Business Details
44 Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Rye for All Ages
Established in 1982, Rye Dance Centre has been dedicated to nurturing dance talent across all age groups for over four decades. Our principal, Jo Fletcher, holds prestigious ISTD Fellow and Examiner status, ensuring the highest standards of technical and artistic training. We offer a comprehensive curriculum spanning ballet, modern, tap, contemporary, and acrobatic arts, with opportunities for students to pursue ISTD examinations and professional qualifications. Our experienced team of qualified instructors prioritises individual growth within a supportive environment, fostering both recreational enjoyment and career development. With two fully equipped studios featuring Harlequin and Rosco flooring, we provide optimal conditions for dance education.Students benefit from regular performance opportunities through shows, pantomimes, and festivals, enhancing both technical proficiency and stage confidence. Our alumni have successfully transitioned into professional performance and teaching roles nationally and internationally. As an ISTD-registered centre, we maintain rigorous training standards while maintaining accessibility for beginners through to advanced dancers. The school's commitment to excellence was further recognised in 2016 when Jo Fletcher was appointed to the British and International Federation of Dance adjudicators. We continue to evolve our offerings, recently introducing adult classes and expanding our acrobatic arts programme to meet diverse community needs.
Services
Ballet
Modern Dance
Tap Dance
Contemporary
Musical Theatre
Acrobatic Arts
Adult Classes
Baby Ballet
Wall Pilates
Line Dancing
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- ISTD-registered dance school with 38 years of proven excellence
- Experienced instructors holding DDE and Fellowship qualifications
- Comprehensive syllabus covering 8 dance disciplines
- Opportunities for ISTD examinations and professional development
- Dedicated studios with professional Harlequin and Rosco flooring
Associations and certifications
- ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance)
What people say
Time of my life
Excellent teacher
Fantastic to see still going
Love of dance
Professional training
Services
Ballet
Our ballet programme develops technical precision and artistic expression through ISTD syllabi. Students learn proper body alignment, core strength, and musicality while building discipline and performance skills. Classes cater to all levels from beginner to advanced, with examination opportunities available.
Modern Dance
Modern dance classes combine traditional techniques with current trends. The curriculum enhances versatility and stage presence through choreography that blends jazz and lyrical elements. Students develop performance confidence and adaptability across different dance styles.
Tap Dance
Tap instruction focuses on rhythm, precision, and musical interpretation. Students learn to create percussive sounds while maintaining technical form. Classes develop coordination and improvisation skills through various tap styles from Broadway to rhythm tap.
Acrobatic Arts
Specialised acrobatic training integrates dance technique with flexibility and strength development. Students learn controlled tumbling, balancing, and partner work while maintaining dance quality. The programme enhances overall dance performance capabilities through safe, progressive training.
Adult Classes
Designed for adults of all experience levels, these classes offer ballet, tap, and musical theatre instruction. Sessions focus on fitness, enjoyment, and technical improvement in a supportive environment. Participants can join for exercise, social interaction, or performance opportunities.
People
Jo Fletcher
Principal & Teacher
ISTD Fellow and Examiner with 38 years' experience. Trained at De Haviland Dance Studios and under Karen King. Specialises in ballet, modern, and tap. Developed award-winning choreography and adjudicates national dance festivals.
Chloe Hall
Dance Teacher
Qualified in DDE Ballet, Modern and Tap. Holds Licentiate in Tap and Modern. Specialises in teaching younger students and examination preparation. Committed to developing technical proficiency in a supportive environment.
Natasha Poyton
Dance Teacher
Experienced instructor completing DDE qualifications. Specialises in modern and ballet instruction for children and teenagers. Focuses on building confidence and technical foundation through engaging teaching methods.
Sharon Parker
Dance Teacher
DDI-qualified instructor teaching modern and tap. Combines dance expertise with early childhood education experience. Specialises in toddler and pre-school dance classes that develop motor skills through creative movement.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, modern, tap, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, acrobatic arts, and line dancing. Adult classes include wall pilates and musical theatre.
What age groups do you cater for?
From 8 months to adults. Baby ballet starts at 2 years, with toddler classes and full adult programmes available.
Do you offer dance examinations?
Yes, we prepare students for ISTD examinations in ballet, modern, tap, and contemporary. We're an approved DDE and Teacher Status exam centre.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in shows, pantomimes, and optional festivals. Annual events include summer workshops and local performances.
What facilities do you have?
Two mirrored studios with Harlequin and Rosco sprung flooring, ballet barres, air conditioning, and changing facilities at Postern Gate location.
