Our teaching team is made up of professionally trained and commercially experienced dancers and performers who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to every class.
With backgrounds in theatre, stage, and industry performance, they combine technical expertise with real-world experience to inspire and guide each student. Dedicated to nurturing both confidence and creativity, our teachers create a fun, supportive environment where every dancer - from our youngest beginners to aspiring performers - can thrive.
Olivia Paige Jones IDTA Level 4
Olivia Paige Jones is the Principal of our school and an IDTA Level 4 qualified teacher with a wealth of experience in dance, musical theatre, and performance. A graduate of Performers College with a Level 6 Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre, Olivia has performed internationally, including as a character performer in The Little Mermaid in Qatar, as well as in productions across the UK.
Alongside her professional performance career, Olivia has built a strong reputation as a dedicated and inspiring teacher. Since 2019 she has worked with nurseries, primary schools, and established dance academies across Nottinghamshire, delivering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, yoga, and Zumbini to children, teenagers, and adults.
Olivia is passionate about nurturing every student’s confidence and creativity, whether they are stepping into the studio for the very first time or training towards performance and examination success.
Olivia ensures the highest standards of care and professionalism in every class. Her teaching is enriched by her early dance training, theatre credits, and her years of assisting at the Sandra Taylor School of Dance, where her journey as a teacher first began.
As Principal, Olivia brings energy, creativity, and a deep love of dance to everything she does, ensuring the school continues to thrive as a warm, welcoming, and inspiring place for all who walk through its doors.
Lauren Parker MA and BA (Hons)
Lauren began her training age of three, where she completed all Royal Academy of Dance syllabus grades Pre-Primary to Grade 8. Whilst a student she became an original member of Nottingham Youth Dance, the sister youth company of the former New English Contemporary Ballet, through whom she met and performed for then Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Without any hesitation Lauren decided she wished to continue her passion for Ballet and Contemporary dance and began training at Coventry University on a three year degree program, which she was awarded the technical scholarship three years in a row. In 2010 Lauren gained a BA Honours Degree in Dance and Professional Practice, achieving Distinctions in Teaching and Class Delivery. After completing her degree, Lauren embarked on a Masters program in Arts and Project Management through Birmingham Institute for Art and Design. Lauren went on the graduate with Commendation in October 2011.
Since completing her training Lauren has become a freelance dance teacher within the Nottinghamshire area delivering classes ranging from Pre-School to adult Ballet and Tap. Lauren would like to say thank you to all the staff, students and parents for welcoming her into Sandra Taylor School of Dance.
Sue Sparham A.I.D.T.A. A.I.S.T.D
Sue began training at the Sandra Taylor School of Dance 32 years ago followed by a 3 year performing arts course qualifying in I.D.T.A and I.S.T.D. Alongside teaching at various schools, colleges, and lecturing at R.A.D. seminars, Sue enjoys choreographing a range of different styles with her Nottingham University contemporary team, gaining a hat-trick of 1st places in international competitions last spring.
Over the years she has performed in T.V, theatre, and film, and sings in a touring soul and Motown band. She is looking forward to choreographing.
Sandra. J. Taylor A.I.D.T.A BA Hons Cert Ed.
Sandra Taylor began dancing at the age of six, as a pupil at the Keeling School of Dance, principal Beatrice Keeling, in Birmingham. As a “Keeling girl “ Sandra performed at the Birmingham Hippodrome ( now the home of Birmingham Royal Ballet ) and Alexandra theatres amongst others, and went on to qualify at the age of eighteen as a dance teacher, and subsequently as a primary school teacher and graduate of Fine Art. Bringing all these elements together, Sandra founded the Sandra Taylor School of Dance in 1980 in West Bridgford.
The school has gone from strength to strength and has showcased its students in the major Nottingham theatres and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Students are given every opportunity to audition for major theatre productions including pantomime and many have gone on to professional performing careers.
Sandra is a life member of the International Dance Teachers Association, and also has a strong interest in world/ folk dance and social dance including Lindy Hop and Ballroom.