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Testimonials from some of our students & parents

‘“I first started Jill Clewes when I was 11, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. From the moment I stepped in the academy it felt like home. The Academy has been amazing with me since the start and always believed in me, I was so new to the syllabus, but Miss Janine helped me through the most challenging times! I’m now 15, I help out with the younger children on Saturdays teaching them things I've been taught along the way. I am now planning on leaving school next year to join a vocational ballet school. I can’t thank Miss Janine enough, she’s the reason I am who I am today.” - Niamh McQuade

Toby joined Jill Clewes just before his 5th birthday. 4 years on and we have an extended family with friends that we wouldn’t be without. Toby was initially quite apprehensive at Jill’s but everyone made sure he felt welcome. The older students of the Academy are brilliant with the younger ones, they set a fantastic example with their impeccable manners and professionalism within the dance school.

All of the teachers are fantastic and only have the children’s interests at heart and clearly teach because that’s what they love to do. The passion and enthusiasm shows in every performance we see and the progression the children make.

The hard work that goes on behind the scenes with the Management of the school is second to none and someone is always there at the end of the phone or with prompt responses by email.

No question is too much trouble for Mandy or Jason.

The challenging times of Covid have proved that the Jill Clewes Academy would do anything for the children and made sure that regular contact and classes were available.

We couldn’t be happier with the decision we made 4 years ago to join The Jill Clewes Academy for Theatre Arts. Emma Colley

“The Jill Clewes Academy for Performing Arts is very professional and has very high standards, which show through in the amazing dancers it produces, brilliant exam results and professional shows which are all achieved in a friendly, fun environment with dedicated staff. My daughter has danced here for many years, has gained in confidence, learned valuable skills and has made many friends, in her words – ‘my second family, my second home, I wouldn’t be anywhere else’.” - Michelle Bradbury

"My daughter showed quite a talent for dance from an early age, I was unsure on what to do to enable her to progress. It was a conversation with Jason that saw Niamh moving from her current dance school to Jill Clewes Academy. We have never looked back since, and she’s grown in confidence, knowledge and skills, so much so, she’s decided to make this her profession.” - Linda McQuade

“We moved to Jill Clewes Dance Studios around two and a half years ago. It was a difficult decision as we had a prolonged stay with another dance school previously. Now, having been through at least two cycles of examinations, Scholarship auditions, Regent shows and the oldest girl progressing through to the Academy, we are pleased we made the move. The standard of teaching was evident from the start, with technique training exceeding our expectations. The social aspect (which let’s face it is as much an interest to teenage girls) is great and new friends are easily made. The teachers are always approachable and knowledgeable in their genre, and whilst catering for everyone, also make time to ensure the individual is getting what they want from the classes, this can be seen by the improvement in technique and form. The engine room of administration is kept separate from the actual lessons, so there is no dissolution of time spent in teaching, and is always well organised. It doesn’t matter whether your child wants to have lessons for the fun of it without the pressures of exams, or he/she wants to end up with dancing forming part of a career, you will find that your needs will be met. And I can honestly say in all the times I have visited the studios, the enjoyment is evident, both from the admin/teaching side, and most importantly from the children.” - Glen Baddeley