Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Penistone & Wakefield Since 1954
The Betty Chappelle Dance Centre has been nurturing young talent for over seven decades, offering comprehensive dance education across two studios in Penistone and Wakefield. Founded in 1954 by Miss Betty Chappelle, a renowned dance educator and former Senior Examiner for the International Dance Teachers Association, we have trained thousands of dancers who have pursued careers in theatre, film, television, and beyond. Our team of fully qualified instructors brings extensive professional experience from West End productions, international tours, and commercial media, ensuring high standards of technical and artistic development.We provide training in ballet, tap, modern jazz, street jazz, musical theatre, acrobatic dance, and teacher training, with optional IDTA examinations to monitor progress. Emphasising life skills, confidence, and creativity, we cater to all ages and abilities, offering performance opportunities to develop stagecraft and artistic expression.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Modern Jazz
Street Jazz
Musical Theatre
Acrobatic Dance
Gymnastics
Teacher Training
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- Over 70 years of dance education excellence
- Qualified instructors with professional performance experience
- Comprehensive training in multiple dance disciplines
- Opportunities to participate in stage performances
- IDTA-certified examinations to track progress
Associations and certifications
- International Dance Teachers Association
Services
Ballet
Ballet forms the foundation of all dance styles, focusing on posture, balance, and grace. Our classes build technical precision and artistic expression, suitable for beginners and advanced dancers. Students develop strength and elegance while learning classical techniques.
Tap
Tap classes enhance musicality and rhythm through percussive footwork. This lively style encourages creativity and confidence, blending technical skill with playful expression. Ideal for children and adults seeking dynamic, engaging movement.
Modern Jazz
Modern Jazz combines classical and contemporary techniques to express emotion through movement. Classes build stamina and flexibility, exploring diverse musical genres and choreographic styles. Students learn to blend technical control with personal artistry.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre integrates dance, singing, and acting to tell stories on stage. Our training prepares students for theatrical roles, focusing on character development, choreography, and vocal delivery. Classes emphasize teamwork and stagecraft for live performances.
Acrobatic Dance
Acrobatic Dance combines dance and gymnastics to build flexibility and strength. Classes include conditioning exercises and mat-based acrobatics, enhancing physical control and dynamic movement. Students learn to integrate flips, balances, and dance sequences safely.
People
Shani Mitchell
Principal
Shani Mitchell leads the Penistone studio, continuing her mother Betty Chappelle's legacy. With a background in professional dance and education, she oversees curriculum development and ensures high teaching standards across all disciplines.
Linda Lister
Principal
Linda Lister directs the Wakefield studio, bringing decades of dance education experience. She mentors instructors and maintains the centre's commitment to technical excellence, fostering a supportive environment for student growth and artistic development.
Sally Mitchell
Teacher
Sally Mitchell teaches across both studios, specialising in modern jazz and musical theatre. Her professional career includes West End performances, which she draws upon to inspire students with practical insights into stagecraft and performance techniques.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer classes for children, teenagers, and adults, with programmes tailored to different skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Which dance styles are available?
We teach ballet, tap, modern jazz, street jazz, musical theatre, acrobatic dance, and gymnastics, with opportunities for teacher training.
Are examinations mandatory?
No, IDTA examinations are optional but recommended to track progress and maintain technical standards in a structured format.
Do students get performance opportunities?
Yes, all students can participate in shows to develop stagecraft, confidence, and collaborative skills in a professional setting.
Are instructors qualified?
All staff hold IDTA qualifications and have professional performance experience in theatre, film, and commercial media.
Where are your studios located?
We have studios in Penistone (Shrewsbury Road) and Wakefield (Smyth Street), both accessible by public transport.
Reviews (6)
Elsie Dorothy Powers
Jun 14, 2021
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I spent many happy years here,firstly taking adult tap lessons and exams under Mark then teaching baby and ballet later teaching adult tap and my favourite genre....social ballroom and wedding first dance....I'm 81 years old now and still teach wedding first dance but freelance now.....thank you to Betty and Linda for giving me the opportunities
Lisa Marie
Oct 26, 2019
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Lovely, welcoming dance school! My daughter has been going for just over a year now, she had a little wobble recently, the teachers have been so understanding and encouraging! Highly recommend xx
Nicky Gannon
Oct 03, 2019
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Such a shame
My daughter has been going to Betty Chappelle since she was 3 years old (along with her older sister who also started at a young age, but had to leave last year due to starting an apprenticeship, which clashed with her dance classes). My daughter is who still attends betty Chappelle is now 13 years old and attends two different types… of dance classes. She came to me a few months ago saying she wasn’t enjoying some of her classes anymore as she (and others) were feeling left out and not part of the team. She said Priority was been given to the better dancers and little
My daughter has been going to Betty Chappelle since she was 3 years old (along with her older sister who also started at a young age, but had to leave last year due to starting an apprenticeship, which clashed with her dance classes). My daughter is who still attends betty Chappelle is now 13 years old and attends two different types… of dance classes. She came to me a few months ago saying she wasn’t enjoying some of her classes anymore as she (and others) were feeling left out and not part of the team. She said Priority was been given to the better dancers and little
Sam Spencer
Jan 05, 2019
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100% Highly Recomended 5**** DONT HESITATE, There team of EXPERIENCED friendly polite staff promote a great atmosphere, we have been here for a few years now and our childs confidence has grown as a result! They get to know each child of which reflects in the end results, your child is not just a number at Betty Chappelle they become part of the FAMILY x
Amy Naismith
Jan 16, 2018
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I was very angry to find out my daughter had been dropped from her street dance classes in Wakefield on Saturday mornings purely because she wasn’t part of the competitions. She’s very upset to be excluded from the class and frankly I wouldn’t recommend it! Awful way to treat a child simply wanting to engage in a hobby!!
Judith Nettleton-Tate
Dec 09, 2017
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Such a lovely atmosphere at Betty Chapelles, Penistone. I would highly recommend this place to anyone for your little (or big) children.
