The School of Dance has been running for over 45 years. After attending the school as a child myself, I was thrilled to take over the School in later years. Click on photo above for more info...
ABOUT
Welcome to The School of Dance
Teaching you the love of dance
I Love to Teach
About The School of Dance Watlington:
The School of Dance Watlington has a rich history spanning over 45 years and is proud to be associated with the Ofqual registered BBO dance. Our commitment to excellence in dance education has stood the test of time, providing generations of dancers with a nurturing and inspiring environment to learn and grow.
Founder’s Journey:
My personal journey in dance began at the tender age of 3 when I joined The School of Dance myself. Fueled by passion and dedication , I pursued further training at vocational dance schools, including London Studio Centre (LSC), and completed my diploma of Higher Education at Bodywork Company Cambridge.
Professional Experience:
Following my formal education, I embarked on a series of exhilarating experiences in the dance industry, including performances on cruise ships and collaborations with esteemed companies like Spirit Productions. These opportunities allowed me to showcase my talents on a global scale and enriched my understanding of the art of dance.
Returning Home:
Despite my adventures abroad, I felt a strong pull to return home and embark on a new chapter. It was with great joy that I took over The School of Dance Watlington, fulfilling my dream of nurturing young dancers in the same place where my own journey began.
Teaching Qualifications:
Alongside my professional pursuits, I dedicated myself to acquiring teaching qualifications, ensuring that I could impart my knowledge and passion for dance to the next generation of performers.
The Future:
In 2022 we embarked on a dream of mine to open another branch of the school of dance in my own home town of Littleport, which is steadily growing and has been so wonderfully accepted into the community. The future is bright for both of our branches.
The School of Dance, we are committed to providing exceptional dance education in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere. Whether students dream of pursuing a professional career in dance or simply wish to explore their love for movement, we are here to guide and empower them every step of the way.
Thank you for considering The School of Dance as your dance education destination. We look forward to welcoming you into our dance family!
The school of dance history a note from the former Principle and founder Mrs Penny Cooke.
Watlington School of Dancing: Celebrating Over 45 Years of Dance Excellence
Established in September 1977, Watlington School of Dancing has been a beacon of dance education in our community for generations. Our humble beginnings in the old Black Hut, situated on the site of the present Village Hall Car Park, marked the start of a journey filled with passion, dedication, and countless moments of artistic expression.
Early Years:
Initially offering classes on Saturday mornings, our curriculum comprised a Baby Ballet Class, a Beginners’ Ballet Class, and a Beginners’ Tap Class. As our school grew, so did our offerings, expanding to include classes for different age groups and introducing students to the enriching world of dance.
Growth and Evolution:
In May 1988, we made a significant move to the newly built Village Hall, coinciding with a complete change of the British Ballet Organization (BBO) syllabus. This transition paved the way for the introduction of additional genres such as Jazz and Modern dance. The exceptional facilities provided by the Village Hall, especially following its extension in 2000, enabled us to organize dance workshops and further enhance our students’ learning experiences.
Passing the Torch:
In 2011, after years of nurturing and guiding young dancers, I retired and entrusted the school to the capable hands of Emily Law. Though my role has shifted, my connection to the British Ballet Organization remains steadfast as I continue to serve as an examiner.
Looking Ahead:
As we move forward into the future, Watlington School of Dancing remains dedicated to providing exceptional dance education and fostering a love for the art form in all our students. With the rebranding of the British Ballet Organization to BBOdance in 2016, we are excited to continue our journey of dance excellence and innovation.
Penny Cooke Registered Teacher and Examiner, BBOdance
Miss Sophie
My love for dance started from a young age. I started dancing at the School of Dance Watlington at age 3. During my time here I was lucky enough to be a part of BBO Scholars and LSC Saturday Associates, which allowed me to train in London every week for several years, whilst still dancing at the School of Dance. At the age of 18 I decided to continue to pursue my passion and did a 3 Year Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre at Bodywork Company Cambridge. Alongside this I also completed my teaching qualifications with BBO and a BA in Professional Practice, arts and Creative Industries, whilst also being a part of the faculty that teach CPD for the BBO. All of these experiences allowed me to discover my love for teaching. It is a joy as a teacher to see students explore their creativity, build their confidence, and embrace this beautiful art form that inspires so many.