Sandra Taylor School of Dance

Sandra Taylor School of Dance has been nurturing young dancers and adult students in West Bridgford since 1980. The school is led by Olivia Paige Jones, Principal and IDTA Level 4 qualified teacher. Olivia is a graduate of Performers College with a Level 6 Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre, and has performed internationally, including as a character performer in The Little Mermaid in Qatar and in productions across the UK. Since 2019 she has worked with nurseries, primary schools, and established dance academies across Nottinghamshire, delivering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, yoga, and Zumbini.

The school offers a comprehensive range of classes: Classical Ballet, Tap, Theatrecraft, Modern Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Contemporary, Under 5's Fun Ballet, Under 5's Funky Freestyle, Adult Tap, Adult Ballet, Ballet for over 55s, and Lyrical. Training for examinations is conducted by the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA), a leading dance qualifications awarding body and membership association for professional dance teachers.

The teaching team is made up of professionally trained and commercially experienced dancers and performers with backgrounds in theatre, stage, and industry performance. Lauren Parker holds an MA and BA (Hons) and completed all Royal Academy of Dance syllabus grades Pre-Primary to Grade 8 as a student. She became an original member of Nottingham Youth Dance and trained at Coventry University, gaining a BA Honours Degree in Dance and Professional Practice with Distinctions in Teaching and Class Delivery. She now delivers classes ranging from Pre-School to adult Ballet and Tap. Sue Sparham, A.I.D.T.A. and A.I.S.T.D., began training at Sandra Taylor School of Dance 32 years ago and has performed in TV, theatre, and film. She also sings in a touring soul and Motown band and has choreographed pieces that gained a hat-trick of 1st places in international competitions.

The school was founded by Sandra J. Taylor, A.I.D.T.A., BA Hons Cert Ed., who began dancing at age six and qualified as a dance teacher at eighteen, subsequently qualifying as a primary school teacher and graduate of Fine Art. The school has showcased its students in major Nottingham theatres and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Students are given opportunities to audition for major theatre productions including pantomime, and many have gone on to professional performing careers.

The school provides a supportive, friendly space where confidence grows and a lifelong love of the arts begins. Dance is taught as beneficial for improving fitness and developing confidence, with an emphasis on discipline and rewarding, enjoyable lessons suitable for those dancing for fun or pursuing a career in the entertainment business.

You'll join a welcoming community where classes are designed for all ages and abilities, from 3-year-olds through to adults over 55. The school emphasises a fun, supportive environment where teachers combine technical expertise with real-world performance experience to guide each student.

Olivia Paige Jones (Principal, IDTA Level 4, Performers College graduate with international performance experience) leads a team including Lauren Parker (BA Hons Dance and Professional Practice with teaching distinctions), Sue Sparham (A.I.D.T.A., A.I.S.T.D., with TV, theatre and film performance credits), and Sandra J. Taylor (founder, A.I.D.T.A., BA Hons Cert Ed., life member of IDTA).

The school welcomes dancers of all ages from 3 years old and explicitly states there are classes suitable for everyone, from those taking their very first steps to aspiring performers.