Our story...
In 1948, Audrey Alison had a dream. After having to chop firewood to pay for lessons as a child, professional dancer Audrey wanted to give others the opportunity to dance and so, in her local church, the Alison School of Dance was formed. After more than 70 years we still pride ourselves on giving everyone opportunities, over the years thousands of pounds have been raised for charity and Audrey was awarded an MBE in 1999 for Services to the Community.
School Principal, Miss Wendy has been dancing at the Alison School of Dance since she was 2, and was taught by her mom, Auntie Audrey. Wendy is a Principal Member and Examiner with the British Theatre Dance Association, and examines students all over the world.
Alongside a team of specialised teachers, Miss Wendy and the Alison School of dance offer a diverse programme of classes, examinations and vocational paths, from first steps to accredited teaching examinations. Alongside examinations we hold a bi-annual show at The Core Theatre, a fantastic occasion for all our students.
Auntie Audrey
Founding Member, Principal, Much Loved and Missed
Our Teachers...
At ASOD we pride ourselves in having high quality teachers. We are dedicated, enthusiastic and all share the same love for dance.
The ASOD ethos is always at the centre of our hearts and teaching.
All our teachers are qualified, insured, DBS checked and first aid trained.
ASOD FACT:
All of the ASOD teaching team have trained at the ASOD!
Hi. I'm Miss Wendy, principal of ASOD. I've been dancing since the age of 2 and was taught by Aunty Audrey Audrey, my mom. I trained with Madame Lehmiski in Birmingham and gained teaching qualifications with RAD & IDTA. I performed professionally in musicals as a child and after completing a teaching degree became a performing Arts Teacher at Solihull College. I've been teaching at ASOD since 1978 with guidance from the best. When we don't know what to do, we always say: "what would Aunty Audrey say?" I became a member of BTDA in 1991 and am now an "Advanced Examiner". Tap dancing is my favourite along with song and dance. Even though I'm reminded. Often, I can't sing. My passion is to nurture the art of Dance and performance and make it accessible to everyone. I'm learning every day from my team and hope to continue to do so for as long as my knees will let me. ❤️ASOD❤️
Hi, I'm Miss Kelly. I have been dancing since the age of 3 and it all began here at ASOD. Learning in the ASOD family gave me my love and passion for dance and is the reason I continued to train and work professionally into my adult life. I gained a Level 6 Diploma at Performers College in Essex and since graduating, I have worked professionally both abroad and in the UK, dancing and performing in a wide range of jobs and companies. I have always had a love for teaching and feel so grateful to pass on everything I have learnt to the students now. My favourite subjects to teach are Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre. I love being able to offer so much variety to our timetable, along with the other fabulous teachers. ASOD is a huge part of my heart and life and always will be.❤️❤️
Hi, I’m Miss Emma. I started at the Alison School of Dance at the age of 4 and am still dancing there now 21 years later, as well as teaching there too! I am a Secondary PE teacher with a degree in Dance and PE, as well as being a Level 2 qualified British Gymnastics Coach. My favourite dance style is lyrical/contemporary, but Acro is my favourite dance style to teach with my favourite moments being when my dancers finally master a new trick that they’ve been working on for a while! ASOD has always been a family to me which is why I’m so proud to be a part of it🤸🏼♀️⭐️❣️
Hi I’m Miss Katie. I’ve been dancing since I was 3 at ASOD taught by Aunty Audrey and Miss Wendy. I’ve been dancing now for 36 years teaching for 23 years and dancing professionally for 5 years on various cruise ships and Disneyland Paris. After this I moved to Milan, Italy where I started a professional entertainment agency working with major theatres and cruise ships in the industry. In 2016 I moved back to Solihull and started teaching again at ASOD. My favourite style is Jazz cabaret. My passion has now been passed onto my 4 daughters who are all attending classes at ASOD. ✨❤️
Hi, I’m Miss Keeley! I started dancing at ASOD when I was just 4 years old, and it’s been a huge part of my life ever since. Alongside teaching dance, I also work as a secondary maths teacher. I’ve always loved all styles of dance, but ballet holds a special place in my heart. When it comes to teaching, commercial is my favourite style – I love the sass, energy, and fun it brings to every class. And yes, I can’t resist a cheeky TikTok routine now and then!