Our graduates.
Sarah Taylor.
"I would not be who I am today without having trained at Donovan's Academy. I spent 15 years learning under wonderful, skilled, knowledgable teachers and built bonds with other students, many of whom I still consider family.
At Donovan's, I was always inspired to be creative and pushed to be my best self, both in dance and self-discipline.
I am soon to begin training as a Dance teacher myself, a journey which began when I enrolled at Donovan's. It is not only an excellent place to learn skills from experienced teachers, but where you become part of a family."
From the principle.
Sarah Taylor was a dancer at Donovan's for over 15 years. We are so proud of the achievements Sarah has made since departing. She completed her degree in musical theatre at UCC and now - after successfully auditioning - has gained a place at Royal Academy of Dance to study in becoming a dance teacher.
Since leaving, Sarah has been teaching at the Colchester branch of Donovan's while studying. No doubt we will be staying connected throughout the next stages of her journey.
Nina Bourgeois-Royer.
"I joined Donovan's Academy of Dance and Theatre Arts when I was around 11 years old, and I can honestly say that Donovan's has shaped me to be the dancer I am today.
Starting at Donovan's, I barely had any confidence, but, by the time I left my confidence had grown so much. Now, I've danced in front of massive audiences both on my own and with the Donovan's family - something I had never imagined doing.
As well as gaining a second family, growing my confidence and overall progressing as a dancer, many opportunities were available, such as: competing in the World Dance Championships in different countries around the world, performing in well-known theatres in and around London and also performing in charity events and more.
I would never have had any of these amazing experiences if I didn't join Donovan's. I'm so thankful to Sarah, Maria and Michelle, for seeing my potential and for continually pushing and challenging me to become the best dancer I can be.
I'm forever going to be grateful that Michelle introduced and guided me towards the Donovan's family. After leaving Donovan's to continue my dance journey at university, I can honestly say that the many things I've learnt at Donovan's have followed me onto my next path.
Donovan's has not only shaped the dancer I am today; they've shaped the person I have become. Donovan's will always be my second family. I'm so glad I chose Donovan's."
From the principle.
Nina was a dancer at Donovan's for seven years. We’re so proud of the achievements Nina has made since leaving Donovans, gaining her Level 3 extended diploma in dance and HND in Dance at South Essex College. She’s now graduated, and is pursuing her dream of working as a dancer on cruise ships. Nina has always kept a close relationship with Donovan’s since leaving, and we’re sure we’ll see her performing her dream role sometime soon.
From the principle.
Byron was a dancer at Donovan's for five years. We are so proud of the achievements Byron has amassed since leaving. He graduated from Urdang Academy in Musical Theatre, secured an agent and is now auditioning for roles within the industry. He has always kept in close contact with Sarah and Donovan's, and we're sure he will continue performing at a high level in the future.
"So where to start with Donovan's...
I began training Donavan's in the new 'Era' when Sarah-Rose took over in September 2012. Being known as a 'studio hopper', I never seemed to have found 'my tribe' or somewhere which catered for my needs to progress as a male performer wanting to pursue his passion at a HIGH level. From the first day where I came into the room in my nice jumper and knitted scarf (to make a good impression), I knew there was no going back! This was where I belonged.
I took many exams (including my Drama Teachers). I took part in various competitions up and down the country, performing at venues such as:
The Royal Albert Hall
Disneyland Paris
The Sadlers Well's Theatre (just to name a few)
And how could I forget taking part in two world championships (2014/2015)? Donovan's provided countless performing opportunities which allowed my peer group and I to improve our professionalism and stagecraft at such a young age—thus gaining experience for our CV's if we choose to go into this competitive profession.
Being a young male performer, we are the minority. Some schools don't genuinely know how to train boys and how they're different from girls. With different use of posture, different learning strategies to engage boys' interest and as well as building muscle tone and partner work, Donovan's really knew their stuff in training all young male performers.
At the age of 16, I was quite good at school, achieved good grades, but I knew I wanted to perform in any way I can. This was due mostly because the training at Donovan's kept my interest in dance and the arts alive. As traditional subjects such as ballet and tap are taught, Sarah, somehow, keeps the styles fresh and new yet still maintaining the fundamentals of dance at the forefront. She explores different styles and plays round with creative choreography, music, movement and genres to keep the students' excitement alive. Sarah is always open to interpretation and your ideas; it's more like a collaboration and not a dictation when she's teaching. This is even with younger students.
So, due to Sarah's suggestion and confidence in me, I decided at 16 to audition for various professional colleges, including my dream school... The Urdang Academy. At the time, I auditioned mainly for experience - so when I was older, I could come back and know what it was all about. Sarah personally helped and assisted in trying to get me in my dream school. She offered me private classes, she helping with applications, offering workshops from other industry professionals which would assist muscle and movement memory as well as improving pick up skills and getting used to different choreographer's styles.
So my audition became successful, and I ended up gaining a full feed scholarship at Urdang! I honestly believe, if it wasn't for Sarah and the entire Donovan's team providing amazing professional training, assistance and constant perseverance at a time where I thought I couldn't achieve this goal, I would never have gotten into my dream school ages 16 or even pursuing the arts as a career!
Donovan's is somewhere which takes your passion, challenges you and your ideas, pushes your boundaries and allows you to express yourself in a way which a lot of other schools doesn't offer (trust me, I should know)!
The students are always supportive of each other and are a great support system, especially if you're new to performing.
Sarah, and all her staff, genuinely care for your wellbeing and nurture your talent at such a high standard.
Unlike some other schools, Donovan's aren't all about the money. Instead, the greatest gain for Sarah and her team is seeing the students grow in confidence on and off the stage and seeing them blossom into confident performers and young people.
As you can gather from this mini-essay, I would highly recommend Donovan's Academy to any young performer whether they have years of training already behind them, or are just starting!
Donovan's is more than a 'theatre school' or 'dance class', it's (as cringe as it counts) a FAMILY OF TALENT!"
Eddie Bennett.
Donovan’s academy is not just a place to train and dance but is more like a second family, who take you in under their wing and help you grown in technique, confidence and ability. I have been given many opportunities to perform on stage in competitions and events, showcasing my talent as well as the talents of Donovan’s academy’s students and teachers. I would highly recommend Sarah, Maria and the team at Donovan’s for any up-and-coming dancer or anyone with interest in dance. The Donovan’s team will be able to bring out the best in anybody as they did in me.
I attended Donovan’s for almost two years. However, I wish I’d found them sooner! Before attending, I had minimal training, and upon leaving, I was offered many places in further education and have chosen to attend at Stella Mann College. This is something I could not have foreseen let alone achieved without the help and guidance of Donovan’s.
I know that I am always welcomed by everyone at Donovan’s, whether that be when I first started as a new student or when I return as a graduate. When I do return to the team, it always feels like coming home. I will continue to show my support, gratitude and appreciation by Returning at every given opportunity.
From the principal.
Eddie was a dancer at Donovan’s for 2 years. We’re so proud of the achievements Eddie has made since leaving. Eddie successfully auditioned, and got a place at Stella Mann College on the dance degree course and will be entering his second year this September. Best of luck Eddie!
Chloe Huckstepp.
Donovan’s has made me the person I am today and allowed me to strive towards the career I wish to pursue! Without Donovan’s, I wouldn’t have gained the knowledge and techniques as well as the passion and strive towards the arts! Not only did they make me the performer I am today but also the person I have become.
They allowed me to strive onto further education as well as give me an understanding of where I want my career to venture! From the age of 3, since I started training there, I gained a great amount of knowledge and skills to develop upon. I can’t thank the teachers enough for what they do as they really do go above and beyond in what they excel in!
Not only did I make friends, but I gained a second family! It’s a privilege to be able to teach for the academy now and pass on what I have learnt from the further training I have gained from university to teaching abroad! I’m excited with what’s to come for the future for myself as well as the academy.
From the principle.
Chloe was a dancer at Donovan's for 15 years. We're so proud of the achievements Chloe has made since leaving Donovan's.
After finishing sixth form, Chloe successfully auditioned and got into UCC where she studied musical theatre at degree level. In the summer between her second and third year, Sarah (principle) recommended Chloe for the position of a performing arts teacher in China. Chloe was successful and taught under the International College of Musical Theatre for 3 months.
Chloe has now completed her degree and will be joining the Donovan's team at our Dagenham branch as a member of the teaching team.
Meg Richer.
I joined Donovan’s around two years ago to work through my ballet grades. Despite joining as a senior I instantly felt like part of the family. Both my confidence and technique have improved massively and I can’t thank my incredible teachers enough.
From the principle.
Meg was a dancer at Donovan's for two years. We're so proud of the achievements Meg has made since leaving us.
Sarah and Meg first met when Sarah taught her on the level 2 performing arts course at Colchester Institute. Sarah instantly saw talent and was thrilled when she continued to guide her on the level 3 course, and again when Meg came and joined Donovan's.
After completing at the institute, Meg went on to study at Evolution while still at Donovan's and now has successfully gained a position to start her degree training at Birds college in Musical theatre. Go Meg!
