Following on from the success of our recent Spring Concert series, for this week's Teacher Feature, we take a sneak peek into our Performing Arts team for an interview with the brilliant Ms Predan, Performing Arts Teacher.

Following her graduation at the Ljubljana Dance Academy, Ms Predan worked as a choreographer and a dancer in a variety of International Productions shows, around both Europe and Asia. As an Activity Leader at UKLC Manchester she created numerous musicals and productions with her international students, and then moved to Dubai to work for one of the biggest companies in entertainment, Arthur Murray - managing a dance studio, performing and choreographing the shows. After returning home to Slovenia to complete her Masters in Dance Pedagogy, she was delighted to join the team here at BISL to teach Performing Arts.

Ms Predan is a very creative person who loves to share her knowledge and experience with her students, and is very passionate about dance, film and theatre - even in her free time.

See photos from our Year 2 & Year 3 Spring Concert, organised by Ms Predan

Briefly describe your journey as a teacher.

I have been fortunate enough to turn two of my biggest passions - dance and drama - into my profession. After finishing my studies at the Dance Academy in Ljubljana I have travelled the world performing and managing international production shows all around the globe. From Asia as a lead dancer and “Show Manager'', organising the team of international performers for one of the leading Cruise ships, to Dubai where I taught “performative theatre” and managed one of the biggest dance studios, onto England where I was an Activity Leader at UKLC, teaching EAL students and preparing them for summer musicals. And last but not least, in Slovenia, here at BISL I have the privilege to teach a group of inspiring and very talented students.

Why did you decide to specialise in Performing Arts?

Performing is something I have done ever since I can remember. From dancing to any song as a toddler, to gymnastics and ballet at the age of 6, then competing in Latin American and Ballroom dances until gaining the title of vice-champion of Slovenia in 2009 at 18 years old. Growing up I always spent my afternoons in drama and dance schools and weekends at dance competitions. I loved it! That’s when I knew, this is something I want to do for the rest of my life and inspire others to specialise in the field of Performing Arts as well. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing my highly motivated students express themselves on and off the stage. Art is something that we need, to make us see the world in a different light.

See photos from our Year 1 & Year 6 Spring Concert, organised by Ms Predan

What makes BISL such a unique place to work?

BISL seems like a big family to me. Everyone is very helpful and supportive of my role in the school and I highly appreciate that. It gives me an opportunity to be who I am and leaves me with a lot of room to create. With the opening of our new Performing Arts Theatre at BISL, I get the chance to take Performing Arts shows to the next level and get inspired along with my students on a daily basis.

How would you describe a typical day at BISL?

My typical day at BISL starts with a big mug of coffee :) This leads me to prepare for every lesson of the day. Each day is different and unique at the same time! The range of my students, from Primary to Secondary, always delivers a very creative environment of different experiences. Whether it is singing, dancing, acting or altogether, as you can imagine, I am never bored and I love it.

See photos from our Year 4 & Year 5 Spring Concert, organised by Ms Predan

Why is the experience of an international education important for a student?

I think that international education contributes to the well-being of students. Being surrounded by different students of different backgrounds makes you realise the differences but at the same time teaches you about acceptance and respect for one another. Our students learn about different cultures, countries, and traditions first-hand. This is a life lesson that can never be forgotten and a learning experience that students will cherish forever - wherever they may go.

More from our Teacher Feature series