Diss, Roydon, Stradbroke and Stuston dance classes expand to include Gissing, as Hoxne based dance teacher builds on success

A dance teacher who began learning her craft at the age of three, is expanding her business by opening a new branch of her dance school.

Charlotte Skipp, 37, of Hoxne, runs dance classes in Roydon, Diss, Stradbroke and Stuston and started her enterprise, called Florence School of Dance, 11 years ago.

Mrs Skipp hopes to open the new branch in Gissing, where she grew up, in September.

“The demand has been growing since lockdown ended, and I think part of that is due to parents wanting to get their children out enjoying things again,” she said.

“I have probably more than 130 members across my classes now and some of them are children of people I used to dance with, which is nice.

“I’ve also been undertaking lots of training along the way, and have my Diploma in Dance Instruction from Weston School of Dance and Performing Arts in Chelmsford, and I’ve almost finished my diploma in Dance Education with me amazing mentor Elisabeth Swan.

“I was also fortunate enough to have been taught dance by Janet Hegarty between the ages of three and 22 and she has been a real inspiration.”

Alongside her growing dance school, Mrs Skipp also works a side job, having recently left her role at a care home to work at a Co-Op store in Framlingham.

Dancing remains her greatest love, however, and she is quick to point out the huge benefits it brings to her students lives, and her own.

“We offer Classical Cecchetti Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Tap for children, along with Ballet and Tap and dance fitness classes for adults. It’s so good for your wellbeing and building confidence, as well as being good for fitness.

“The main aim is for everyone to have a good time, and we’re not strict about pushing on to professional level, although we do have some who are aiming for that.

“I had a turbulent childhood, and dance was a place of escape and safety. It’s somewhere where you can just have fun and get away from everyday life for a while.”

To find out more, visit www.theflorenceschoolofdance.com