Kaye Shufflebotham became principal of Rochelle taking over from her mother, the late Sheila J Smith who founded the dance school in Birmingham in 1954, moving to Leicestershire in 1965.
Dancing is a way of life for Kaye – spending college days at Pattisons in Coventry and gaining valuable teaching qualifications.
Rochelle caters for those who wish dancing to be their profession or just a hobby.
Provide all pupils with a high standard of dance training.
Make this process enjoyable and beneficial both mentally and physically.
Expand their imagination.
Provide an ‘out of school’ focus.
Provide opportunities to use these skills within local theatres and productions.
Achieve respect, a fair sense of discipline and politeness .
Provide a professional foundation for life.
Above all HAVE FUN!
F.A.Q.
Would our children do ballet, tap and musical theatre all in one class?
In a 45-minute class it is more beneficial to concentrate on one subject at a time.
What subject should my child start with?
Ballet is the main ingredient for being a good all round dancer, however your child can start with any dance subject.
What should my child wear if they are unsure they want to dance but would like to try?
A jogging suit or t-shirt and leggings with pumps will suffice. All kit can be bought from our shop.
At what age do you take students?
Two is the youngest age we would recommend, though all children are different in their development and comprehension. If your child is not ready, they can always recommence at a later date.
Do you let boys dance at Rochelle?
Yes! We have boys of all ages. Many start with tap or hip hop classes which they really enjoy and move on to ballet at a later time.
Do you hold taster sessions?
You and you’re child are welcome to come along and watch any class. However, if your child wishes to participate then we do ask the lesson is paid for.
What do I do when my son or daughter wants to leave Rochelle?
There will be come day when it’s time to leave, as sorry as we will be to see you go, please don’t forget to let us know!
We require 4 weeks notice which is stated in your administration form, signed by yourself on entry into the school.
What happens if I miss a class due to illness or holidays?
If your child misses a class they can make this class up by attending other, equivalent classes on our timetable. If unsure, please ask.
Success Stories
Zachary Morris
“After Rochelle, I trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School & stared in my first West End Musical with the RSC at the age of 11 – The Secret Garden. I went on to the Guildford School of Acting graduating with First Class BA HONS in Musical Theatre. West End/Touring Credits include : Spring Awakening, Parade, and Curtains the Broadway Musical., Dance Captain and 1st Cover Riff Raff on the No1 UK Tour of the Rocky Horror Show. I am the founder of the Leading Edge Arts Project (LEAP) and based in NewYork. I would like to thank Miss Kaye and Rochelle The Dance School for the support and inspiring me to be the performer, teacher and person I am today.”
Zöe Grain
“After finishing Italia Conti, I am still living in London and auditioning as an Actor, shooting a few short films and running my own Physical Theatre Company called BoxLess Physical Theatre which our debut production ‘Loop’ received 4* star reviews and rave feedback. I am now busy planning future projects and courses.”
Rebecca French
“I am currently entering my third year at Bird College in London studying a BA Honours Degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre.Whilst training I’ve had many exciting opportunities such as playing the role of ‘Glinda’ in our second year musical ‘Wicked’, performing on ‘Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway’ and taking part in the annual Bird College Summer Shows. Break a leg, turn on those brightness buttons and SPARKLE!”
Peter Mills
“I am now working as a choreographer in Europe with a focus on experimental choreography. I tour an interactive piece for 2-18 month old infants. Besides Europe my performances have taken me to Rio de Janero and Shanghai.A new piece, PETER which looks at Ethically Demanding Practice of the Self, will launch in Stockholm in November 2017. I teach and research at the university of the arts in Stockholm. I have decided to specialise in creativity and choreography with emphasis on its socio-political effect.”
Sophie Richardson
“I trained at Rochelle and as an Associate of Ballet Theatre UK before commencing vocational training at Ballet West Scotland, where I toured the UK dancing in Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. I start studying at the Royal Academy of Dance, working towards a career teaching ballet in Europe and beyond.”
Lucy Hamlett
“In 2011 I went off to Chichester University to study BA Hons Musical Theatre and graduated with 1st class hons. I was signed up by an agency and had the amazing opportunity to play Reno Sweeney in the southern ‘Anything Goes’ tour. In 2016 I decided to build and develop my own studio offering a wide range of activities such as dance, drama, singing and fitness; a year on I now am the proud owner of Studio-17 and have never looked back.”
Alexis Canning
“I completed my studies in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre at Urdang Academy, London and I’m currently in Stephen Schwartz magic to do musical on Princess Cruises singing and dancing.”
Alix Andrews
“I moved to London about 6 months ago so I could focus more on my dancing. I got a part time job in a call centre for performers and carried on with my promotional work which keeps me busy! I am signed with 2 top agencies in London for modelling and dance and fully focused on my training both in classes and the gym to get myself to a professional standard to start working as a commercial dancer.”
Ben Packer
“I have been down in London this year doing a foundation course in musical theatre at Mountview. I am now going to De Montfort University to study Film and Media.“
Bella Hamilton
“I trained at the Musical Theatre Academy London, which is an intensive two-year musical theatre course. I secured agent representation prior to graduating and have been working and juggling auditions since. I secured my first professional Job as Jasmine in Aladdin touring across the UK as well as doing other gigs across London. I’m loving every minute!”
Billy Downes
“I am back in London and ready to start my 2nd year at Arts Educational College.”
Clare Caswell
“For 15 years I worked in the entertainment industry for Pontins, Haven and Butlins. I started as a Dancer and then went on to be Dance Captain and Assistant Entertainments Manager at various resorts all over the UK. I produced and choreographed shows for Haven and most recently choreographed several main stage productions for Butlins. I also spent a year travelling the world whilst working onboard the P&O cruiseship Aurora. I finally hung up my dancing shoes last year.”
Hannah Higgins
“Since the last Rochelle show I graduated from Bird College with a 1st class honours degree and was awarded the most professional student. Over the last two years I have been cast in a BBC film and have performed in many professional dance/panto productions. In 2016 I gained my A.I.D.T.A teaching qualification and this year became a certified acrobatics arts instructor. I am now lucky to be currently teaching at Rochelle and helping the lovely students grow into beautiful dancers.”
Harry Downes
“I finished my 3 year BA at Arts Educational college in June and I am now represented by MR Management. I have just completed my first professional job in a two hander musical called ‘Thrill Me:The Leopold and Loeb Story’ which ran for a month at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and then a week long run at ‘The Arcola Theatre’ in London. I enjoyed it massively and it was very well received. We got lots of 5* ratings and even a half page and 4* review in The Times.”
Harry Hincks
“I started at Rochelle in 2011 and have since competed at LAMDA Nuneaton arts festival in 2014 – 2016 gaining 1st and 2nd places. In 2016 I gained a place on the Junior Associate Royal Ballet programme. I have performed at lots of venues including De Montfort Hall and I also performed in the Nutcracker BRB at Christmas last year. Other credits include Bits of Blitz and Bother. and the forcoming Scrouge at the Curve this Christmas. I’ve worked in advertisements including the fruit shoot ‘Its My Thing’ earlier this year and the new Asda halloween commercial.”
Harry Mallagham
“I am in London this year doing a foundation course in musical theatre at Mountview.”
Jay Albray
“I have just completed my foundation year at GSA performing in top set for every dance set except for tap as well as being the only boy in both ballet and jazz mixed classes. I then applied at nine schools that offered a three year programme for Musical Theatre. I managed to gain a place at all of these schools and have chosen to go to Arts Educational College, so I will be starting there in September.“
Natalie Hesketh
“After graduating from Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama in 2005, I started out in touring shows for M&M Theatrical Productions and then went on to work at Disney Land resort, Paris. In 2008 I worked in Europe as part of an ABBA tribute on returning to the UK I became a lead vocalist for Pink Productions in their tribute shows to Girls Aloud,The Pussycat Dolls and The Saturdays. In 2010 I got the opportunity to start solo tributes to Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Jessie J, I’m now a full time fitness instructor, studio Coordinator and run Open Minded Fitness Group.”
Jen Shires
“I have just completed a foundation year at Mountview and I am extremely excited to have gained a place at Trinity Laban Conservatoire to start in September.”
Rhia Chappell
“I am currently in my 2nd year at Chichester University studying BA Honours degree in musical theatre. My love of dancing stems from studying dance at Rochelle and recently was told that I have great technique, I have Miss Kaye to thank. I have performed in various musicals whilst at Concordia Youth Theatre and university and am currently auditioning to be part of Chichester’s musical theatre society.”
Rosanne Hamilton
“Since leaving Rochelle,I have used the skills I learned during my time there and the life lessons and advice I was given by my teachers. I have been in a month long production of Cinderella and established myself as a singer/songwriter performing at Free radio live at the Genting arena in Birmingham, supporting artists such as Jay James, Lauren Murray and James Graham from the X factor. I now sing & perform at weddings and events.”
Thomas Newton
“I have completed my second year BTEC in dance at Addict and about to commence my 2nd year HND in Performing Arts in September.”
We aim to produce a school dance show at the Concordia Theatre in Hinckley, Leicestershire every 2-3 Years. This is a great way to demonstrate the progress pupils have made since the previous show and the skills which they have attained. It is a wonderful confidence builder where all students have an immense amount of fun.
We encourage parents to become involved backstage, and have had excellent support throughout the years from parents of past pupils, helping to continue to make our shows a great success. We are always looking for parents / guardians help with our shows. All volunteers would need to have a current DBS certificate and could undertake any number of roles from set design, props locating and a variety of back stage help.
We are also seeking Chaperones. A Chaperon acts in “loco parentis” and should exercise the care which a good parent might be reasonably expected to give that child. The exception to this is when a child is in the care of a teacher or parent. The Chaperon has a key role in ensuring that the experience a child gains whilst performing is one that they enjoy and find beneficial.
Please see a member of staff if interested in any of the above roles.
Our membership fee updates
An initial membership fee of £20 is due when signing up followed by an annual membership fee of £20 payable by March 31st each year.
Terms and conditions
Written notice must be given to the office if you wish to terminate lessons by 14th of the Month. An annual Membership Fee of £20 is due each year. Missed classes must be paid for. A zero tolerance on bad behaviour is in existance at Rochelle (copy on request). By sending my child to Rochelle I am consenting to the school passing on my child’s name and contact number to NHS Track and Trace should this information be requested by them. I am sending my child to Rochelle at my own risk with regards to COVID-19.
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