Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance is an established performing arts school based in Chislehurst, Kent. Founded in 1999, the academy offers high quality dance and theatre training for children and young people, covering ballet, tap, modern, jazz, commercial, street, lyrical, acro, drama, and musical theatre. At its core, the academy strives to offer its students a safe, supportive, and inspiring space where children can thrive – not only as dancers, but as confident individuals. Since its establishment, Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance has evolved significantly. What first began as a small local dance school has since grown into a respected institution boasting a vibrant calendar of shows, competitions, community events, and international performance opportunities – including appearances at Disneyland Paris and major UK stages. Today, the academy serves more than 170 students each week and is continuously adapting its offerings to meet the interests, abilities, and emotional needs of its dancers. “We are more than just a dance school,” said Michelle. “While we offer exceptional technical training across a wide range of disciplines, what truly sets Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance apart is the depth of personal care, emotional support, and community spirit we provide to every student and family. We take pride in knowing each child as an individual – not just by name, but by personality, confidence levels, learning style, and personal goals.” This ethos is reflected across the academy’s faculty, with an internal culture that emphasises support, professionalism, and child-centrism. Through clear communication, collaborative planning, and ongoing support, each member of the faculty team is equipped and empowered to teach, with regular check-ins to ensure teaching quality remains high. Kindness, consistency, and high standards are prioritised above all else, ensuring a positive environment where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to achieve. Genuine heart, resilience, and commitment lies at the heart of Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance. Michelle started the school with just four pupils, and through years of hard work, belief, and consistency, has built it into the thriving, respected academy it is today. Now, the academy’s mission is not only to train confident and capable dancers, but to provide a safe and joyful space where young people feel supported, seen, and inspired. “As a single parent, the journey hasn’t always been easy,” Michelle reflected. “Balancing family life with running a busy school brings its own challenges – but I hope my story shows that with passion and dedication, it is possible to create something truly meaningful. We may be a local school, but the impact we make on our students’ lives is lasting – and we are proud to keep growing with purpose, care, and ambition.” As with any longstanding business, Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance has encountered its share of challenges, with its most significant being managing the logistical complexity of preparing a large group of students for its performance at Disneyland Paris. With more than 50 performers involved, coordinating rehearsal schedules, costumes, choreography, travel plans, and communication with families has required significant planning and adaptability. Rather than letting the scale of the task become overwhelming, the academy used it as an opportunity to introduce clearer rehearsal structures, improve internal team coordination, and focus on fostering a strong sense of commitment and teamwork across the students. The performance was successfully delivered in August, marking the academy’s third time being invited to the prestigious event and demonstrating the undeniable power of shared goals and high expectations. The remainder of 2025 is set to be an exciting period for the students and faculty alike. Following a successful performance at Disneyland, the team is preparing for a busy term brimming with Christmas performances, exam preparation, and planning for the next full-school annual production. Looking ahead, Michelle has her sights set on evolution for Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance, recognised as South East London’s Best Youth Performing Arts and Dance Academy 2025. She concluded: “We aim to expand training and performance opportunities, explore community outreach, and continue building an inclusive, high quality environment where all students can thrive.” Contact: Michelle Sidwell Company: Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance Web Address: www.michellesidwellacademyofdance.co.uk From ballet to street, dance classes give children a space to move, focus, and grow in ways that extend far beyond the studio. While many educators focus solely on teaching technique, one rising academy is dedicated to offering an all-encompassing education that educates and empowers its students. Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance offers high quality training in all aspects of the performing arts, providing education within a caring, encouraging, and professional environment. We heard more from Michelle Sidwell herself, as the academy is named in the Greater London Enterprise Awards 2025. Best Youth Performing Arts & Dance Academy 2025 – South East London
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