Dance teachers | Dance Foundation

About Us

Our Dance Teachers

“Let us first teach little children to breathe, to vibrate, to feel, and to become one with the general harmony and movement of nature. Let us first produce a beautiful human being, a dancing child”

Isadora Duncan 1877-1927

Vanessa Rendell

The President Vanessa Rendell, a former Ivy Baker and Caroline Lavelle student, trained at Dance Foundation and at the age of 18 was awarded a full scholarship to dance and train with the Royal Academy of Dance. In 1993 Vanessa was awarded her Licentiate status (LRAD) and became Principal of Dance Foundation 1993 – 2010 and President in 2010. Having achieved her I.S.T.D. Associates in National, Modern and Tap, all with Distinction, Vanessa is now an Associate Diploma member with the I.S.T.D. and also has her CDE level 4. Vanessa Rendell is an Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance, has an Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork and holds a Certification in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) for junior, senior and advanced programs.

Amanda Abbott

The Principal Amanda Abbott trained at Dance Foundation and at the age of 18 was awarded a place to dance and train with the Royal Academy of Dance and in 2007 was awarded her Licentiate status (LRAD), achieved a BA Hons in Ballet Education and her Advanced 2 Ballet (ARAD). Since leaving the Royal Academy of Dance as a Registered RAD Teacher, Amanda has taught in Cyprus and since returning has gone on to achieve her Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) qualifications with the I.S.T.D. Tap and Modern Theatre branch. Amanda has also achieved Qualified Teacher Status whilst teaching at Tendring Technology College from 2009 to 2011, has an Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork and holds a Certification in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) for junior, senior and advanced programs.

Charlotte Greenwood

Charlotte trained at Dance Foundation from the age of 4. She has a BSc (Hons) in Sports Exercise Science from Essex University and has completed a Graduate Teaching Programme in Dance which awarded her Qualified Teacher Status. She is currently Deputy Curriculum Leader of Dance at Clacton Coastal Academy and works closely with the Dance Network Association to manage and deliver projects, such as Step Live with the Royal Academy of Dance. In addition, she mentors within CCA Trainee Teachers of Dance, learning under Essex Teacher Training. Charlotte has also been awarded the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance, giving her Registered RAD Teacher Status.

Head Girl

We are delighted to have appointed Millie Winslett as our new Head Girl for 2023/2024. Millie has been a much loved and valued student at Dance Foundation for many many years, having trained with us in Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap, Jazz and Progressing Ballet Technique. Having achieved Gold Jazz with Distinction, Millie is currently training for Advanced Foundation Ballet, Grade 8 Ballet, Intermediate Tap and Intermediate Modern Theatre. Millie has an exemplary record of attendance and is a very dedicated helper at the studio, making a wonderful role model for all our younger students.

Customer testimonials

PROFESSIONAL DANCE SCHOOL, FABULOUS TEACHERS, HIGH STANDARDS OF DANCE, AND LOTS OF FUN.

My daughters have attended Dance Foundation over the last 17 years in total. They have loved going from day one. The Principals are professional and have been amazing role models for mygirls. The standard of dance is second to none and the girls have enjoyed growing in confidence and ability as they passed through their grades. It was lovely when my girls were small to watch the older girls perform during shows, they aspired to dance like them, and now it is their turn to role model for the younger students, which gives them a sense of pride. They love Dance Foundation and the friends they have made along the way. We have been proud to be a part of this community.
Helena Dick - current parent of Dance Foundation

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Excellent dance school

Excellent dance school for those who want the best teaching and safety for their children. Excellent facilities and teachers that go the extra mile. When you see your children go through the school and obtain their grades your heart will burst with pride. And the shows are amazing.
Beverly Jacobs - ex-parent of Dance Foundation

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A really valuable business to have in our community!

I have been attending PiIates at the Dance foundation for 5 years. Vanessa and Amanda are friendly and professional and tutor all abilities and ages . If you can only squeeze in one exercise class per week this should be the one! However, also a beneficial compliment to any weekly exercise schedule. A really valuable business to have in our community!
Jane Osborne - member of Pilates Foundation

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