About ACS Dance Centre

 

Anthony Clifford Dance studios was founded by husband and wife team Mark Anthony and Diana Clifford, both experienced professional performers as well as qualified teachers. Between them Mark and Diana have qualifications in all the dance disciplines on their curriculum with Mark obviously being the ideal person to teach our growing boys section and encourage their interest. As the school has grown, the principals have been joined by a staff of other highly qualified teachers, eight at present, assisted by student teachers.

 

We pride ourselves on excellent standards of training for boys and girls whether they wish to learn dancing for Pleasure, fitness and self-confidence or with a view to a career within the profession.

 

In December 2015 the studio became a charity (No:1159627) with a board of trustees who had the same vision, and have trusted the management of the studios, now ACS Dance Centre, to Diana and Mark, From the point of view of the students nothing had changed except behind the scenes processes were put in place to raise funds for Scholarships and class subsidising.

 

ACS Dance Centre is a Royal Opera House Chance to Dance Associate Dance School

 

Diana Clifford and  Despina Kefalidi are ROH Chance to Dance Associate Dance Artists

 

 

The curriculum we offer covers the full spectrum from ballet, tap modern, jazz, drama and singing to ballroom, latin american and disco/ freestyle. We study the syllabus of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in which all our teachers are trained and experienced. The ISTD is recognised throughout the world as the leading examining body for dance. We have a strong tradition in teacher training and we are pleased now to have become an ISTD Approved Dance Centre capable of offering the new teacher training exams.. You can also be assured that these exams are recognised by the government and QCA and will in the future be useful when applying to universities and jobs as some of the higher grades are equivalent levels to GCSE and A levels.

 

Children can start with us from the age of 3 in special baby classes, which are good fun as well as providing help with their co-ordination and concentration. Our classes will then take them through all the grades up to and including student level. Those children who have previously learned at another school are also welcome to join though they may be asked to audition as standards vary considerably. Apart from children's and student classes we have permanent adult classes and regular courses for adults in a variety of dance. We also offer classes in the major examinations and associate teaching courses for serious advanced students.

 

Classes are held at our main studio at 66 Albert Road, Romford which we use for children's and adult classes and where we have the facility of four studios as well as a waiting area, refreshment are available and access to limited car parking.

 

Many production shows have been staged since the foundation of the school back in January 1994, Held at Towngate Theatre Basildon and Queens Theatre Hornchurch. These are generally every two years and though we always think the show cannot be bettered, each time it is of a higher and more professional standard than the last! We hold a Christmas display annually for the younger children and beginners which gives them the chance to gain some stage experience. We are of course delighted with these successes, but grade examinations and medals are still our priority as we aim always to keep up our standards and maintain our high levels of achievement.