About.
In 1996, with a dream of bringing quality affordable dance and performance classes to her local community in Dagenham, Maria opened up Donovans Stage School. A few months later and her sister Michelle joined Maria running courses for children and young adults within Dagenham in Modern, Tap, Lyrical and Ballet. In the time from 1996-2012 in which they were principals of the school, both Maria and Michelle achieved great success.
They put students through examinations, gaining a 100% pass rate; they also had major success at dance competitions. Students have performed in some incredible venues such as Disneyland Paris, London Pallidum, Her Majesty Theatre and The 02. In 1999, Donovans took part in a Guinness World Record challenge along with other dances school under Mardi Gras Events. Maria and Michelle had the privilege of training students and giving them memories to last a lifetime.
In 2012, Maria and Michelle decided to pass the school down to their daughter/niece, Sarah. Sarah has completed her degree in Musical Theatre and trained at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts was more than keen to continue on the success of the school which growing up became her family and make it even more significant. Sarah added further opportunities for the students, offering a wide variety of subjects from Acting and Musical Theatre to Street and Contemporary, we’re lucky to have the expertise to provide it with all.
This school was founded under the name of grandpa O’Donovan. It has the students’ needs at its heart; twenty-four years on - nothing has changed. Every one of our students, and their parents, becomes part of the Donovan’s family. This isn’t just about dance to us; this is about a way of life. It’s about striving to be the best you can be, but it’s about being polite and courteous while doing that. Each student is an individual, and we encourage and support them on their journey in whatever way we can. Nothing makes us prouder than seeing the progress my students make in technique, confidence and personality.
Sarah Dunn - principal.
Sarah-Rose Dunn is a qualified teacher under ABD and also has her PGCE after completing her Musical Theatre Degree. She trained vocationally at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. She grew up with her mum and aunt running Donovans; it was only natural when the time came to pass it on she accepted it with open arms. Sarah envisions growing Donovans and turning it into an academy offering not just dance but all areas of performing arts.
In 2014, Sarah moved to Colchester and opened up Donovans' second branch. She continues to teach in both schools six days a week despite now living in Manningtree. Her students are her world, and she would do anything for them.
Growing up, Sarah took part in dance classes at Donovan's as well as ballet school. She completed examinations as well as competing successfully at competitions and championships. She holds her Sundays at nan and gramps very dear, where she would watch a classic MGM musical. From a very early age, she fell in love with the stage and all its magic.
Sarah has performed in some incredible venues in the UK and LA. Her performances include music videos, UK musical debuts, dancing on TV (E4) and she was a part of the London opening and closing ceremony for the Paralympics. From the beginning of her vocational training, Sarah's passion for choreography started to develop.
Now, Sarah has choreographed for music videos and musicals such as Lucky Stiff, Singing in the Rain and Rent. Her choreography also stretches to smaller events such as the NHS Awards, Chelsea Hair shows and the Alternative London Fashion Week.
Since 2015, Sarah has taught at Colchester Institute on the College Dance and Musical Theatre Courses as well as since 2017 as the tap lecturer on the BA Hons Musical Theatre Degree at UCC.
In 2019, Sarah made her debut as a bungee artist performing all of October at Scareville.
Recently, her focus has been on Donovan's and her students. She made a promise to her late Aunt Michelle that she will re-enter the industry taking on choreography and performing jobs at the start of 2019. Michelle always loved watching her; she will continue to keep this promise to her Aunt and make her proud!
Maria Ives - dance & head of acrobatics colchester & dagenham.
Maria started dancing at the age of two where she studied modern, tap, lyrical and acrobatics. Once she left school, she went on to have a professional career as a dancer and choreographer - excelling at acrobatics.
She has worked in London as part of the Water Rats show alongside various cabaret groups. Maria went on to win multiple solo awards in the all-England championships for her modern and song and dance. She has also performed in a Queen video, and her acrobatic ability saw her get into Acrovows company.
Maria taught at dance schools before she decided to open up her dance school in 1996, where she was joined months later by her sister Michelle.
Michelle Goodspeed - Accounts
Michelle is charge of accounts for Donovan’s. Our paths first crossed when Michelle daughter joined the dance school. Michelle is the backbone of the academy and we simply couldn’t run without her!
Izzy Wilson - Singing Teacher
Izzy trained at University Centre Colchester within Musical Theatre and graduated in 2023. Izzy teaches singing within our musical theatre and competition classes and 1:1 private tuition within singing.
Rhianna Evans Competition Co-Ordinator
Rhianna started training at 3 years old at Donovan’s Academy until she was 18. Rhianna has a level 4 diploma in Musical Theatre. In January 2023 Rhianna took on the position of Competition Co-ordinator. In September 2024 Rhianna will be joining the Dagenham branch as a dance teacher.