Colne Bank School of Dancing is a well established and respected dancing school having been part of the communities in Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea for almost 29 years.

We have over 250 students ranging from age three through to more advanced pupils studying a range of genres including Modern Theatre, Classical Ballet, Jazz and Tap.

The Colne Bank School of Dancing was originally founded by Mavis Cooke in the early 1970's as the Elmstead School of Dancing.

Jennifer Overton became principal in 1982 and expanded by opening further dance schools in Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea.

Although most of our students dance for fun, some of our graduates have been fortunate enough to make a career from dance, both as performers and teachers.

Former pupils have performed all over the world and starred in West End productions such as We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia, Starlight Express, Chicago, Hello Dolly, Cats, The Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Saturday Night Fever, Guys and Dolls, Priscilla Queen of The Desert and Spamalot.

Children are accepted from the age of three years old.

At this age Ballet is taught with varying styles of music, to encourage musicality, co-ordination, deportment, confidence and discipline.

At five years old pupils are able to take both Ballet and Tap, Modern and Jazz are introduced at a later date.

Pupils who wish to do Modern and Jazz must also take a weekly ballet class, this develops a strong core stability essential for all dance genres.

Children and Students are taught by qualified staff in a safe and happy environment.

Students at our dance schools in Brightlingsea or Wivenhoe are trained and examined under the I.S.T.D. syllabus.

In the last two years, our pupils have passed 344 exams with 213 'A' grades, 129 'B' grades and 2 at grade 'C'.

Whether pupils wish to dance purely for fun or have designs on a professional or teaching career, the Colne Bank School of Dancing offers a friendly atmosphere with a very high standard of training.

We provide comprehensive dance training through the genres we teach: Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap and Jazz.

Children and students are entered for I.S.T.D examinations in Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap and Jazz, through all the children's grades and professional major examinations.

Registered teachers with the Council for Dance Education and Training

Principal Jenny Overton L.I.S.T.D dip

Ballet - Modern - Tap - Jazz

Tots classes 3 - 4 year olds

Children's Grades Primary - Grade Six

Professional Vocational Grades Intermediate & Advanced
I.S.T.D Professional Syllabi and Examinations

Qualified Staff - Registered Teachers

Please see contact details below for further information.