Here are our latest reviews from our pupils of all ages!
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us
Sally and Brett are two phenomenal teachers; their love and passion for dance is clearly shown through their teaching and their attitude towards each and every student. Their enthusiasm towards Ballroom and Latin is infectious and shines through in each and every lesson. SDC welcomes all levels of dance and ability, celebrating individuality, creativity, and talent. Furthermore, the SDC family is a welcoming community where positivity and uniqueness thrives. I’m sure any student that has passed through SDC will vouch that Sally and Brett are great mentors and teachers and will hold them in high regard.
Owen
What can I say about the amazing Southend Dance Centre….it is run by a dedicated trio of fantastic dance teachers who not only teach amazing dance steps with ease (for even people with two left feet) to understand but they are have also become dear friends by the way they run the school. I cannot really call it a school because it is a family, where everyone looks out for another and all do their best to make it what it is.
Try something new or rekindle an old hobby either way give it a go and you never know….you could meet your future wife and change your life forever 😉
Xx
Ross
Having joined from from another school last year to be closer to home, I wished we had made the jump sooner. We really feel part of the Dance Family and are definitely part of ‘something special’. No matter what your ability, you will feel at ease. Brett and Sally make you feel so welcome and really understand how to teach all levels, abilities, whatever your hang ups are. Trust me, I have plenty!! We get plenty of practise nights which are open to all abilities. Looking forward to enjoying many more years here 🥰
Your classes are always a joy to be a part of, your dedication and love for dance is so infectious. Always taught with humour and of course alot of patience and encouragement, these classes are fantastic fun and I was disappointed that we couldn’t continue at the time to the next stage. Everyone at the school is so friendly and welcoming, instantly putting those of us new at ease. And to those experienced members that kindly give up their time to help in class, and give those of us who arrive without a partner someone to dance with, I would like to say an additional heartfelt thank you.
I first started at another dance school, which was never about dancers! I came to SDC over 10 years ago now and what a change it was! It is like another family to me and I always enjoy every time I’m there! Best Decision Ever!!! The friendliest, affordable & helps individuals reach their goals! I wouldn’t change it or go anywhere else! LOVE ITTTTT!
Eva
I defy anyone to find a friendlier, happier, more professional. dedicated, non judgemental place to learn the art of Ballroom/Latin than SDC. When I think of how many pupils have passed through the school in 25 years & how many children have been ‘kept off the streets’ esp. on a Fri/Sat night, I burst with pride. Some of the children who were pupils are now bringing their children to learn from the same brilliant teachers who encourage all to reach their full potential.
Teresa
My wife and I took the beginners and intermediate class this year and found the whole experience very enjoyable. Not only did Brett and Sally cater for the complete beginners we were, they did it in such a way that we laughed from start to finish as well as finding it a very intimate and bonding experience for the two of us. Dance is now a part of our lives and we plan to continue this amazing experience for many years to come.
Adam
I would just like to say how much we have enjoyed the beginners dance class. My husband was reluctant to come first of all, as he said he had two left feet! but we have both had so much fun learning the new dances, and there is so much support when you can’t get it right. We want to learn more and have signed up for the next level class.
We would say to anyone, If you have always wanted to learn to dance but made excuses come and join the class, you won’t regret it and you will have fun!
Best wishes and thanks for all your help.
Lorraine & Peter
I have recently completed an 8 week beginners course with Southend Dance Centre and it was FAB! What a friendly, helpful group of people. Due to my circumstances I had to attend alone and everyone from the dance school could not have been more understanding or helpful, and the training was spot on! I would like to thank everyone involved for making my experience far exceed my expectations, what a great bunch of people!!! I have already signed up for the Intermediate Class.
Alison
Let me say now, we enjoyed every minute of our classes. We did not stop smiling from the moment we arrived to the moment we left each week. It was a really great way for us to spend time together and amazing to think we learned the basic steps of so many dances. Thank you very much
Kim & Andy
We both thoughly enjoyed our beginners class. Obviously we made many mistakes in the beginning but not once did we feel embarrassed. Suffice to say we have signed for the intermediate course. We’ve had a great time. Thanks!
Brian and Jan.
My daughter has danced with SDC for about 4 years and not only have I seen her dancing flourish but also her confidence. She enjoys the fun group lessons with the Hockley Crew as well as individually catered for private lessons. SDC have provided her with some great opportunities such as competing at Blackpool, charity show events and helping out with their adult beginner’s classes.
The adult beginners classes, which I was brave enough to try myself, are fun, relaxed and really worth a try! I would highly recommend SDC, they are a great dance school plus a whole lot more!
Jo
My 7 year old daughter has been attending SDC for nearly 3 years and I cannot believe what an important part of all our lives it has become. I was really nervous when she first started, I had no idea what to expect and was slightly scared of ‘dance mums’, pressure to take part and all those other things you hear about when people talk about dance schools. I really needn’t have worried, Brett, Sally and Carole are the friendliest, most supportive teachers, with great enthusiasm for what they do; they’re always willing to try new things and really think outside the box to keep the kids engaged whilst they’re learning. This attitude shapes the whole dance school, the kids and parents help each other out and everyone is encouraged to do their best.
To me, what makes SDC really special is that it isn’t just about dance, it’s about supporting people to be part of something bigger, to try new things and to achieve things that they might have thought were impossible, all with a lot of laughter and love.
Christine
My girl had been affected by the Strictly bug for 2 years, she had been doing ballet, tap and modern dance from the age of 3 and in November last year (age 7) we decided to seek out a class for her to see how she got on. From the moment she walked in she was made to feel welcome. She adores her dancing, she practices at every opportunity and even has fellow classmates waltzing in tbe playground before school. A great school, wonderful children and a positive influence for any maturing child.
Jane
My Daughter changed Dance Schools just over a year ago to SDC, the best decision we ever made! Brett, Sally & Carole are supportive, approachable, but most of all kind, friendly and fun to be around. Lily has made many new friends and absolutely loves being part of SDC.
Vicky
After many years of promising ourselves we’d learn to dance, in early 2014 my husband and I took our first tentative steps and signed up for an afternoon “taster” session at the Southend Dance Centre. What a warm welcome we received from the SDC family! Sally, Brett and Carole are fantastic teachers, whose patience knows no bounds – thankfully! After enjoying ourselves so much that afternoon, we took both the Beginners and Intermediate courses and now have weekly private lessons with Brett. His sense of humour and constant encouragement makes learning the trickier dance steps a lot less daunting and a lot more fun. If you are looking for a local dance school where you’ll never be made to feel out of place or uncomfortable, we can highly recommend Sally, Brett and Carole at the SDC
Alan & Debbie
Why choose SDC ? The teachers are dedicated to dance & people. Once you become a member of the ‘SDC FAMILY’ you will be taught well & well looked after. Whilst the school is run professionally & the ballroom/latin rule book is followed meticulously there is still time for fun & social events. The teachers not only care about their pupils on a dance level but also personally & have been there like a family to many. Their generosity, love & kindness are endless. As a parent I have seen what goes on behind the scenes, hours upon hours spent working on how to get the best from & for the members of this great sharing,caring school. Trust me, when you pay for that 1/2 hour lesson or that social Quiz Night, you are getting far more than just that time. The thought & effort that goes into this school is amazing.
Teresa
Having been ‘a part of something special’ for 15 years now, it is with great pleasure that I can whole-heartedly recommend Southend Dance Centre to anyone who wishes to start dancing. (I can also recommend all of you to start dancing, but that’s a different story!)
Sally, Brett and Carole teach lessons and classes to the highest standard, with a patient and caring approach that is second only to their ability to put people at ease, and wicked sense of humour! Even if you’re scared of learning to dance, after one hour with our lovely teachers and you’ll be counting down the hours until your next lesson!
In addition to the extremely high standard of teaching, SDC is not just a place where you learn to dance; it is a place of warmth and of sanctuary, and it is a place where everyone is welcomed and treated with the utmost care and respect. SDC is, as you’ll hear many people refer to it, a family.
I am forever grateful for the opportunities that learning to dance with SDC has afforded me, including allowing me to fall in love so completely with dance; which only happens with such extraordinary teachers. If you want to learn to dance in a calm, relaxed and fun environment, SDC is the place to be!
Jessica B
After the yearly Strictly inspiration, in January 2012 I finally took the plunge (taking my best friend with me) and signed up for the Beginners course at SDC.
It was the beginning of a fantastic dancing adventure. Brett, Sally & Carole are fabulous teachers. From the first class they were completely encouraging, patient and kind. Over 4 years later, I’m happily still dancing. Continuing to learn and laugh every week.
The joy of SDC is that there is a place for everyone. Whether you choose to compete or stay a social dancer, everyone is equally welcome and encouraged.
Verity
We thoroughly enjoyed the Beginner & Intermediate Classes and moved onto the one 2 one lessons. This is perfect for us because the lessons are tailored exactly to our specific needs. Carole is fantastically patient and we look forward to each weeks lesson. Whatever your motives for learning to dance, SDC can help you on your way!
John & Sue
What sets SDC apart from many other dance schools is the ability of their teachers to read individuals. They can therefore help dancers at any level to maximise their potential. For all of us it has been a very enjoyable experience in a friendly, fun-packed and family atmosphere.
Jorg
Brett, Sally, Carole and everyone at SDC welcomed me into their doors nearly 10years ago.
I have been dancing most of my childhood and never ever felt so welcome entering a room that I truly couldn’t bring my self to walk in at first.
There isn’t enough words to describe the teachers; however
Friendly, encouraging and patient within your lessons and overall most enjoyable thing I’ve ever done in my life.
If I’m feeling glum, I only have to be with the SDC family for 5mins and my mood is lifted.
Sophie
What an amazing couple and school. Instruction is clear and the instructors are amazingly knowledgeble. We joined because we wanted to be able to actually dance for our first dance.
Not only did they manage to teach us, and trust me when i say i have 2 left feet, but our first dance was awesome and we have made many friends.
We enjoyed the experiance so much we are still dancing as members of the school and have found a new hobby for us and our family!
James & Kerry
As a massive fan of Strictly I had always had one eye on giving it a go! To be honest I never had neither the confidence or did I think I could cope with the stuffiness of a ballroom dance school. My wife got me a couple of vouchers (Dance in a day & 6 week Beginners Course) which was probably in hindsight the best present I have ever had. There is no Dance School stuffiness with Brett, Sally and their helpers! You will laugh, laugh more and then laugh until you hurt but most of all you will learn. I can now get round a dance floor without destroying people, tables and chairs or my partner. We still have lessons with Brett and we do it because it is so rewarding. If you are undecided, Southend Dance Centre is definitely the place that will make you realise all Dance Schools are not the same. A wonderful and rewarding experience continues.
Graham and Sandra
The best thing i have done for myself ever!!!!
Sally, Brett & Carole are the friendliest most supportive approachable teachers, full of fun and humour, and make learning the most daunting of dances effortless. From the first day you attend you are welcomed into a family, the SDC family. If you are thinking of doing something new, if you want to challenge yourself, if you want to get fit while having a laugh, Join. I promise it will make you fall in love with Dance and SDC. You may even fall in love for real like me!!
Thank you Sally Brett & Carole for helping me fulfill a lifelong dream, learning to dance and competing at Blackpool!
Mandy
Friendly and accomodating. For example, if you dont feel comfortable doing a particular step in any dance it can be changed. They alwasy teach steps that are not only ability appropriate but also age appropriate.
Encouraging and good give feedback after medal tests as well as after competitions.
Cheryl & John
The Beginners Class is so much fun. Brett & Sally are great dance teachers with the patience of a saint, which some nights they needed to be!
Would recommend to anyone of all ages to come along. Thank you both x
Linda
Excellent lessons
Dances made easy
oh… and fun!
Lesley & Allan
Thank you for your patience!
You’ve all been lovely and it has been such fun! Thank you x
Debbie & Steve
Really Good, Great Tuition, Good fun
Steve & Jill
Great Course – So much fun!
Hope to see you again at a practice night. Friends of ours have already invited us to a dance in Dartford – Not worried now. All the best x
Stephen & Joanna
I have had so much fun learning Ballroom Dancing. Brett & Sally are fantastic teachers, they are very patient and very funny. The helpers are excellent, who give up their time to come and help us. I gave got the bug and will carry on dancing.
Thank you very much
Amanda
One of my favourite places to be. Everyone is friendly, there are lots of laughs and there are many talented dancers. In the 4 to 5 years i have been here, i have never felt upset or left out. I would rather call SDC family than friends.
Nothing i say will do SDC Justice!
Megan – Aged 15
Southend Dance Centre 