Step In Time School Of Performing Arts

Step in Time School for Performing Arts, a renowned performing arts school located in Didcot, South Oxfordshire, has been a cornerstone of the local arts community since 1996. We take great pride in providing a wide array of classes in various genres for students as young as 3 years old. At Step in Time Performing Arts, we are committed to fostering a safe, friendly, and fun environment where each student can reach their full potential.

Our school offers ISTD classes in tap, ballet, and modern dance, with the option for students to take examinations in these disciplines. While examinations are not compulsory, we take great pride in our examination success rate. In addition, we provide training in Musical Theatre, Street, Contemporary, Acro, and Elite Competition team classes, offering students numerous opportunities to perform on professional stages.

Performance opportunities abound at Step in Time Performing Arts, including London West End venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, Saddler's Wells, and Her Majesty's Theatre, as well as more local venues such as The New Theatre Oxford and Cornerstones Didcot. Our alumni have gone on to attend Dance/Performing Arts colleges or University, demonstrating the high-quality training and preparation our students receive.

Our Team

_Roberta Knox - Principal_

Roberta's love of dance began at Marianne Jepsons School of Dance where she gained the Associates teaching qualification in Tap, Ballet, Modern, and National dance. She then performed in West End and national theatres, understudied Cinderella in E & B productions, and performed with the Jim Henson Company, among other credits.

Roberta's passion for dance is evident in her teaching and the success of our students. In addition, she has recently become a fully qualified teacher within the Acrobatic Arts curriculum. Roberta established Step in Time Performing Arts in its original form in 1996 and continues to inspire students with her dedication and enthusiasm.

_Grace Clarke - Principal_

Grace Clarke began her performing arts training at the age of 3, competing in various dance competitions and acting in television productions such as Nickelodeon, BBC, Netflix, and more. Her professional musical theatre debut came in Annie the musical, where she played Molly, followed by Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. Grace then received a full-time dance scholarship at Redroofs Theatre School before graduating from The Urdang Academy's full-time Musical Theatre Course.

Grace is a fully qualified ISTD teacher in Ballet, Modern, and Tap and has pursued her training at The Linda Sweetzer Training College. As a passionate and accomplished dancer, Grace is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of performers.

_Ellie Openshaw - Teacher_

After training at Redroofs Theatre School for 5 years, Ellie Openshaw went on to graduate from Bird College with a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. She has professional experience in Pantomimes, TV, and Theatre and has recently become fully qualified within the Acrobatic Arts curriculum.

Ellie has passed her ISTD DDE teaching qualification in tap and has experience teaching and choreographing various dance styles, including Acrobatics, Ballet, Contemporary, Commercial Street Dance, Jazz, Modern, Musical Theatre, Singing, and Tap. Her passion and dedication to the performing arts make her a valuable addition to the Step in Time family.

_Phoebe Ballantyne - Teacher_

Phoebe Ballantyne trained at Azure Theatre School for 10 years before accepting a place on a Musical Theatre Degree at Wilkes Academy, where she is currently training full time. Phoebe has experience in professional Pantomimes, modelling for large athletic brands, and has professional training in ballet, technical jazz, tap, and musical theatre. Her expertise and enthusiasm make her a valuable addition to the Step in Time team.