I joined Highams School of Dancing when I was ten, and have loved every second of it up until my last lesson at eighteen. Sarah and Lucy are amazing teachers who make everyone in the class feel welcomed.

Every year we take part in several exams which helped me improve my confidence and performance, as well as improve my skills in each style, and Sarah and Lucy always went above and beyond to push each student to achieve their full potential.

The school puts on an annual show at Harlow Playhouse Theatre and it is the most exciting part of the year. The show dances are always so much fun to learn, and Sarah and Lucy put together great choreography which makes the shows so spectacular to watch as well. The atmosphere around showtime is always buzzing and it’s a time where everyone in the school comes together.

Under Sarah and Lucy’s guidance, they helped me gain an associate in tap with a distinction which I am so proud of. They spent a lot of time helping me choreograph exercises and gave me experience in teaching which felt so rewarding.

I have made lifelong friendships at Highams School of Dance, and it has instilled a passion for dance forever!

I was at Highams School of dancing for 14 years until I went to university, and I loved every
second of it!
Sarah and Lucy are both amazing teachers and choreographers and have created a
wonderful environment for all children within the dance school.
The annual show at Harlow Playhouse is the highlight of everyone’s year and is always
spectacular! The dedication from Sarah and Lucy and all the students really pays off when
you get to see it all on stage. I was heartbroken when COVID prevented my last ever HSOD
show but luckily Sarah and Lucy were kind enough to invite me back to perform, knowing
how much it meant to me.
Each year we do several dance exams from the NATD syllabus, which allowed me to work
towards each exam as my goal, being supported how to achieve my full potential.
During my time as HSOD my confidence grew tremendously, now having the confidence to
audition at university for the dance society to hopefully continue my love for dance.
I cannot thank Sarah and Lucy enough for being such a massive part of my life for so long.
My experiences at HSOD I will cherish forever, forming a love for dance and forming lifelong
friendships.

I had a wonderful time throughout my years at HSOD. The classes are so fun and lovely. Sarah and Lucy always made me feel so welcome and comfortable. They were always willing to help and go above and beyond for all of their students helping them reach their full potential. All the people in the class were really nice and I made some great friends.

The dance school produces so many opportunities for all the students. They can do graded exams in various different dance styles such as ballet, tap and contemporary. We also did award exams, where you get a trophy or medal afterwards. The school also gave me the opportunity to do a teaching qualification in modern dance which was so interesting and so much fun to do. Sarah and Lucy supported me throughout the whole process.

At the end of the year we all get to put on a show at Harlow Playhouse, the shows are always absolutely amazing, with lighting and sound equipment, everything looking very professional. All the students have so much fun, we all got to wear fabulous costumes and everybody always has such a good time.

I have definitely had incredible moments at HSOD and have made amazing memories.

I’ve been a part of the dance school since the age of 3 learning a range of dance styles and being in every show. Dance was a great place to meet friends and enjoy exercise. The annual show was something everyone looked forward to which is why I returned from uni to be in it for my last time as COVID took it away from us the year before. The grade 6 and above dance exams gained us UCAS points for uni which is a big help. The dance school is like a family and a safe place where everyone feels included.
It was an amazing experience and will be greatly missed.

I was at Highams School of Dancing almost every single week between the ages of 4 and 18! It was the only hobby I ever stuck at throughout my whole childhood and that includes stints in trampolining, football, gymnastics and more. The best thing was that we took all our shows and exams seriously and took pride in our dances, however we always kept that element of fun and I never felt any pressure which I imagine some dance schools would put on kids. It lead me to take part in competitive cheerleading at University and nowadays I still use my dance skills in the occasional barre or step class (and on a night out!) Jess xx

I started at Highams School of dancing when I was ten and stayed until I was 18, only leaving as I had gained a place at University. Throughout my time I have gained so many skills which has enhanced me as both a dancer as well as in my every day life at school/college/work and now university. Confidence, creativity, initiative, as well as leadership and teamwork skills are too name just a few. I have achieved and exceeded in exams, shows and teaching qualifications through the guidance and support of the Principal Sarah Barrett whom is self-motivating and encouraging whilst striving to find the potential and best out of all the students that attend the school. I definitely felt part of a community and a family whilst at the school. The guidance and tuition that I received at this dance school allowed me to gain an abundance of certifications in both graded and vocational exams as well as my Associate Teacher qualifications in both Modern and Tap, all of which created a portfolio which I was able to show Universities when applying, and definitely helped me to gain a place on the Dance Practices program at Liverpool John Moores University.

I learnt to dance under Sarah’s guidance from the age of 5 until I left for University at 18. Not only was she an incredible teacher and helped me achieve amazing exam results, but she also built my confidence week by week to help me develop as a person, too. I couldn’t recommend Highams School of Dancing enough because of this – it shaped my childhood, gave me lifelong friends and made me the person I am today (who still LOVES to dance )

Myself and my older sister started doing ballet and tap when we were just out of nappies. That was the beginning of a long lasting relationship spanning over many years. We took exams yearly and loved the shows that we put on at Chingford Assembly Hall. We look back fondly at that years as being very happy ones.

I loved my time at dancing,it helped my confidence grow massively and I made some good friends. I really enjoyed helping in the younger classes as it was a great experience and helped me gain a lot of skills. It also helped me when it came to writing a CV and personal statement as I felt like a had a lot more to say about myself. Over all, i really enjoyed my time at the school!!