
Suzanne’s School of Dance provides excellent tuition in all elements
of the performing arts to students of all ages whether they are looking
for a fun pastime or a career in the industry. We now have nearly 600
pupils enrolled with us taking advantage of the wide range of classes
taught by our dedicated team of teachers.
Principal
Suzanne Ware trained under the late Joanne Marsden-Blackwell before
becoming a professional dancer. She worked in Europe before returning
to England to start the school which she has successfully run since
1993. Suzanne’s fun classes made her popular with both children and
adults for many years before she gave up teaching to focus on managing
the school. Suzanne has recently resumed teaching our Monday and
Wednesday Jazz classes which are now hugely popular!
Students at the school have the opportunity to perform in our annual
show at the Beck Theatre in Hayes which is always a lot of fun. We hold
regular optional exam sessions and also provide private tuition and
support to students wishing to participate in festivals or audition for
vocational schools. We have had several pupils accepted to such
schools, including White Lodge, Elmhurst and Laine Theatre Arts.
Several students have performed in West End productions, including Les
Miserables (Little Cosette and Gavroche), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
(Jemima and ensemble) and Mary Poppins (Jane and Michael Banks).
All classes are run from our purpose built mirrored studios which
are accessed through our fully stocked dancewear shop, Suzanne’s Dance
Supplies. We also have a waiting room where parents can sit and watch
classes.
BALLET
Ballet is best known for its graceful, precise movements. It can be enjoyed by all ages and our Baby Ballet classes introduce children age 2-3 to the basic skills needed, in a fun context. We teach RAD ballet
and hold regular (non-compulsory) exam sessions. Children progress from
Pre-Primary to grade 5 before deciding whether to study the higher
grades or opt for the Vocational syllabus. Ballet is essential for
anyone wishing to pursue a career in dance. For advanced pupils we hold
Ballet Technique classes and a Ballet Show class which provides the opportunity to perform in festivals. We also teach non-syllabus Adult Ballet classes, open to all abilities including complete beginners.
Uniform
Baby ballet, 4yr and Rising 5s: Any pink leotard and skirt (selection available from shop), leather ballet shoes.
Pre-Primary and Primary: Pink Chloe leotard, pink voile R403V skirt, pink leather ballet shoes, pink socks, pink crossover cardigan for winter.
Grade 1: Pink Chloe leotard with elastic belt, pink
leather ballet shoes, pink socks, character skirt, character shoes,
pink crossover cardigan for winter.
Grade 2+ : Navy Faith leotard with elastic belt, pink socks or tights, character skirt, character shoes.
Vocational: Black Alice leotard, tights, ballet shoes, satin pointe shoes at teacher’s discretion.
Adults: Own clothes (leotards available from shop), choice of ballet shoes.
Boys: White Aaron leotard, navy shorts or footless tights, white or black leather ballet shoes.
TAP
Tap is a lively, rhythmic form of dance which is great fun to dance and to watch. We follow the ISTD syllabus
and hold regular exam sessions for those wishing to gain certification
of their progress. Children can start tap at age 2 in our Tiny Tap class designed to introduce them to this fun style. We also hold non-syllabus Adult Tap classes for those wishing to learn new skills whilst keeping fit.
Uniform All grades: Black Anna leotard, black circle skirt or footless tights, black PU lace-up tap shoes.
Boys: Black T-shirt, black jazz trousers, black tap shoes.
Adults: Own clothes, choice of tap shoes.
JAZZ
Jazz dance is the upbeat style of dance commonly seen in West End shows and in music videos. We run fun commercial jazz classes where children of all ages learn routines to current pop music and favourite songs from musicals. We hold an Advanced Jazz class for students with a strong dance background.
Uniform Girls: Black Anna leotard, black jazz flares, black jazz shoes.
Boys: Black T-shirt, black jazz trousers, black jazz shoes
STREET
Streetdance is the modern style of dance that you
may see in pop music videos. The term ‘streetdance’ covers different
styles and it lends itself to interpretation. We hold street dance
classes for children and adults of all abilities including complete
beginners.
No uniform - own clothes (e.g.
tracksuit bottoms, t-shirts/vest tops, trainers), Suzanne’s School of
Dance hoodie. Split-sole dance sneakers available.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary dance has its origins in ballet but
uses a modern twist to push the body beyond its normal limitations. It
improves flexibility and strength and is a great complement to
traditional ballet.
Uniform: Black camisole leotard with black footless tights.
SINGING
Our Singing Workshops combine vocal exercises and
singing practise to develop the vocal skills of our pupils. These
classes are hugely enjoyable and have lead to pupils gaining roles in
West End musicals.
Uniform: Suzanne’s School of Dance T-shirt, Black jazz flares.
MUSICAL THEATRE & STAGE CLASSES
Our Musical Theatre workshops combine dance,
singing and drama to provide pupils with a well-rounded in-depth
training in theatre arts, and the opportunity to learn pieces from
favourite musicals. Our Tuesday Stage Classes teach a combination of tap, dance and drama and will be performing a piece from ‘Annie’ in our next show! Our new Stage Performance Class
which opens in September will consist of a vocal warm-up, singing,
dance and drama and will ultimately produce a song and dance number for
our next show and any festivals we wish to enter throughout the year.
Uniform: Suzanne’s School of Dance T-shirt, Black Anna leotard, Black jazz flares, Black jazz shoes or split-sole trainers.
BALLROOM
A social form of dance, ballroom has seen a massive increase in
popularity in recent years. Incorporating Latin and American styles,
ballroom is danced in couples although you do not need a partner to
join in with our classes! We hold mixed ability classes for adults.
No uniform, ballroom shoes available.
PILATES
Pilates is a form of exercise which develops core strength, improves
posture and increases flexibility while giving the body a more toned
appearance. We teach ballet-based Pilates for adults of all abilities.