Sylvaine School Of Dance

Sylvaine School of Dance has been teaching theater dance in Meersbrook since 1967, when Sylvia Elaine Perry founded the school after years of training and teaching assistance. The studio is rooted in traditional values and offers qualified tuition in ballet, tap, modern jazz, theatrecraft and freestyle, following both IDTA and BBO syllabuses.

Classes run for all age groups from 2 years to adults. The timetable includes tots and mother & toddler groups, younger junior general classes, examination classes in all branches, adult classes in ballet and jazz, fun classes, and private lessons by appointment. A Zumba class is also offered. Most pupils aged 5 and above attend examination classes in at least one theater dance subject alongside their general class, which ensures progression and maintains the school's standard.

Examinations in IDTA and BBO are held two or three times a year at the studio — exam dates for 2026 include 28th February and 10th May. The school believes progression through exam work is important for all abilities, though all exams are optional. Shows are held every two years at one of the Sheffield theaters, with displays and open classes held at various times during the year.

The teaching team is led by Miss Perry, a life member of the British Ballet Organization with full advanced tap honors and BBO tap teaching certificate, supported by Estelle Hall (AIDTA Ballet and Modern Jazz, who has performed at Sunderland Empire and Disneyland Paris), Sally Carnall (ABBO Pre-AIDTA Ballet, with full associate tap teaching qualification), and Andrea (certified Zumba instructor and BBO tap dancer). Fees are charged monthly in advance; a monthly invoice is issued at the end of the month and payment is due on your first lesson of the following month. Fees not paid by the 15th of the month will incur a £5 administration charge. The studio closes for the whole of August and follows statutory school holidays. In cases of long illness or injury, an agreed deduction can be made if Miss Perry is advised in advance. Pre-paid lessons missed for holidays, minor illness or other reasons may be exchanged for suitable alternative classes by arrangement.

On your first visit, a timetable and list of classes will be available on the notice board in the first dressing room, or you can request copies from Miss Perry or any member of staff. Classes follow IDTA and BBO syllabuses and are structured by age and ability, with examination classes forming part of the progression pathway.

Sylvia Elaine Perry (founder, life member BBO, full advanced tap honors) leads the school with over 50 years' experience. Estelle Hall teaches examination classes in ballet, modern jazz and theatrecraft, plus adult ballet and jazz. Sally Carnall specializes in tap with full associate teaching qualification and teaches tots and tap examination classes. Andrea, a certified Zumba instructor and BBO tap dancer, combines dance and fitness instruction.

Classes start from age 2½ years, and all ages from tots through to adults are welcomed; examination progression is optional.