Miss Jo Jackson (Miss J)
School Principle
RAD RTS AISTD Dip, ISTD CDI, ISTD CDE
When I was 10yrs old, my friend wanted join a dance classes, so I joined her on her trial lesson at our local dance school, after a couple of years my friend decided it wasn’t for her and I continued to train at a local school in Wellington. By 13yrs old dance was my life, 4 nights a week and helping my teacher in classes on a Saturday, after a few years of helping I was teaching the Pre-school & Pre-Primary classes on my own.
When I left school at 16 I took on a two-year dance teacher training course with my dance school, then at eighteen I decided to audition for a vocational dance college to gain further experience in dance and develop my skills as a performer and teacher.
I was lucky to be successful and was awarded a place on a 3 year course at Laine Theatre Arts, Epsom, which today is still one of the most prestigious Vocational Fulltime Dance Colleges.
On leaving and now having gained my teaching qualifications I came back to Shropshire and taught for a few years at my old dance school.
In 1996 Severn Valley School of Dance was developed, with classes taking place a few times a week in Bridgnorth and Kinver, now we are open every day of the week.
I am proud to say that some of our students have gone onto professional dance colleges and work in the entertainment sector, but I am equally proud of the students who have gone on to build successful careers in their chosen path through life. I am so lucky that a few times a year I still meet up with past students some were with me in 1996 when the school started, I am touched that we have a friendship that has lasted this long.
I have to pinch myself that I have been teaching for over 30years and that Severn Valley School of Dance has been my life for over 25 of those years. Every day feels like the first, I hope to continue to offer the joy of dance to the children who step through our doors for many years to come.
Miss Danielle
Teacher
ISTD DDE (MT-T), BSc (Hons)
Danielle started her dance training at the age of 3 at Severn Valley School of Dance. She took examinations in ballet, tap and modern and competed in multiple dance festivals across the midlands.
In 2010 Danielle gained a place at Aberystwyth University and, after 3 years of studying, graduated with a 1 st Class Honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science. During her time in Aberystwyth, Danielle joined the university student dance club and soon became their president and lead choreographer. The club went on to win multiple dance competitions and Varsity Team of the Year. Danielle was awarded University Colours and the Gwyn Evans Trophy for her contributions to the club and for her own sporting achievements.
Danielle continued her dance studies in London and gained the ISTD Diploma in Dance Education qualification in both tap and modern. In September 2019, she was thrilled to return to Severn Valley School of Dance as a teacher and is currently studying the Certificate in Ballet Teaching course with the RAD.