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About us

Vestry School of Dance & Performing Arts was established in 1996 by Lyndsey Ward.

Welcome to Vestry School of Dance. Classes are held six days a week at various venues around Walthamstow and Chingford, East London. Ages range from 2 years old to Adults.

 

Classes are held in Classical Ballet, Tap and Modern, Contemporary/Creative Dance, Acrobatic Arts, Commercial Dance, Musical Theatre, Acting and Singing.
Awards/Exams are held annually and shows are performed every two years for Juniors and every year the Senior School.

Teachers
All Teachers employed by the school are professionally trained at many of the countries leading colleges and are ex-professional dancers/performers with many years of experience in their relevant fields.
All teachers are DBS checked.
A first aid certified member of staff is on site at all times.

Our Teaching Staff

Lyndsey Ward

Lyndsey Ward

Principal

Biography and Qualifications

Miss Lyndsey Ward; Principal: RAD RTS, AISTD DIP, AIDTA, Acrobatic Arts Certified, Registered member of Rambert Grades, Registered Chaperone Lyndsey trained at the Urdang Academy and London Studio Centre. She has taken vocational exams in all the major exams including: The Royal Academy, Cecchetti Ballet, Russian Ballet, IDTA Ballet, Modern, Tap and ISTD Modern and Tap before dancing professionally on both stage and TV. She was The West Midland Senior Ballet Champion and a finalist in Miss Dance of Great Britain. Lyndsey has been a practical teaching supervisor for the Royal Academy CBTS course and has mentored for their BADE practical placement. Lyndsey was Artistic Director of the Birmingham youth dance company for 20yrs She has taught as a freelance artist at many schools in Waltham Forest and was the specialist GCSE dance teacher at Trinity Catholic high school in Woodford for 10 yrs.

Delycia Belgrave

Delycia Belgrave

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

Delycia is a performer, choreographer and teacher from East London. She has been working professionally in the theatre industry for the past 10 years, enjoying performances within the UK, internationally and in the West End. Her credits include CHICAGO UK TOUR (Ensemble/1st Cover Mama Morton), DISNEY’S DISENCHANTED (Dancer/Cast), Choreography Workshop for the new MATILDA film, KNEEHIGH’S UBU (Lead singer), WHITE CHRISTMAS at the Dominion Theatre (Swing/Ensemble), ME AND MY GIRL Frinton-On-Sea (Ensemble), GUYS AND DOLLS at the Theatre Marigny in Paris (Ensemble), WHITE CHRISTMAS at the Curve Theatre in Leicester (Rita/Ensemble), LEGALLY BLONDE UK Tour (Pilar/1st Cover Enid/2nd Cover Brooke), LEGALLY BLONDE rehearsed at the Curve Theatre performed in Monaco (Kate/Chutney/Whitney), MAMMA MIA with Royal Caribbean Productions (Lisa/Ensemble). She is happy to be back at Vestry School of Dance and Performing Arts where it all began.Teaching has always been a huge passion and joy and Delycia enjoys sharing her experiences, inspiring and nurturing the goals and dreams of the next generation of performers.

Holly Dear

Holly Dear

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications
Holly joined Vestry at the age of 3, taking classes in Ballet, modern and musical theatre.
She has a  BMus Music Performance degree from Chichester Conservatoire where she studied singing in Musical Theatre, Jazz and Pop, she also plays the flute.
Holly is a vocal coach and teaches regulary in schools in the Hertfordshire area.
Tracy Au

Tracy Au

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

RAD RTS, ARAD, RAD solo seal, Certified Level 3 PBT teacher, Silver Swan Licensees, Acrotix Certified, Registered member of Rambert Grades

Tracy began her Ballet training at the Jean M Wong School of Ballet in Hong Kong and was awarded a scholarship to study Ballet at the Zhejiang Vocational Academy of Art. Tracy was awarded the ‘Dame Margot Fonteyn Scholarship’ to train at the English National Ballet School. Tracy has danced with both the English National Ballet Company and the Hong Kong Ballet Company. Tracy has achieved the Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal Award, which is the highest Vocational Ballet examination. Tracy is an experienced RAD registered teacher, Silver Swan Licensee Teacher, Level 3 PBT Certified Teacher, and Acrotrix Certified.

Sophie Bassett

Sophie Bassett

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

Trinity National Diploma in Professional Dance.

Sophie started dancing at the age of 2 in Nottingham at Morrisons School of Dance and Gedling Ballet School. She was awarded a scholarship at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and trained there for 8 years, graduating with a Distinction. She has taken Ballet exams with Royal Academy of Dance up to and including Advanced 2 alongside Imperial Society of Dance Modern and Cecchetti Ballet Vocational exams. After graduating Sophie has danced professionally with worldwide companies Costa Crociere and Sea Cruise UK.

Becky Hacet

Becky Hacet

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

Becky trained at the Stella Mann college. She has taken vocational exams in Ballet, Tap and Modern up to and including Advanced 2.

Marta Swierczynska

Marta Swierczynska

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

MA in Contemporary Dance (EDGE) (2019 – 2020) – London Contemporary Dance School. Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst, Leipzig, Germany (September 2021) – dancer in an improvised performance of spoken word. Secret Art Gallery, London (June 2021) – dancer and choreographer for a site-specific performance, exploring lack of touch during COVID-19 pandemic as part of a gallery exhibition. EDGE Dance Company (2019- 2020) triple bill, works by Alleyne Dance, Igor & Moreno, Riccardo Buscarini. Living Scapes (2020) by Emanuela Passadore, dance video. Joulie Fox – Don’t Be Shy (2020) dancer and choreographer, music video. Into the Labyrinth (2019) by Christopher Tudor. ArtsDepot. Akathistos (2019) by Sian Hopkins and Cantata Dramatica. Voices for Change, St Stephen Walbrook. Chilè – Rhythm of Joy (2018) dancer and choreographer, music video. Happiness and Joy (2016) Anna Watkins and Lisa Rowley.

Miss Ruth Lynch

Miss Ruth Lynch

Cover Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

Ruth started dancing at Vestry at the age of 3yrs. She took classes in all genres of Performing Arts and has taken exams up to Advanced and Grade 8 in RAD Ballet and ISTD Tap/Modern plus Musical Theatre and Drama LAMDA . Ruth completed her professional training at the MTA College. She has performed in 8 “Hackney Empire” Pantomimes as part of the Child’s and ADP ensemble and made her professional debut in 2022 as “Priscilla” the goose in “Mother Goose” at the Hackney Empire, she was been nominated for an OFFIES “Best Newcomer” award. Ruth is starring as “Spirit of the Ring” in the 2023 production of “Aladdin” at Hackney to rave reviews.

Becky Levett

Becky Levett

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications
Becky has been dancing since the age of 4.
She trained at Wilkes Academy in Musical Theatre. 2015-2018.
Becky has competed in hip hop/ commercial troupes for competitions such as Star Power and KDC.
Her background covers all styles of dance and she has taken exams in ISTD, IDTA and RAD up to advanced 2.
 Becky has worked for Warner Leisure as part of the production cast and then returning as dance captain and choreographer.
Sophie Whittle

Sophie Whittle

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

Sophie started her dance training at the age of 2 in Worthing, West Sussex where she enjoyed studying all aspects of theatre and performance. This love of performing won her a place at Rose Bruford College where she graduated in 2009 with a BA(Hons) in European Theatre Arts. Since graduating, Sophie has pursued various projects including attending the Edinburgh Fringe with Rory Bremner’s adaptation of Brecht’s ‘A Respectable Wedding’. She has appeared in panto as well as toured the UK with various musical theatre productions including Oliver and the Wizard of Oz. Sophie began her formal dance teacher training with Vestry School of Dance in 2013 becoming a teacher in 2014. Sophie also works full time for the London Ambulance service.

Christian De-Gallerie

Christian De-Gallerie

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

Christian started dancing at Vestry at 3yrs old and was taking classes in all genres. He took exams up to vocational level in ballet, tap and modern. At 18 Christian left to continue full time training at the Urdang Academy. Upon graduating he landed his first professional contract as lead singer on a worldwide cruise then with NCL in “The Choir of Man”. He is currently performing in the Hackney Empire Pantomime “Aladdin”.

Megan Alice Hughes

Megan Alice Hughes

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

Megan began her dance training in Kent, completing many ISTD and RAD exams. During this time, she was awarded the Alison Willett award at the prestigious ISTD Modern Janet Cram Award Finals. Megan was also a member of the English National Ballet’s Youth Company and performed in ENB’s Modern Masters production at Sadlers Wells. Megan then gained a place at The Institute of Arts Barcelona and graduated in 2018 with a First Class BA(Hons) Degree in Dance. Throughout her time there Megan performed in various productions as well as appearing on Spanish television. After graduating Megan hasperformed in venues across Greece, France and most recently Dubai. Megan is an agency represented professional dancer with teaching experience across many genres. She has completed her ISTD DDE teaching qualifications in Ballet, Modern & Tap  and has recently trained in the ISTD’s new Contemporary Syllabus.

Amy Witchell

Amy Witchell

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

Miss Amy Witchell gained a BA (Hons) in Dance and Performance from Buckinghamshire University and then went on to gain Qualified Teaching Status in Dance and Drama. She competed in the British National Gymnastic Finals and has taught Cheer in University. Amy has taught in various schools teaching children from 3-18yrs and is experienced in education for children with SEN.

Ethan Brookes

Ethan Brookes

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

Ethan started Ballet in local dance schools, when he was 16 years old he was given a full scholarship to train at The Royal Ballet Upper School and The English National Ballet School. Upon graduation, he joined the National Ballet of Ireland as a soloist and was promoted to principal dancer later with the company before joining English National Ballet. Ethan performed in many productions including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol, Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, and La apres midi d’un faune.

Demi Tiller

Demi Tiller

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications
Demi is a dance teacher from New Zealand. She is in London completing her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance, which includes studying child development, fundamentals of ballet technique, functional anatomy and how to create safe dance environments. 
Demi started dancing when she was three years old and has sat numerous major exams through the RAD and Cecchetti  syllabi. 
Demi has over eight-years of experience teaching dance, teaching a mixture of ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and acro to children aged 2 to 15. She also has a LLB (Hons) and a BA in History from the Victoria University of Wellington.
India Rose Lightwood

India Rose Lightwood

Teacher

Biography and Qualifications

India trained at Guildford School of Acting, gaing a BA Hons first class degree in Acting. She has taken ABRSM exams in Clarinet {grade 8} and Piano {grade 6}, she also plays the Sax!!

India teaches singing and LAMDA and works professionally as an Actor. On top of all her skills India trains in contortion and is as a gardener.

“I just wanted to write and say a huge THANK YOU for all your hard work and creativity in the face of the pandemic..…. you’ve all been brilliant this year”.

Esther

“A friend recommended a Vestry Parent/Toddler class in the Village and we went along. I’m not sure who had the most fun, me or my daughter. Can’t wait for the new term. The teacher was brilliant and so full of enthusiasm”

Tina

“My son has just finished his first term with Lyndsey at Vestry and had a blast, he can’t wait to start again in September, a real find!”

Antonia

“My Daughter loves ballet at Vestry, it’s wonderful”.

Susie

“My favourite poncho rockin’ show girl….you lifted me across stage as I beamed wearing a chicken suit and superman pants. I owe you my drive for performing and my love of all things theatrical, oh and one last thing you are definitely interesting…”

Thomas

I just wanted to write to say what a wonderful teacher you’ve been for …… In a short period of time you have absolutely infused her with a passion for dancing – it’s all the result of your remarkable enthusiasm and energy, coupled with the fantastic discipline you somehow manage to maintain during the lessons, it’s all a wonder to observe.

We’re so grateful for all you’ve done – what a special dance school you run, such a positive place to send young people.

   Stewart

silver swans
ISTD
Acrobatic Arts
Acrotrix
LAMDA
PBT
Robert Grades
Royal Academy