Discover Rochester school of dance

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Our MISSION

Our mission here at the Rochester School of Dance is to bring the joy of dance to every child who walks in through our door. To build confidence and self-esteem so that every child leaves their lessons feeling proud, valued and energised. We strive to enrich and educate our dancers, to build life skills that can be used within and beyond the studio environment.

Our vision

Our vision is to become the leading dance school in the Medway area delivering high quality dance lessons using the world’s leading dance curriculum and programmes.

Our Values

We are proud to be a value led dance school. Our values define who we are and set us apart from others.

Community:

We create an environment where friends can be made and enjoyed.

Positivity:

We actively encourage optimistic thoughts, attitudes and actions enabling self-belief and a love of life to flourish within.

Courage:

We support you, so you have the ability to face and conquer your fears.

Growth:

We enable talents and confidence to develop and soar through education and development.

Achievement:

We celebrate ALL milestones accomplished from the tiny break throughs to the enormous life goals.

Meet The Rochester School of Dance Team

Miss Samantha - Principal and Founder

I started Rochester School of Dance with a simple goal – to create a special place where every child feels welcome and at home, while enjoying high-quality dance training.
My own journey began at the age of three, and I’ve loved dance ever since! After school, I trained professionally and qualified as an ISTD teacher in ballet, tap and modern. I performed as a professional dancer across the UK and Europe-from touring with Danny La Rue to pantomimes, summer seasons, and sparkly cabaret stages in Europe.

But it was teaching that truly stole my heart. After years working in dance schools and full time performing arts schools and colleges, I knew it was time to create something of my own. That’s how Rochester School of Dance was born – a school filled with passion, positivity, and purpose.

Outside of dance, I’m a wife and proud mum to two gorgeous boys. We love travelling together and exploring new places.

Miss Ellen - Teacher

Miss Ellen’s dance journey began right here at Rochester School of Dance, where she trained from 1993 to 2003. Her passion for ballet led her to the Royal Academy of Dance, where she earned a BA (Hons) in the Art and Teaching of Ballet and achieved the prestigious Licentiate of the RAD.

She went on to enjoy a successful freelance career, teaching and choreographing across London and the South East, and even ran her own ballet school in Surrey.
Now back in the Medway towns with her young family, we’re so lucky to have Miss Ellen return to RSOD.

Alongside teaching our dancers, she also tutors on the Royal Academy of Dance’s teacher training programme- sharing her expertise and inspiring the next generation.

Miss Tanya - Teacher

Miss Tanya began her dance journey competing in Ballroom and Latin across the UK before training in all styles and graduating with a First-Class BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre from the Urdang Academy.

She’s performed in the West End (Rip It Up the 60s), toured internationally, danced on TV (The Real Dirty Dancing, Channel 4), and worked as Assistant Choreographer on a recent BBC production. Her commercial credits include campaigns for Mac Cosmetics, Next, and The Body Shop, as well as appearances in music videos and live events across the UK.

Alongside performing, Tanya is passionate about teaching and is Head of Second Year at Clique College in Maidstone. We’re lucky to have her sharing her knowledge and energy with our dancers too!
Outside the studio, she’s also an open-format DJ for weddings, private events and top brands.

Her motto? If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.

Carolyn - Enrolment Coordinator

Carolyn is the friendly face behind the scenes who guides our new families from their very first enquiry right through to their first class! With years of experience and a calm, caring approach, she makes sure every student feel welcomed and supported from day one.

Trained at Laine Theatre Arts, Carolyn enjoyed a long and successful teaching career – running her own dance school for 15 years and teaching for over 30. She now brings all that knowledge and love for the dance world to her admin role at RSOD.

When she’s not keeping things running smoothly, Carolyn loves holidays in Greece, eating out, and spending time with her family – especially her newest (and cutest!) role as nana to a gorgeous little boy.

We’re so lucky to have her as part of our team!

Peek inside RSD

You’ll always find smiles,energy and passion in our classes and shows

See The Smiles

Ready To Dance

Take a look at when and where our classe’s take place each week

View Our Timetable

Full Theatrical Productions

The most exciting event on our calendar is our full theatrical production. These take place at The Central Theatre, Chatham every year and every child gets the opportunity to perform on stage in full costume. We are very excited to announce that our next production will take place on the 14th and 15th of June 2025.

Join us today for the opportunity to take part in our production.