Testimonials
“The 10 years that I spent at JMDS were filled with fun, exciting opportunities and friendships that will last a lifetime. All the teachers are incredibly supportive; their passion for dance and drive to help you become the best possible version of yourself is something that not many young dancers get to experience. The training at JMDS is professional, similar to what I have experienced at a vocational school, whilst remaining exciting and still allowing room for fun and self-expression. Every student is given the opportunity to perform on stage, which is an experience that I will never forget. I would not be where I am, or who I am, today if it wasn’t for the amazing support of the JMDS staff, for I learnt so much more than technique. I took away life skills and a discipline that cannot be taught anywhere else. I feel so proud to be a part of the JMDS family and hope to continue to show my support to each new generation of dancers that come to join.”
— Laura Kightley
“My 15 years at Janet Marshall Dance Studios truly shaped me into the person I am today. Not only have I made friends for life, but I’ve gained numerous invaluable skills, all of which have helped me to become a more confident, determined and hardworking individual! I will never forget the support and encouragement I received from my teachers, and I cannot thank them enough for pushing me out of my comfort zone, and for helping me to fulfil my potential. Their infectious enthusiasm gave me a passion for dance that I know will stay with me throughout my life!.
— Holly Van Ryssen
“My daughters Julia and Lizzie spent fifteen happy years at JMDS, where they developed friendships, poise and confidence. They both had numerous opportunities to perform in festivals, pantomime productions and national dance competitions. We all now have a love and passion for dance which will last a lifetime.”
— Kathy Mellor
“My time at JMDS was unforgettable. The exceptional level of training helped immensely when auditioning for professional dance and musical theatre colleges. I was able to develop numerous transferable skills including teamwork, organisation, working to a deadline and overall confidence. Throughout my time at JMDS I was given countless performance opportunities as well as the freedom to experiment with choreography. I cannot recommend the school enough!”
-Alice Rimmer
I joined JMDS from a previous school when I was 12, and was warmly welcomed by all of the teachers and pupils immediately. The staff members’ dedication to teaching and personal development definitely helped me grow in ability and confidence, both as a dancer and person overall. I truly benefitted from the wide range of classes available, as well as private lessons and group practices in preparation for various shows and competitions, which I thoroughly enjoyed participating in.
With the help of the teachers and motivation from my fellow pupils, I always worked my hardest to improve my performance, and progress through the grades for each discipline available through exams. The school also offers teaching qualifications, which is an excellent way of applying your knowledge and experience to help other dancer’s progress - I was also lucky enough to use this to help teach classes to younger pupils on a Saturday morning. This experience helped me to build on my ability and confidence as a teacher, which I could then take with me on to my degree in physiotherapy, which requires elements of teaching in working with patients. My learning and experiences from dancing also broadened my interest in physiotherapy through factors such as anatomy, movement analysis, and the importance of health and fitness to help prevent or recover from an injury.
Whilst I may not have pursued a career in the dance industry, I will always be grateful for my experiences at JMDS. The school not only supported me in helping to achieve my goals as a performer, but it also brought me so many close friends, as well as a wide range of opportunities to build on my personal skills and confidence. I would definitely recommend coming to JMDS to check it all out.
— Emma Lewis
“I’m incredibly grateful for the twelve years I spent at JMDS. Aside from developing the high standard of dance technique the school is known for, the teachers place a great deal of importance on working as a team and respecting those around you (whilst having fun of course!). Pupils are so lucky to have regular opportunities to perform, instilling not only a sense of professionalism but also self-confidence onstage and off. Learning multiple dance disciplines has allowed me to be a much more versatile dancer and I appreciate the teachers always encouraging me to keep up with modern, tap and jazz (despite my occasional reluctance!). My time at JMDS has given me the skills to do something I love for a living, but equally as valuable, the special atmosphere gave me the chance to form friendships are still going strong!"
-Isabelle Clough
“My time at JMDS was so special. It gave me lifelong friendships, confidence and commitment and a skill that I will continue to practice for as long as I can. The beautiful big studios, outstanding teaching and family atmosphere were the best place to get lost in dance after a hectic day at school - the perfect home away from home for 15 years”
— Lizzie Mellor
“I am beyond grateful for the 12 years I spent at JMDS. Not only did I receive incredible training from the most caring, supportive teachers, but I also learnt about professionalism, dedication and discipline - skills that are important in whatever career you choose to do. The staff at JMDS are all so welcoming, passionate and encouraging. They care about each and every one of their students and helped me to strive for my very best in everything I did. Every class, rehearsal, performance and festival was filled with fun, inspiration and challenges that have helped me become both the dancer and person I am today. I feel so lucky to have been a part of the JMDS family and I made the most amazing memories and friends that I will cherish forever.”
— Eloise Kightley
“To this day, the memories I have growing up as a part of the JMDS family are some of the happiest I own. This is largely because a family is exactly what it is! Aside from the impeccable and supportive dance training, I have truly made friends for life as well as gaining an abundance of transferable skills which include resilience, being able to manage my time effectively and working a team. If I could go back and do it all again, I absolutely would!”
— Abbie James
“JMDS has been an incredibly important part of my life for the last 12 years. Not only have I made life long friendships, but the support and encouragement that I have received from the fantastic teachers has shaped me into a versatile, passionate dancer. I have had endless opportunities over the years, including performing in pantomimes and festivals, which have provided me with skills and memories which will stay with me forever. There is something for everyone at JMDS with teachers specializing in many genres of dance. I can’t thank JMDS enough for everything they have done for me.”
— Ivy Griffiths
“We have been part of the JMDS family for 14 years now, with both of my children starting at Janet Marshall when they were at pre school. They have both benefitted from the excellent teaching and training, and the huge range of opportunities that being part of the school has afforded them. They have made their closest friends here, and have gained and developed crucial transferable life skills, whilst having an awful lot of fun! They are stronger, more resilient, adaptable and more confident as a result of their experience at JMDS. Their zoom dance lessons were very definitely highlights of their week during the pandemic, and due to the huge efforts of the JMDS staff, was one of the very few areas in their lives that they continued to develop and progress during an incredibly challenging time. We couldn't recommend JMDS highly enough!”
— Stacey Rees