expertise and fantastic rapport with the audience, which was pitched perfectly. Wishing you all the best for the future and I hope to work with you again soon."
From Bucks Education Business Partnership - Amersham

"Just wanted to forward my thanks for the workshop you did last week at Brentside. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed it and thought you were a god!!!! I have seen two kids with the 'Urban Dance Explosion' CD this morning..I would love it if you could come back and do a workshop with my year 10/11 GCSE Dance, if there is any chance of you doing so I would much appreciate it. Once again thanks for last week and for giving our kids a chance to experience dance in a different light. "
From Brentside High School - Ealing

"Thoroughly enjoyed all the sessions. We have been practising the dance and teaching other students in lessons. Excellent! Thanks again! "
From The Henry Box School - Oxon

"Thank you so much for the dance workshop on Wednesday 16th November. My pupils loved every minute of it and you inspired my boys to continue to keep practicing and improve. Thank you once again, hopefully we will see you again in the future. "
From Edmonton County School

"Sorry it has taken me so long to write to officially thank you for the fantastic series of workshops you provided. It can only be described as a fantastic week with both students and the staff commenting very positively about the experience. I saw a small article in the Bucks Advertiser which clearly showed the students having fun, although fun was not the only aspect of the week, as the students worked very hard and responded to you and your style of teaching very positively. I do hope that this will prove to be the start of a long and fruitful relationship with the school and I shall be nagging to use you again! Once again, many thanks for your time and expertise and I do hope that this has proved to be the start of a long and flourishing tradition. "
From Princes Risborough School

PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS

"The level of professionalism demonstrated by Andy and the team at Urban Strides has simply been outstanding. Some of their strongest attributes were organisational skills, thinking laterally and meeting the brief. We were very satisfied and wouldn't change a thing. We would definitely work with them again and recommend them to our clients."
From Claire Hook at Bell Pottinger (Vauxhall Tribes)

"Urban Strides were extremely professional to deal with - remaining positive and highly responsive at all times. The Urban Strides Team impressed on all levels. Overall we and our client, General Motors, were extremely impressed by the attitude and expertise of the whole team. We are currently working with Urban Strides on a second project"
From Sue Laming at Bell Pottinger (Vauxhall Corsa Launch - July 2006)

"I just wanted to write and thank you, Andy and the fabulous Urban Strides for joining us in the Blue Peter studio. It was an absolute pleasure to work with such fantastic, inspirational and professional people. It was so refreshing to meet a group of children who were contagiously happy and friendly. The way they interacted with everyone especially the Ballet children showed such impressive passion and maturity you should be very proud of them all. As for Andy, what a superstar! He is one in a million and everyone on the studio floor was extremely impressed by the way he not only handled the children but the many voices he was taking direction from on the studio floor, a true pro!"
Diggy Hicks - Blue Peter

"Thank you so much for bringing Urban Strides to Blue Peter. They are without doubt the most impressive and professional group of dancers that it has been my pleasure to work with. Andy is an inspirational leader and produced a fantastic 'dance off' between your guys and the ballet company. "
From the Studio Director, Blue Peter

"From the first point of contact, through to the live event, Urban Strides worked with us in a friendly, professional and cooperative manner, always with the clear intention for delivering the best possible performance. Their organisational skills were exceptional and they were always on hand to answer any queries or concerns. The performance Urban Strides delivered was above and beyond our expectations. Their technical ability was staggering and their professionalism and sense of humor made them a pleasure to work with. I would work with Urban Strides time and time again, I wouldn't think twice about recommending them."
Timebased Events Rosie Buirski

"Urban Strides were extremely professional not only prior to but also during and after the event. The US team were strong in all areas. "
Wendy Grant, Groovy Gecko Club

"Watched the young voices concert 2007 December the 5th last night was blown away with the dance performance never seen anything so brilliant, my daughter dances so seen a lot of shows but yours beat them all keep the good work up!!!"
Fran - Young Voices Concerts

"You guys last night at the MEN Arena Manchester (3 Dec 07) were AMAZING!! It definitely made everyone gasp with amazement on the troupes passion for dance. But the best part was the humility you guys showed when teaching the children a small but funky routine. My daughter has not stopped doing it! Take care and the very best of luck in the future. You guys have made a monumental positive change for dance."
Salima, MEN Arena, Manchester

"What an awesome performance at Young Voices, NIA last night! I am a 40 something Mum and wanted to jump up on stage with you guys! You are an inspiration for young people (and parents) by demonstrating that you can enjoy this type of music and dance without being a "bad lot"! Hope to see a lot more of you in the future. All the best!"
Sam B, LONDON O2 Centre - Young Voices

"Quite possibly THE most exciting choreography I have ever seen, performed by the most energetic and technically gifted hip hop dancers in the UK today. You literally exploded onto the stage and my heart is still racing from the passion that literally radiates off you all when you dance. Your enthusiasm is contagious and I cannot wait to see you perform again. Your focus, talent, and sheer joy for dance is inspirational"
Parent from Young Voices Concert

"Saw your performance at the MEN arena on Tue 4th Dec 2007 and all I can say is the group were fantastic, amazing and incredible. What an inspiration to those children. We are the parents of a High School pupil who has never experienced anything like that. Your energy, talent and dedication to what you do shines through. We were proud of our daughter and her school last night but even prouder to be part of what you are trying to achieve. It is too often we read in the papers and see on the news the negatives of the youth of today and it should be applauded and celebrated what you are doing.

You made us stop, look and listen last night and that's what should be on the front of the papers."
Mum and Dad from Wigan

"Not what you expect in Wycombe. Great Entertainment. Once again many thanks from all the team"
From The Glasshouse Public House in High Wycombe

"I had the pleasure of seeing you last night at the NIA in Birmingham, my Daughter Laura was singing with her school choir - Colwich. I was blown away by your talent. Your performance was breath taking. The atmosphere was electric and you all owned the stage. I would travel miles to see you talented lot again. Excellent, Brilliant well done - keep it up!!"
Gail & Laura xx

DVDS

"Urban Strides DVDs are great fun to do and really help you to improve your technique as well as keeping you fit!"
Lauren Titcombe - Kingshill

"If ever I can't make it to an Urban Strides class I just stick on one of the DVD's and go through one of the routines on there. They're not too difficult but I still manage to work up a sweat!"
Steph Wilkins - Holmer Green

"Urban Dance Explosion is a great DVD where you can learn hip hop techniques! It improved my style and confidence and I would definitely recommend it!"
Lara Baker - High Wycombe

CLOTHING

"The fresh n bad ass clothing really resemble the fresh n bad ass dancing going on at Urban Strides"
Cyrus Brandon - Aylesbury

"I love the hoodies because they are so comfy, I wear mine nearly every day! They are also really great quality and really warm."
Sammi Grover - Little Kingshill

"I've been wearing my Urban Strides clothes day in, day out! They're so comfy and I get so many comments from my friends and family about how great they look - now they ALL want a hoodie!"
Steph Wilkins - Holmer Green

"I love the clothing because it's fashionable and good to dance in."
Segun Fawle - Aylesbury