Jenny Overton

Jenny L.I.S.T.D dip, is the Principal of the school. Having trained with Ivy Baker who was a respected Major Examiner with the I.S.T.D and an original director of Laine Theatre Arts, Miss Jenny studied and gained Advanced Examinations in Ballet, Modern and Tap.

In the early 80’s Jenny went to teach for Mavis Cooke at the Elmstead School of Dancing, alongside teaching she continued to train with Miss Baker for more than 10 years, gaining numerous teaching qualifications. Although Jenny gained a place to study dance full-time at Laine Theatre Arts she couldn’t turn down the teaching opportunity opened for her as she knew this was the career path she wanted to take. Miss Jenny also worked for Essex County Council for 10 years during the 1980's, teaching dance and fitness within Adult Education, and also within the Youth Service.

Although Jenny has also choreographed for Cruise Liners, School musicals and various Operatic groups, her real passion has been building Colne Bank School of Dancing into the success it is today, which has been made easier by the support she has had from her friends family and teaching faculty.

Ellie Cooke

Ellie has strong connections with Colne Bank as her Grandma Mavis Cooke was the founder of the school. Ellie started dancing age 5,which gave great joy to Mavis knowing her granddaughter was to become part of her dance family.

Although dance is Ellie’s number one passion, after her A-levels she decided to follow a different interest and completed a year’s course in fashion in London. It didn’t take long to realise that the thought of having a full-time job and only dancing as a hobby wasn’t going to be enough.

Gemma Phillips helped Ellie grow her passion by encouraging her to choreograph small dances and letting her teach them in her lessons. Overtime Ellie gained confidence in her skills, finding her path in teaching.

Currently Ellie is studying for her DDE in Modern and Tap and is overjoyed to start teaching at Colne Bank.

Ellie is truly thankful to Jenny and Gemma, helping her grow as a person and a dancer, leading her to the opportunities she has had at Colne Bank.

Laura Holladay

Laura joined Colne Bank School of Dancing at the age of 6. Starting with Tap lessons it wasn’t long before she moved on to Ballet, Modern and Jazz. By the age of 19 Laura had passed all ISTD Tap and Modern examinations up to and including Advanced 2. At 18 Laura gained her Childcare qualifications and now has almost twenty years of experience working with babies and young children. During this period dancing remained in Laura’s life where she choreographed dances for festivals and shows for Colne Bank School of Dancing.

Laura feels lucky to be able to teach young students at the dancing school that she has enjoyed being part of for most of her life.

Stephanie Cook

Stephanie has been dancing with Colne Bank since the age of six, where she progressed through the graded examinations in Modern, Tap, Ballet and Jazz. 

Stephanie took dance at both GCSE & A Level and then progressed on to University Campus Suffolk where she achieved a BA Hons (2.1) Dance in the Community Degree.  Alongside her degree she also undertook her ISTD teacher training at Tiffany Theatre College in both Modern and Tap and also has gained her Associate in Disco Freestyle and Rock ‘n’ roll. 

Stephanie would like to say a Big Thank You to Jenny for her continued encouragement and support as she has played such a huge part in helping Stephanie achieved all of the above. 

Kylie Amos 

Kylie started attending Colne Bank School of Dancing aged 4 ½ . It has given her many opportunities which includes being one of 6 to participate in a music video for the ordinary boys. She has also been involved in many competitions one which led her to perform on stage at Her Majesty's Theatre.

Kylie was also extremely lucky to be taught by the founder of Colne Bank, Mavis Cooke, her love for tap made it Kylie's personal favourite. This has resulted in Kylie following in Mrs Cookes footsteps by choreographing the Senior Tap numbers for the shows which she herself has taken part in since 1994. Kylie is extremely excited to be part of the teaching staff and to continue being part of such a family orientated and supportive dance school. 

Victoria Hooper 

Dance Captain and examination assistant.