ABOUT Us
Hello and welcome to
Studio J Dance Academy!
At Studio J Dance Academy, every child matters.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Studio J Dance Academy is proud to be a trusted name in dance education. Our passionate, professionally qualified instructors hold respected industry certifications and are dedicated to nurturing each child’s unique potential. Recognised for our supportive community and proven track record of building confidence and skills, we have proudly helped hundreds of young dancers grow, perform, and thrive in a positive, inclusive environment.
What makes Studio J Dance Academy truly special is our deep commitment to inclusivity and individual growth. Unlike many dance schools that focus primarily on competition or performance alone, we create a warm, welcoming space where every child, regardless of ability or background, is celebrated and supported.
Our experienced teachers don’t just teach dance steps; they build confidence, foster friendships, and nurture creativity in a community that feels like family. We balance fun with skill development, giving students opportunities to shine in shows and exams, but always without pressure.
To see if we are the right school for you and your child, why not contact us to arrange a trial class today?​​​​​​​​​
meet the team
Who are we and why should you trust us with your child's dance training?
Read on if you would like to learn more about our teaches and why we are so passionate about what we do!
Where it all began...
That little girl there is me, Miss Jo, back in oh let’s just say the 80’s! All ready to take part in my very first show. Little did my mum know, when she took me to my first ballet class at just 3 years old that I would fall so in love with it, it would become my world. Dance has always been such a huge part of my life, and when you are so passionate about something you just have to share it with the world.
When I was a little girl, dance class was my favourite place to be. I took every style of dance my dance school had to offer and could never get enough.
miss jo - principal
As a teenager, I began working for my dance school as a teaching assistant. It was here that I learned so much about working with children and how to provide the best experience for them. It was because of my dance teacher that I became the person I am today and I will never be able to thank her enough. I do hope to be that inspirational to my students now, to guide them, help them to reach their full potential, and fully enjoy every moment they spend in class.
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I furthered my education at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks where I studied dance, acting, and singing plus gaining professional teaching qualifications with the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and Acrobatic Arts. This led me into a career as a professional dancer. Whilst I still knew that I wanted to teach dance, being a dancer is a short but wonderful career and I had to pursue that first.
After several years of performing in shows around the world, I returned to Chesterfield where I set out to achieve my lifelong dream. Filled with excitement at what could be (and fear that it could completely fail), in March 2017 I held Studio J Dance Academy’s very first class. It wasn’t long before 5 students turned to 10 and then 20 and fast forward to now, I have the pleasure of teaching 100’s of fabulous students every week!
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Growing up, there was never a doubt in my mind what I wanted to be when I was older. I dreamt of helping boys and girls like myself find their own love for dance. A place where everyone was treated equally, where children were only made to feel good about themselves, where their confidence would soar and they would find joy, fun, and happiness in dance. And that’s where Studio J came from!
Our doors are always open to welcome new students. If you are interested in becoming part of the Studio J family please get in touch with us today.
I look forward to getting to know you and your family soon!
Miss Katie
Teacher
Miss Katie trained professionally in dance and musical theatre at Renaissance Arts. She is a qualified IDTA teacher and has many years of teaching experience under her belt. With her kind and caring approach to teaching, Miss Katie is ready to help our students nurture their talent and develop their technique.
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Q&A with Miss Katie...
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Q. How old were you when you started dancing?
A. 4 years old.
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Q. What’s one piece of advice you always give your students?
A. Keep on dancing!
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Q. Share your favourite quote...
A. “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them” Walt Disney.
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Miss Katie is with us on Mondays and Tuesdays teaching our Combo classes. She also runs adult heels classes, if you're interested grab her for a chat!
Miss Amelia
Teacher/ADMIN TEAM
Miss Amelia has been dancing since she was 4 years old studying all styles from ballet to acro! At the age of 6 she began competing in dance competitions. She has studied performing arts at college and holds a Diploma in Performing arts and Production. In 2023 she qualified for the Miss Dance Final of Great Britain In Blackpool! Miss Amelia is excited to pursue her career in dance teaching as she helps and supports our students to be the best they can be.
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Q&A with Miss Amelia...
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Q. How old were you when you started dancing?
A. 4 years old.
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Q. What is your favourite style of dance?
A. Lyrical.
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Q. What’s one piece of advice you always give your students?
A. Never compare yourself to others, we are individuals with our own goals to succeed in.
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Miss Amelia teaches our Acrobatics classes on Monday nights and also works on our admin team assisting with enquires and general day to day tasks.
MISS MEREDITH
TEACHER
Miss Meredith found a love for dance at the age of 7 and hasn’t stopped moving since! She went on to study Performing Arts at University. Since then, she’s been entertaining crowds across holiday parks, theme parks and other visitor attractions for many years! In 2023 she began to work as a resident choreographer and assistant casting director for Alton Towers but has now taken her skills out into the world, exploring multiple exciting performing and teaching opportunities! Including teaching at Studio J!
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Q&A with Miss Meredith...
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Q. How old were you when you started dancing?
A. 7 years old.
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not dancing or teaching?
A. I like to keep moving so I’ve taken up running and when I do finally sit down, I’m teaching myself to crochet.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you always give your students?
A. Always be yourself. Let your personality shine because that’s what makes you unique!
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Miss Meredith teaches our Thursday night classes.
MISS LUCY
TEACHER
Miss Lucy is a passionate and energetic dance instructor dedicated to inspiring young dancers. She brings fresh creativity and enthusiasm to every class, making learning both fun and engaging. With a strong background in, ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, theatre craft, MT, freestyle, street and more, she loves helping students build confidence, technique, and a love for movement. Whether teaching beginners or advanced dancers. Miss Lucy fosters a positive and supportive environment where students can grow and express themselves through dance. Miss Lucy has trained at private dance schools and performed in many pantomimes, shows, examinations, and competitions.
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Q&A with Miss Lucy...
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Q. How old were you when you started dancing?
A. 2 years old.
Q. What is your favourite style of dance?
A. Acro
Q. What’s one piece of advice you always give your students?
A. Never give up, you've got this!
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Miss Lucy teaches for us on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
STUDENT HELPERS
Our classes would not run smoothly without our Student Helpers! We know how much our little ones look up to them. They are always there to offer support and help in class.
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If your child is interested in becoming a student helper, get in touch with us today!
