Teachers

PRINCIPAL : Claire Buckley

Claire Buckley has been teaching for over 30 years and running her own dance school for 20years. Claire began dancing at the age of 3 at The Sylvera school of dancing learning Ballet, tap and Jazz. She also attended Goodmans school of dance learning Disco, ballroom and Latin and competed in competitions all over the country. At the age of 17 Claire joined a local theatre group performing in many plays, pantomimes and musicals at the Orchard theatre in Dartford. After gaining her teachers qualification she opened the dance school, allowing her to pass on her passion for dance to local students.

SENIOR TEACHER : Stephanie Eccles

I trained professionally at The Centre of Performing Arts College, where i gained a Musical Theatre Diploma under the instruction of Karen King for three years. Whilst training at the Centre I gained my teaching qualifications in D.D.I & D.D.E Tap and Modern. Alongside teaching training I also gained many ISTD vocational graded examination results too. I started teaching just before graduating and I feel in love with passing on my passion for dance. And have been teaching ever since! I have been dancing since the age of 2 and my true love is Tap (which definitely stems from watching singing in the rain on repeat) Before attending The centre I had the opportunity of dancing at London Dury Lane and The London Palladium as a dancer in some charity productions. And also a dancer in the first open air opera at Leeds castle. All of which were great experiences and I loved being on stage. But my passion is passing on my knowledge and love, watching children grow and improve

SINGING/DRAMA TEACHER : Annmarie Wilmot

I Started dancing at the age of 7 years old studying ISTD ballet, tap and modern jazz. I have performed in many pantos over the years alongside some famous faces. I went onto Musical theatre college at the age of 16 at the Millennium musical theatre college where I gained a TCL diploma associate of the Trinity college of London teaching and performing. I have played the role of Trisha in Fame the musical, Cinderella from into the woods musical and Crystal from bad girls the musical. I have also performed in many more including Fiddler on the roof, Annie get your gun and Oliver.

DANCE/DRAMA TEACHER : Molly Drop

Molly trained at London Studio Centre, graduating with a BA Hons in Theatre Dance. I went on to dance professionally on cruise ships, as a production performer on a world cruise. I’m now excited to share my experience and passion for dance with the next generation, helping students grow in confidence and creativity both on and off the stage.

STREET/CONTEMPORARY TEACHER : Emily Clear

Emily has been dancing since the age of 3 training in a variety of different styles from jazz, commercial, tap, ballet, musical theatre.

Emily has successfully completed many exams in ISTD modern, tap and ballet and recently completed her Diploma in Dance Education in ISTD Modern.

She furthered her education at Performers College in Birmingham gaining a degree in Musical Theatre and Dance. During this time, she performed within many shows and had lots of different performing opportunities. As well as this, she also has teaching experience within several different dance schools sharing her passion for dance with the next generation of dancers!

She has enjoyed being a part of the Claire Buckley dance family so far and can’t wait to see all the students progress with her even further!

DANCE/DRAMA TEACHER : Phoebe Drop

Graduated from the prestigious London Studio Centre in 2023, I have built my career as a passionate and dedicated professional dancer and dance teacher. Trained in a wide range of styles, I bring both technical excellence and creative expression to the stage and the studio.

Now, I am excited to share that passion and experience with the next generation of dancers. My goal is not only to teach strong technique, but also to inspire confidence, creativity, and a love of movement in every student I work with