Breaking News!....... Principal - Julie Inducted into Mayoral Role Of Honour 2022
Julie Barker
Principal - AISTDDip, ALCM, ALAM, MBTDA Examiner Thurrock Mayors Lifetime Achievement Winner 2020
Julie started dancing at the tender age of two, in a local school. Her passion for dance and performing grew as she got older, taking classes all Musical Theatre Genre, passing exams along the way.
Julie gained professional experience through TV commercials and shows, film , stage shows, and pantomime. In 1986, Julie was studying for her teachers qualification with ISTD, when a dance school locally announced they would be closing due to teacher relocation. Julie saw this as a perfect opportunity, and with the support of her then teacher, she opened what soon became known as Tip Toe Stage School.
Julie continued to gain professional experience, and was determined to gain all her qualifications to build a great school. Gaining Distinction (Highest mark) in her Associate Diploma with the ISTD, and for her Associate LAMDA Speech of Verse and Prose and for her LCMM Musical Theatre Associate Diploma, Julie had all the tools to inspire the next generation of performers.
Julie believes that Continued Professional Development is key to keeping your school and ideas fresh and up to date. With this in mind, she embarked on her BTDA teaching diploma, which she successfully achieved. Most recently, Julie has studied to become an examiner for the BTDA and has been visiting other studios to examine their students for the past five years.
Julie was awarded the Mayors Civic Award for community impact in 2015, then recognised as the best dance teacher for young people, at the SEEA Youngstars Awards 2017, two accolades she holds very dear. But in Feb 2020, Julie was awarded one of the most amazing acolades of her career! Julie was announced as the winner of the Mayors Lifetime Acheivement Award at the Civic Ceremony!
Julie loves learning new things in the dance world, and has recently been instrumental in devising the new Musical Theatre Program of Study for BTDA and is working with the team at BTDA to devise a new Contemporary Program of Study.
"Dance Is an outer expression of an inner feeling!" A great lady once told me this, and it has stuck with me, its just dancing.... Strive to inspire, and be the best version of yourself.
What is your favourite TipToe performance?
All of them but you'd be hard pushed to beat New York!
What makes a good performer?
Simple - passion & dedication. Plus hardwork and commitment.
What are three things that every performer should remember when they go on stage?
Your underwear - yes it's happened! To enjoy it and give and earn mutual respect from EVERYONE involved in making your performance happen. From chaperones, to dressers, tech crew and your other dancing colleagues - no one is more important than the other
What is your favourite musical?
Billy Elliot
What advice would you give to our young performers?
Make every performance YOUR best and don't judge yourself against anyone else. Be the best YOU can be.
Elena Carter
Principal - MBTDA AIDTA
Elena started at Tip Toe as soon as she could walk, she would be in the baby class running around in her nappy! And through the years Elena has been through all the graded exams, all the performances and seen the school develop into how we are today.
Elena did a lot of professional performances when She was younger including adverts, short films and a west end musical, Billy Eliott.
Elena currently takes the lead of our festival team at the school. Organising all externals performances and competitions. Knowing that she is potentially helping to shape someone’s future through these experiences, makes it all worthwhile.
What makes us different to everyone else is the fact that we truly have that family feel to the school, of course students come to get a great dance education, but they also make their best friends for life.
Favourite Tip Toe performance?
I think it’s got to be New York. As much as I love our main shows, New York was just something special. Us all being there together right in the middle of time square, in a lovely new theatre, it was just so special.
What makes a good performer?
Hard work. No one is born amazing at performing, performing you have to work at. And performing is totally different to just dancing, ‘performance’ changes a dance into a piece of art.
3 things to remember on stage?
-Smile!
-This should be the best time you’ve ever performed it.
-Enjoy it!
Favourite musical?
Recently this has changed to Dear Evan Hansen - absolutely amazing! However, I love Les Mis, Waitress and Billy Elliot is something special.
Advice?
Give it! If you enjoy dancing, whether it’s as a hobby or a future career, just give it. You need to work so hard to constantly better yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. You should always be striving to be better than you were the time before, but never compare yourself to your team mates.
Sam Chitty
Vice Principal - MBTDACert, RSA Exercise To Music LCM LSSTDip
Sam started dancing at the age of 5 and has been a part of the Tiptoe family for over 20 years.
At the age of 18 Sam took a short break to continue her studies but soon returned to teaching and gained her BTDA Dance Teachers qualification with Distinction (Highest Mark). She has performed on West End stages such as Her Majesty’s Theatre and the London Palladium, resulting in overseas performance in Disneyland Paris and most recently New York’s Broadway. Although dance is her main passion , she has also gained qualifications in Musical Theatre pushing herself out of her comfort zone; namely Singing! 😉
Teaching at Tiptoe allows Sam to influence the school using her full-time role in Primary and secondary Education, she shares her knowledge, creativity and teaching techniques with both students and colleague’s. This influence sees some amazing results through our performances and examinations.
Sam has most recently completed a Dance Movement Therapy course and is currently studying for her Special Educational Needs Diploma (SEND). This echo’s the schools ethos of providing an inclusive environment for all pupils to learn. Sam believes that Continued Professional Development is key to any teaching environment. It not only keeps you up to date but reminds students that you are ‘never too old to learn!’
Sam is proud to be a part of a teaching team that offers a wide variety of experiences and skills which can be reflected in the support and advise given to students and their families. However, her main motivation comes from the students themselves. Their drive, passion and determination to achieve, however big or small, is all the encouragement she needs to inspire her teaching!
Richard Quincey
Vice Principal - ALAM, ALCM, BA Performing Arts
Quincey go into performing arts in his early teens and was really passionate about drama and singing.
This grew with Quincey taking on dance lessons to support his love of musical theatre.
He went on to Palmers College to complete theatre Studies and then Middlesex university where he got a degree in Performing arts. During this time he appeared in many shows from Sweeney Todd to Blood brothers but all time attending Tip Toe as a pupil and supporting in their productions be it Oliver or Bouncers.
He continued to progress with grades in tap however his strength was in drama with LAMDA and singing LCMM where he managed to achieve a teachers qualification. It is with Tip Toe Stage school that Quincey has had the pleasure of dancing at such prestigious venues from The London Palladium to the royal albert hall.
Quincey went on to work in the entertainments industry as an extra in things such as Holby City to The Bill, he then went for a summer Job as an actor at the London Dungeon in 2001 and still works there today!
In fact Quincey is now the Head of Performance for both the London Dungeon & Shrek’s Adventure London where he has the pleasure of leading a team of over 100 actors in performing shows to thousands of guests daily. He writes shows for Many other London attractions including the London Eye and is regularly consulted on performance aspects for other areas in Merlin entertainments.
Quincey loves to teach drama and singing at Tip Toe with ages as young as 5 and right up to 50+ all the time sharing his experiences and enjoying the fun that these disciplines give to people. He loves being part of the teaching team at Tip Toe and is proud of the calibre and consistency of the performances that Tip Toe produce. The Tip Toe family also includes his two daughters, his sister and even his Dad. (A truly family affair)
Quincey loves to see how at any age you can enhance your own wellbeing by being part of a community and doing something that makes you happy. Ronnie Barker (One of Quincey’s heroes) once said “to get a job where the only thing you have to do in your career is to make people happy well is the best job in the world” and seeing everyone achieve so much either through their own development with exams or progression with their ability on stage being part of Tip toe is such a rewarding experience.
What is your favourite TipToe performance?
It's going back a bit but it has to be bouncers - it means a lot to me as this was one of the first times I really felt that this is what I want to do for a career.
What makes a good performer?
Lots of things from performance skills, characterization etc however I have to say respect; respect for an audience to ensure you give it your best, respect for fellow cast and of course to teachers and practitioners.
What are three things that every performer should remember when they go on stage?
To give energy Find your own 💯 that works for stamina and wellbeing, but never give the audience anything but your best
What is your favourite musical?
Rent. For me it came when I was training in musical theatre and it inspired me massively.
What advice would you give to a young performer?
Listen. Listen to advice, to teachings and to audiences reactions.
Richard Quincey
Lauren Cooke
Vice Principal - Romford Branch - ABATD BA Hons LIDTA ID
Lauren started dancing at the age of two, she went on to study drama and singing. Lauren performed in her first professional stage show "Annie" at the tender age of six, where she first met Julie.
Lauren continued to study performing arts, taking exams in all genre. At the age of 17 she became a qualified teacher with the BATD.
Lauren gained valuable experience performing in various professional Theatre productions and Pantomimes, TV commercials and stage shows.
After college, she went on to gain her BA Hons degree in performing Arts and then worked extensively as a dancer and choreographer, including European Holiday hotels, aboard cruise ships, music videos, music festivals, corporate events.
Lauren has taught for many companies and schools in her time and has enjoyed adjudicating competitions. As part of her continued Professional Development, Lauren has successfully gained her Licenciate qualification with the IDTA and most recently with the ID Dance Company.
A firm belief is that you never stop learning, as part of this ethos, she regularly attends workshops and Syllabi updates.
Lauren opened SmoothMoves Academy in 2008, with branches in Epping and Beckton, then amalgamated to Romford. In 2013, Lauren was blessed with beautiful twins, soon after, SmoothMoves became a part of Tip Toe and is now a fully established Romford Branch.
Lauren is proud to be Vice Principal of the school and run our Romford branch.
Since Lauren was little, Julie has been a great teacher, mentor, cheerleader and inspiration. Lauren has learned a great deal from Julie and her ethos of teaching. She is proud to call Julie a friend, and is so pleased to be teaching alongside her. Lauren always strives to inspire her students to be the "best they can be" whilst doing something they love in a fun friendly, safe atmosphere.
1. Whats your Favourite tiptoe performance?
Not sure I have an ultimate favourite. Tbh I love our annual shows. After all the hard work from every single person involved it is always such an adrenalin rush performing with everyone.
2. What makes a Good performer?
Personality, hard work and passion. Also stretched feet 😜
3. what are three things to remember when you go on stage.
⁃ If you show emotion and mean it the audience will too.
⁃ Listen to the music
⁃ Enjoy it!!
4. Whats your Favourite musical
I have a few favourites, 1) Rent, I actually did 3 final uni dance assessments to Rent songs. 2) Fosse, technically not a musical but a collection of all of Bob Fosse’s best dances 3) and Annie, this has a special place in my heart for many reasons.
5. What Advice would you give to young performers.
If you love dancing then dance, regardless of how experienced or talented you are, do it. Listen and learn and develop as much as you can. Even when you are older and experienced you can always learn new things, you will never know it all.
Lauren Cooke
Our teaching team
Kaz Keeley BTDA
Rhianna Holgate BTDA
Rhianna Holgate BTDA
Adult Tap Teacher
Kaz started dancing at the age of 4 in the first baby class at TipToe, and has been here ever since. She certainly feels at home here with her second family.
While at TipToe Kaz has had some great opportunities to dance in some fabulous places, including The London Palladium, Her Majestys Theatre, The royal Albert Hall and
Adult Tap Teacher
Kaz started dancing at the age of 4 in the first baby class at TipToe, and has been here ever since. She certainly feels at home here with her second family.
While at TipToe Kaz has had some great opportunities to dance in some fabulous places, including The London Palladium, Her Majestys Theatre, The royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena. Also she got to travel with them and shine with her fellow dancers at Disneyland Paris and Boradway in New York. In 2012 she has the amazing experience of performing in one of the biggest national television events, the opening ceremony for the Olympics and paralympics.
After Kaz left college with a BTEC in Performing Arts, she went to work for the London Dungeon as an Actress. Throughout her time there she agined experience in training and auditioning new memebers of the team. After 6 years she moved up into more of an operational role within the visitor attraction .
Kaz has worked through many grades in all aspects of musical threatre, her favourite being drama and tap. This is why she has enjoys teaching the Adult tap class or over 10 years now. Teaching the Adult tap class gives her great plessure as every year she sees improvement esp their confidence. She feels its a great way to socialize and learn a new skill as well, 'you are never too old to learn'.
Its deffently a family affair as Kaz teaches her Dad, but also performs with her brother, nieces and her son attends drama and singing to.
• Whats your favourite TipToe performance? Ah this is hard as I have got over 30 years to choose from, I love the big Ballets as I think they are really beauitful. But the one that come to mind is the first time we performed Think when I fell over on my bum, we all just had the biggest smiles on our faces due to laughing so much :)
• What Makes a good perfomer? Dedicat
ion and hardwork but also to enjoy what they are doing, if they are having the best time on stage then the audience will have the best time watching them. • What are the three things to remember when you go on stage?-We are all apart of a team (a family), share the experience with them, work with them and recpect them.-Go out and give it your best.-Be prepared for anything, sometimes things go wrong (hats fall off, umbrellas dont open or you just fall over)
• Whats your Favoutite musical? I have lots, I like the oldies such as Sining in the Rain, 42nd street and an american in paris.
• What advice would you give to our young performers?Practice, practice,practice.
Rhianna Holgate BTDA
Rhianna Holgate BTDA
Rhianna Holgate BTDA
Teacher In Training
Rhianna started dancing at the age of 3 years old and her love for dance has grown massively. Over the years, Rhianna has grown to love drama&singing as much as she loves to dance. Her passion for all three subjects has grown massively as she’s got older.
Rhianna has been a teaching assistant with TipToe for over 2 yea
Teacher In Training
Rhianna started dancing at the age of 3 years old and her love for dance has grown massively. Over the years, Rhianna has grown to love drama&singing as much as she loves to dance. Her passion for all three subjects has grown massively as she’s got older.
Rhianna has been a teaching assistant with TipToe for over 2 years now starting from assisting on a Wednesday and Thursday to now assisting on a Saturday and on a Friday with the Romford Branch. With all of these successes, Rhianna has also been given her own tap class and baby class on a Saturday.
Rhianna has been nominated for many awards with her dance school and has now been nominated for awards such as ‘Best Dance Soloist’ at Youngstars. Rhianna has been awarded for great achievements throughout the years and we cannot wait so see what happens for her in the future.
Rhianna loves learning new things in the dance and teaching world as to progress to be the best version of herself.
What’s your favourite TipToe performance?
* Not sure, I have had multiple amazing TipToe performances. However, I absolutely loved performing in DisneyLandParis with my dance school and making more and more amazing memories.
What makes a good performer?
* In my opinion, I think personality, hard work and passion as well as perseverance because there will be many obstacles in the way and you need to try and push through it and not give up.
What are three things to remember when you go on stage?
* Believe in yourself because no one will ever be better at anything other than you if you put your heart into it. Enjoy yourself on stage! And finally, pointing your toes and stretching your feet!! Extension is key!
What’s your favourite musical?
* I have many favourites, 1) Six The Musical, I absolutely loved going to see six it was amazing and such an enjoyable performance to watch. 2) Lion King~ the musical, The set, the costumes, EVERYTHING! was brilliant. I couldn’t get enough of it. 3) Best till last!... Wicked the musical. All I can say is wow! The vocals were breathtaking, the storyline was amazing and I am just so glad I went to see it.
What advice would you give to young performers?
* If you love dance then dance, if you love to sing then sing, if you love to act then act. Believe in yourself and whatever you put your mind to you will be able to achieve it. Make every performance your best and don’t let anyone take that away from you because the only person who can is YOU
assistant Teachers
Grace Brazier - Assistant Teacher
Francesca Beckley - Assistant Teacher
Grace Brazier - Assistant Teacher
Grace Assists in the Disco, Cheerleading and Contemporary classes. .
Eliot Carter - Assistant Teacher
Francesca Beckley - Assistant Teacher
Grace Brazier - Assistant Teacher
Eliot assists in the Musical Theatre, Drama, Singing, Street and Contemporary classes.
Francesca Beckley - Assistant Teacher
Francesca Beckley - Assistant Teacher
Francesca Beckley - Assistant Teacher
Francesca teaches and Assists in all the Pre-School and Rose Award classes.
Frankie Garrett - Assistant Teacher
Lillie-Ella Morrris - Assistant Teacher
Lillie-Ella Morrris - Assistant Teacher
Frankie assists in all stage classes.
Lillie-Ella Morrris - Assistant Teacher
Lillie-Ella Morrris - Assistant Teacher
Lillie-Ella Morrris - Assistant Teacher
Lillie assists in all our Acro and tumbling sessions
Mollie Quincey - Assistant Teacher
Mollie Quincey - Assistant Teacher
Mollie Quincey - Assistant Teacher
Mollie assists in our younger Pre- School and Rose Award Classes
Adele Holgate - Assistant Teacher
Mollie Quincey - Assistant Teacher
Mollie Quincey - Assistant Teacher
Adele assists in the Pre-School, Rose Award classes as well as the Tuesday classes in Romford and the Street classes.