About Us
Just Dancing Studio has been inspiring young dancers for over 40 years, with classes based in the heart of Chesterfield and the surrounding areas. We’re proud to be a fun, friendly dance school where every pupil is welcomed as part of our dance family. In 2025, we celebrated our 40th anniversary with our spectacular production I Feel Like Dancing!, raising over £500 for Ashgate Hospice.
We offer small, supportive classes for children of all abilities aged 3–18, led by caring and talented teachers who make sure every dancer feels confident, encouraged, and included. No matter their experience, each pupil is supported to grow, learn, and shine. Just Dancing is proud to be considered a SEND inclusive establishment.
Throughout the year we offer multiple opportunites to perform with showcases for parents and community events like Fun Days and school fairs. Our Festival Team regularly attend festivals and competitions across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, giving dancers the exciting chance to perform with other dancers — and sometimes even bring home a medal or trophy! Examinations are held bi-annually helping our pupils celebrate their progress and achievements.
We are an International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) accredited school.
Meet Our Teachers
Miss Dawn
PrincipalI started dancing when I was 2 years old, just like some of our pupils on stage today. As soon as I put on my little blue leotard and red ballet shoes, I knew it was going to be magical. The principal of that dance school was my Great Aunt’s dance partner in the WW2 ENSA touring theatre, so dance truly runs in my family.
I always wanted to dance, but the journey wasn’t easy. At 4, I developed a hip condition and spent 2 years in a wheelchair, but as soon as the plasters came off, I was back dancing. Then, at 13, my legs let me down, and over the next few years, I went through several operations. Whenever I was home though, I went to dance class — sometimes with crutches in hand. At 18, my dream came true: I qualified as a Dance Teacher with the IDTA. I became an IDTA Fellow at 26, and I’m proud to have received Life Membership.
Miss Alex
Miss Alex began dancing at Just Dancing Studio’s when she was 6 years old, taking part in competitions, exams and numerous performances. At 18 she gained a place at Midlands Theatre Ballet where a year of intensive training led to performing in a full length ballet, Beauty & the Beast. She then went on to complete her 3-year Musical Theatre course at Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama (MADD) in Nottingham.
During her time at MADD Miss Alex was selected to perform at the worlds biggest dance event, Move It! in London every year, took part in multiple shows in Nottingham and London, and was invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall. Miss Alex’s professional career has included working as a Parade Performer in Disneyland Paris, performing as a Showgirl in Scotland and a six-month contract in Crete. Now she proudly shares her experience and passion for dance with the students of Just Dancing Studios, inspiring the next generation of performers.
Miss Ellie
Miss Ellie started dancing at age 2 ½ , when she accompanied her big sister Alex, then she never left.
As soon as she was big enough, at 4 years old, Miss Ellie took to the stage for competitions, and continued until she aged out at 18. Her favourite routines were always Song & Dance or Tap! She also took part in numerous exams.
Miss Ellie has always loved Baby Class since at 10 years old she started helping Miss Dawn. Now, as a teacher herself for the younger classes, she shares that same love of dance with the next generation. She also enjoys assisting the older pupils that she has watched develop since their own time in Saturday Baby class.
She hopes that she inspires young dancers to love dancing as much as she does.
At Just Dancing Studios we like to support local and small businesses where we can. We are proud to consider the following companies our friends and partners