A warm welcome back to our new and existing pupils.

We would like to congratulate all our pupils who took part in our adjudication day.

Merit – X9 Honours – X11 Distinction –  X15

Dance Workshops

We were able to offer our students a fantastic opportunity to dance with Sam Woods. A professional dancer and past pupil of Direct Dance Company who performed in this years panto, at the Theatre Royal Norwich.

We would like to say thank-you to Sam for a fantastic day of dance on Sunday 8th January. Our pupils had a fabulous time, learning your routines and would like to know when you can come again. 

Direct Dance Company is run by principals Julie Gibbon and Debbie Hawkins, qualified dance teachers affiliated to the United Teachers Of Dance. The school was founded in 1990 and has grown from strength to strength to over 200 pupils in 30 years.

We provide dance classes for all ages from 3 years old to Adult in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, and Acrobatics. We also teach Junior and Senior Acrobatic Workshops once a month and all are welcome.

Students are encouraged to develop at their own pace, improving technique, strength, flexibility and co ordination in a relaxed, safe and supportive environment, to give them confidence that will carry them through all walks of life.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming, happy school and most of all ‘A SCHOOL FOR ALL’.

Julie and Debbie

Principals

Julie took her first tentative steps at the tender age of 2 1/2 when her mother took her to the local dance school and she discovered her love of dance. In her teenage years she assisted her dance teacher with younger pupils and found that she had a natural flare and passion to teach. After taking her teachers exam and moving to Norwich, Julie’s job as a Nanny meant that her knowledge and love of dance was discovered by pre-school parents and she saw the opportunity to start a class. Having known Debbie from her Dance School years, Julie got in touch and one class became two – Direct Dance Company was born. Julie’s unique way of teaching brings fun and happiness to her classes. She says that watching her students grow in confidence is the best feeling in the world.

Debbie’s love of dance started at the age of 5. She attended her local dance school for 25 years taking grades and gaining major examinations and medals along with awards in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Acrobatics with the United Teachers Of Dance Association. Debbie performed in bi-annual shows in local theatres, Theatre Royal Norwich, various fetes and cabaret shows. She furthered her training and qualified as a teacher in the different dance genres, assisting and then teaching with the school.  Alongside her love for teaching, Debbie danced professionally on cruise ships and, more locally, in 3 summer seasons and panto. Debbie has an infinite passion for both teaching and choreography and loves to pass this onto her pupils.

Annie

Assistant Dance Teacher

I joined Direct Dance when I was 3. My parents were desperate to find an expressive outlet for the crazy, hyperactive child they had on their hands. I wasn’t a natural dancer; I lacked focus and all I wanted to do was flying angels and handstands. Julie and Debbie helped me gain confidence and improve my technique and I decided to become the best dancer I could be.

I have completed UTD exams and performed in the bi-annual dance shows which are always a highlight for me; we all come together, see what other classes have been working on and show off our own skills. I have also taken part in classes and workshops held by Dance East and competed in dance competitions reaching the national stage in 2016, 2017, 2018.

I have been helping in the younger classes for 6 years and have developed my choreography skills, learning from Debbie and Julie. Now, each week I teach a variety of classes with different dances and new ideas. 

What our students and parents say

Telephone Julie: 01603 261769 or Debbie: 01603 819036, 07747 014881