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.
Gemma Phillips
Vice-principal Gemma A.I.S.T.D started dancing at the Colne Bank School of Dancing at the age of three. By the time she had reached 16 she had reached an Advanced level in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz.
Following this she gained a place at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary. After two years of training Gemma was forced to leave due to injury. It was at this time that Jenny invited her to teach at Colne Bank and to study for her teaching examinations.
Gemma has been teaching at Colne Bank now for 25 years. Gemma would like to acknowledge the support and encouragement that Miss Jenny has given her throughout her dance career.
Samuel Bailey
Samuel has been dancing since he was four training in the styles of Ballet, Modern, Tap and Jazz. However he only joined the Colne Bank family when he was in his early teens after a year spent in London attending a stage school. Studying dance and drama in school and college, Samuel then went onto receiving a First Class BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre in 2014 at Colchester Institute.
Since graduating Samuel has found his feet with getting himself an agent and hopes to be successful in pursuing a career in professional performing. He has recently gone on to perform in the renowned touring show ‘Pop Factor 2016’ where he was a lead vocalist and dancer. He will also make his panto debut this Christmas as the title role in ‘Peter Pan’ at The Embassy Theatre in Skegness and The Majestic Theatre in Retford.
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.
