About Us

Our Story

At The Chloe James Academy of Dance, we are driven by our passion for dance.  The Chloe James Academy of Dance first opened its doors in March 2000, in South London. The school started with lessons on Saturday mornings and by 2003 two new branches were opened, with classes running over several evenings. In 2020 I moved to the Isle of Wight and found the London branch a new principal.   My long serving adult tap class refused to let the 70 mile gap stop their weekly tap lesson, online classes were soon set up and I still conduct a weekly class from my kitchen for them. 

What we do in the school throughout the year.

Within the school pupils will have the opportunity to take part in whole school shows and to take IDTA dance qualifications.  I like to work academic year to academic year concentrating on either exams or show work.  Work for shows and exams is completed during normal lesson time.  

Exams

During exam year pupils will work towards medals and grade examinations. Pupils of all ages can take exams, even the smallest dancers can take take specially designed Rosette exams in all subjects studied. Pupils taking rosettes exams are accompanied by their teacher.  There are different types of examinations available, so everyone can be involved.   There are normally a couple of exam sessions throughout the year depending on the availability of an examiner and the progress of the pupils.  Exams are designed to give pupils an internationally recognised award for their progress.  Pupils do not have to take dance examinations if they do not want to, but can still study the syllabus.

Older students can take major and professional exams.

Shows

It has always been a strong belief of mine that the real joy of dancing is to perform. Exams are of course essential in the development of each pupils, but to get on a stage and to perform is what it is all about. Pupils work together to learn numbers and to develop their performance skills.  When I talk to former students they always remember every show they have been in.   Pupils will be in a show number for every subject they study. 

Taylor Forde (who was a teenager at the time) said this about being in the shows 'Dance 7 was amazing, I can't wait for Dance 8. I'm dreading waking up early again to travel to the show...but I will have a blast.'

We are planning to make our first year a show year. 

 

Parents

There are many opportunities to get involved with the school.  Helpers/chaperones are always needed for show year.  We normally set up a committee of parents who want to get involved. This could involve helping out backstage or front of house at the show. It could mean helping with making costumes, scenery or props in the run up to the show. There is always plenty to do before and on the day of the show.  During exam year we always need volunteers to help out on the day.   The more volunteers we have the more opportunities we can offer the pupils.

I am very excited to be starting up a dance school here on the Isle of Wight and starting a new chapter of The Chloe James Academy of Dance. 

Meet the staff

 Principal of the school: Chloe James BA (hons) PGCE PG Cert Fellow IDTA DEx Dip. 

I hold two dance Fellowships with the IDTA in Tap and Freestyle.  I have been teaching dance for over 25 years, both in my dance academy and as extra curricular activities in the schools I have worked in.  I studied for my teaching exams under the watchful eye of Miss Jan Virno who is a senior examiner for the IDTA. 

As well a dance teacher I am a qualified school teacher and have taught various subjects across both Primary and Secondary schools both on the Isle of Wight and in South London. I am a qualified SENDCo working for many years with pupils with SEND. Over the years I have taught dance to many pupils with SEND including two visually impaired students and a hearing impaired student. 

I have a real passion for dance and believe that it something that everyone should have the opportunity to take part in.  

 

Miss Jo Associate Freestyle.

Miss Jo is the deputy principal of the school.  Miss Jo has been teaching at the school since the beginning. Miss Jo is the school's wardrobe mistress in charge of designing, making, trimming, fitting and packing all the costumes for each show (oh and she is my mum!).  Miss Jo's calm nature is very popular with the younger students.

 

Miss Dina Associate Freestyle, Zumba instructor. DD Mix Instructor. 

Miss Dina (unfortunately still based in London) taught ballet and musical theatre in the school in South London.  Miss Dina has promised to come to the island whenever she can to help with the school. As well as being a very talented dance teacher, Miss Dina is fantastic at designing and making props for shows. Miss Dina helps with the creative design of shows and helps with the designing, sourcing, buying and blinging up show costumes.  

Student Success Stories

All students of the Chloe James Academy of Dance in South London had the opportunity to showcase their talents through whole school shows. Pupils entered dance festivals, entertained the residents of the local old people's home and performed in community events.  Pupils had the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications with the International Dance Teacher's Association by taking exams in each subject studied. Over the years several students gained professional teaching qualifications in Tap and Freestyle and took major exams in Tap, Freestyle and Ballet.   With the opening of this new branch we can develop our own culture and get involved with activities across the island. 

Former pupils of The Chloe James Academy of Dance have appeared on the London stage in Billy Elliot and Oliver. Pupils auditioned and danced with the London Children's Ballet.  Several pupils went on to study dance at university, Italia Conti, Arts Ed, The Brits and the Urdang Academy.  Several students have danced (are still dancing) professionally across the world.  Many teachers who trained at the academy are running a variety of their own classes. One student successfully runs her own dance party franchise.

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