Choose The Sue Merrett School of Dance
We believe dance is for everyone. From our precious “Little Ones” taking their first, tentative dance steps, to those about to move on to a fruitful career in the dance world, we believe that Ballet, Classical Greek, Contemporary, Tap, Modern, Jazz and Musical Theatre offer the very cornerstones of a life-long love for dance.
For us, dancing is – above all - about fun and engagement. An escape from computer screens. An escape into a world where imagination can be nurtured and take flight. Every child – boys and girls – will also acquire poise, posture, grace, flexibility, fitness and social skills along the way. Your children will learn to love and appreciate the magic of music of all kinds. And most important of all, your child - every child - will be made to feel safe and encouraged as their self-confidence grows. Our school is small enough to take time with every student, but large enough to boast proven experience and expertise that can coax the very best from those whose ambition is to reach their very highest goals.
Our biennial showcase production ensures everyone gets a role and their very own moment in the spotlight. We are here to make them shine!
Sue Merrett School of Dance
A well-established, thriving, premiere dance school with a passion for dance for over 20 years. Serving the local communities of Horton Heath, Fair Oak & surrounding areas of Southampton.
Testimonial
Louise - Dance Mum of Two
The Sue Merrett School of Dance is simply outstanding. Our girls have loved their classes from the age of 3. The teachers provide friendly but engaging lessons which have built confidence and dedication from our girls. The shows are fantastic and the lasting friendships made by students and parents make this dance school a wonderful ‘family’ feel. We moved away from the area but drive 45mins each way to regularly attend classes because of the excellence provided by all at this dance school. We would thoroughly recommend to all!
"Little Ones" Ballet Classes
Perfectly designed to nurture a passion for dance that will last a lifetime.
The best place to start is at the beginning.
A safe, comfortable environment for “Little Ones” to take those most important first dance steps.
Fun, exciting introduction to the Ballet basics that will encourage imagination and creativity.
Opening up opportunities for a future in dance.
About Sue Merrett School of Dance
The Sue Merrett School of Dance provides students of all levels with more than just dance classes; we offer a unique experience in which the student can grow both mentally and physically as a dancer & a person. Our highly trained and certified ISTD instructors have a wealth of first-hand experience in teaching and a passion for performance.
The Sue Merrett School of Dance is recognised by the CDMT (Council for Dance Education & Training) and fully registered with the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teacher of Dance).
Photo - Samantha Clay former student
Our History
From Little Acorns to Mighty Oaks
Principle, Sue Merrett, had a childhood dream to establish a dance school that reflected her life-long passion for dance and performance. Having trained in all dance genres, Sue's vision was to offer dance training of all kinds to anyone who shared her love of dance. Just over 20 years ago, The Sue Merrett School of Dance was founded in a small community hall with just 50 students.
Since those very early days, our school has now developed and grown into a 300-strong, thriving dance school with many children & adults fulfilling their dance dreams. We are immensely proud of the many now working in the dance industry.
Dreams really can come true!
Sue Merrett School of Dance - Classes
Join us in the World of Dance
Ballet & Classical Greek Dance
Little ones through to pre-vocational students & adults
Contemporary, Modern & Body Conditioning
Discover and study these exciting dance styles for children & students
Tap , Jazz & Musical Theatre
Find your love of all things theatre- children - students-adults
Sue Merrett School of Dance
Classes & Timetable
Join the World of Dance
Ballet & Classical Greek
Pre-school - Students- Adults
Ballet is the building block for all other dance genres and it's classic technique will enable you to grow and progress in all other dance genres.
Classical Greek compliments the study of ballet and develops musicality and expressive qualities needed for classical subjects.
Both subjects follow the ISTD syllabus with the chance to take exams in every level.
Contemporary & Body Conditioning
Students
Contemporary is a forever moving and changing expression of Dance, incorporating both physical and mental expression and movement, an extremely creative subject which allows students to choreograph and develop their own thoughts and movements.
Our Body Conditioning class is the supportive backbone to our students training, helping to stretch and strengthen ready to support students in their other subjects - a must for students that are keen to progress.
Modern, Tap, Jazz & Musical Theatre
Students- Adults
All of these subjects incorporate a love of Theatre and are classes to let yourself go and enjoy these performance based techniques.
Modern follows the technical syllabus of ISTD which guides you through technique to enable the body to perform kicks, leaps turns and all with a variety of performance styles.
Tap also follows the innovative ISTD syllabus and keeps up with this ever changing world of Tap styles- a great challenge and fun subject to learn!
Jazz is for those that want to find their groove and dance to the latest tracks.
All the above subjects offer a chance to take ISTD exams.
Musical Theatre is a must for those budding singers that have a love for stage performance.
Little Ones Dance
Pre-school age +
Led by principle Sue Merrett who has a love and passion for this age group. Our classes begin with Imaginative stories, songs and themes to capture the imagination at this young and enthusiastic age. The basis of ballet is incorporated within the classes, a vital building block to future dance.
Those little ones who start in the school at this age and level go to progress in further dance subjects, having the right start at this young age is integral to any little dancers development.
Our Bi-annual School Show Spectacular!
The highlight of every child, student & adults time at The Sue Merrett School of Dance - a chance to put all the hard work into practice joining together in teams to entertain a 300 strong audience over 5 performances at the Point Theatre and incorporates every single member of the school from pre-school through to adults.
21st Anniversary Show April 2022
Tickets are now on sale for our grand show at Thornden Theatre this coming Feb 15th - 17th 2024.
A chance to showcase the many talents of our students from age 3-63, a spectacular not to be missed!
Maybe you are thinking of joining the school and would like to see what we do? Tickets are available from https://thorndenhall.ticketsolve.com/shows/873651851/events
Dance Competitions, Performance & Further Elite Training
Opportunities to take your dance training further with a view to following vocational dance training and a future career in dance and performing arts
Dance Competions
Students can take private tuition to enter Regional & National All England Dance Competitions
Performing with Royal Ballet
An example of performance opportunities- A Junior Production of Swan Lake with The Birmingham Royal Ballet at The Mayflower Theatre
Further Training with Royal Ballet Junior and Mid Associate scheme
Lauren is currently training as a Mid Associate with The Royal Ballet having completed their Junior Associate programme
Our Team
Talented Professionals
Sue Merrett Licenciate ISTD
Principle
Sue trained from a young age at the Judith Hockaday School of Dance, Swindon and at age 16 continued her training vocationally at Bird College, London where she gained her ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap & Modern. Sue then returned to Swindon to further her teaching experience and gain further ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet , Tap , Modern and National Dance.
Sue now holds her highest qualification of Licentiate ISTD. Sue has been teaching all dance genres for 30 yrs and particularly loves to nurture little ones with a passion for dance!
Sally Brenner AISTD (Dip)
Ballet & Greek Teacher
Sally received her early training from Doris Isaacs & Elizabeth Hodgeson, W.Sussex, where she trained in Ballet, Classical Greek, Modern, Tap & National. At 16, she went on to train at The Arts Educational School, London. After graduating, Sally worked as a professional, classical dancer in Germany for 14 years, performing as a soloist in ballets, operas & musicals. On her return to the UK, Sally wanted to use her experience and love of dance to inspire young students and became a fully qualified ISTD teacher in Classical Ballet & Greek and began teaching for The Sue Merrett School of Dance. Sally feels privileged to teach students of all ages and is always proud of what they achieve.
Jenna George ISTD DDE
Modern, Tap,Jazz,Contemporary & Body Con Teacher
Jenna danced as a child at Sandra's Dance studio and went on to achieve a First class Honours degree in Contemporary Dance at Chichester University, From there she found her passion for teaching and went on to gain her ISTD DDE qualification in Modern & Tap Dance. Jenna has taught at The Sue Merrett School of Dance since 2013 and particularly loves to inspire creativity in Contemporary Dance.
Sami Clay ISTD DDE
Ballet Teacher
Sami is a former pupil of The Sue Merrett School of Dance who went on to further her training at Elmhurst Ballet School. Sami danced with French Ballet Company, Compagnie Francoise Maudit touring with La Sylphide, Carmen & Swan Lake. It is lovely to have her return to our school as part of the teaching team.
Alice Vanstone
Alice is a former pupil of The Sue Merrett School of Dance attending her first class at the age of 3yrs old! Alice went on to further her dance training at Laine Theatre Arts and has danced professionally in various tv and theatre productions as well as a singer/dancer onboard Celebrity Cruises.
Alice pops in from time to time as a guest teacher to our school
Get in Touch
If you would like to get in touch with The Sue Merrett School of Dance to enquire about classes of any kind for any age, please submit below to suemerrett@googlemail.com