The Classical Ballet & Theatre Dance School

The Classical Ballet & Theatre Dance School is owned by Annette and Andrew Potter, who met rehearsing for The Sleeping Beauty ballet. Their passion for ballet had brought them together.  They both trained in Covent Garden, London, Andrew at The Urdang Academy & Annette at The West Street School in the heart of the ballet world, they danced many leading roles, often together.

They decided that they would both further their dance training and become teachers. The Classical Ballet & Theatre Dance School was established in 1994 and with Annette’s former teacher, Marie Hughes retiring, they were delighted to take over and combine the two schools.

Andrew has over thirty years experience teaching at various local & professional schools in and around London and along with his gymnastic knowledge has taught many performers skills for shows such as Cirque du Soleil, Cats and Lion King. His choreographic skills have delighted many an audience.

Annette also has over thirty years experience teaching. She started dancing at the Marie Silvester School of Dancing in Broomfield, originally established in the early 1950’s.  At fifteen she was awarded a Scholarship to the Cecchetti Junior Summer School at Arts Educational Schools in Tring. The Classical Ballet & Theatre Dance School now sends students to enjoy the same training.

Annette is also the current Artistic Director of The Chelmsford Ballet Company, now into its 70th year, Annette accepted the role in October 2010.

The School has developed and with 100% exam success over a period of 24 years the standard and reputation of the School goes from strength to strength.

The Marie Silvester School of Dancing, in one form or another dates back to the 1950/60’s.  Originally Diana Coe taught in the Village Hall called The Nook, then a pupil of Diana’s took over for a short time.  In the mid 1960’s it became Chaney School of Dancing under Phyllis Chaney.  Then Marie Hughes (Annette’s dance teacher) started teaching modern and tap about 1970 in the Broomfield Church Hall for Phyllis.
It then became Marie Silvester School of Dancing in September 1972 after Phyllis moved to Bristol following the birth of her daughter.

Marie started at branch at Hatfield Peverel either late '77 or early '78 after hearing another teacher had moved on.
                                                                 
The school has changed venues over the years, St.Mary’s Church Hall, Broomfield, St. Andrews Church Hall, Woodhall Road, All Saints Church Hall, North Avenue & now since 2000 The Broomfield Methodist Church Hall along with other branches in Hatfield Peverel, Scout & Guide HQ, Springfield, WI Hall & Chelmsford, Young Generation Amateur Musical Society.

Students have gone on to train at vocational schools such as Royal Ballet, Ballet West, Central School of Ballet, Rambert, Italia Conti, Urdang Academy, Arts Education Schools, The MTA, Bird College, London Studio Centre, Guildhall School of Music & Drama & students have performed in Billy Elliott, Cats, Wicked & on many Cruise Ships.  

….The Classical Ballet & Theatre Dance School is a vibrant, exciting and welcoming School where youngsters can give vent to their dreams in emulating their dance role models.  It’s success is the fulfilment of another dream….a dream to make a career in dance….they are living that dream and the enthusiasm and love for dance is reflected in the happiness that radiates from the School….Broomfield Times.