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ABOUT MHSD

Marguerita Hoare’s grandmother established an Academy of Ballroom and Scottish Dancing in Northumberland in the 1860’s.  This flourished and diversified into a large stage school run by Marguerita and her relatives. On marrying and moving to St Albans she founded the present school in 1939.  The school is now run by Marguerita's daughter, Rosalie and granddaughter Nicky (and attended by her great-grandaughter!), all fully qualified teachers registered with the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.


From one lesson a week for a few pupils, the school has grown to over 46 hours of regular classes each week, plus rehearsals and coaching time.  The curriculum covers all aspects of stage dance training and festival work and each year a number of senior students pass auditions taking them into a theatrical career.

Past pupils have gone on to dance in the Royal Ballet and other companies both at home and abroad, West End musicals and on television.


Despite the high concentration and dedication to work which abounds through teachers and pupils alike, an air of enjoyment and family closeness is apparent and encouraged.

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OUR TEACHERS

ROSALIE OLLIS

Principal

A Life Member of the ISTD & RAD, Rosalie took over the running of the school from her mother, Marguerita Hoare, early in her career. After a childhood where stage shows and competitions were the norm, her final tuition was with Phyllis Bedells in London. On completion of her training, the desire to carry on the family tradition was fulfilled.


Rosalie teaches ISTD Imperial Ballet, Modern, Jazz & Tap at all levels from Primary to Advanced 2.  She also coaches and choreographs for festivals as well as offering additional coaching for exams. 

Enhanced DBS. 

NICOLA PAYNE

Partner, Head of Ballet

Nicola is Marguerita Hoare’s granddaughter and is a Life Member of the RAD & ISTD.  She trained with MHSD  and the London College of Dance & Drama where she gained her teaching qualifications in ISTD & RAD Ballet, National & Classical Greek. Her classes cover all levels from Primary to Advanced 2.

Nicola choreographs for demonstrations and festivals including the All England Dance Competitions where her dances have won Gold Medals in the Finals many times.

Enhanced DBS

TOM HOLMES

Assistant Teacher

Tom trained at MHSD from the age of seven years old. He studied Tap, Modern, Jazz and Ballet at the school, passing his Advanced levels in all subjects.  During this time, Tom performed in St Albans pantos, as well as many festivals, and at the All England Dance National Finals in London.


At the age of eleven, Tom made his West End debut after successfully auditioning for Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. A few years later, Tom also appeared as Young Don in Singin’ in the Rain at the Palace Theatre, London. At the age of 18 he went  to train full-time at Bird College, graduating in 2019 with a BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre, also receiving the Doreen Bird Foundation Award.


Whilst at Bird College, Tom studied for his ISTD Teaching Qualifications in Tap and Modern with Jason Di Mascio, Ruth Armstrong and Vivienne Saxton. Tom is now studying for further teaching qualifications as well as auditioning and enjoying teaching at MHSD, his old school.  

Enhanced DBS

Rosalie is our child protection and welfare officer and regularly attends CPD training to keep up to date on health and welfare issues that affect young people.  Please do not hesitate to contact Rosalie or any of our teachers if you have any concerns.

CLASSES WE TEACH

BALLET

ISTD Primary to Advanced II
RAD Intermediate Foundation to Advanced II

TAP

ISTD Primary to Advanced II

MODERN

ISTD Primary to Advanced II

NATIONAL

ISTD Primary to Advanced II

CONTEMPORARY

ISTD Intermediate Foundation to Intermediate

CLASSICAL GREEK

  

BODY CONDITIONING

  

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