Andrews Dance Centre

Historical perspective

The Andrews Dance Centre was started by Audrie Andrews (Joy's mother) in 1954. The first classes were held in the Old Town, Stevenage teaching ballet, Tap and Modern stage. Later Audrie went on to extend her classes in Hitchin where she started Ballroom and Latin classes.

In the late 70's Disco fever hit the dance world with storm and Audrie was once again at the forefront teaching all the John Travolta moves to packed out halls. As disco dance developed Audrie travelled with the school all over the country entering the pupils in competitions. The school won many awards for solo's, couples and team events.

Joy, Audrie's daughter was a top champion competitor in both Disco and Rock'n'Roll. She was also in Pantomime every year and appeared in a pop video with the group Amazulu in the 80's. Joy started to help her mum with teaching in between professional jobs and found that she loved seeing pupils progress in their dance training and also to encourage pupils to be as passionate about their dancing.

Joy joined the teaching staff full time in 1987 following which the school developed and grew stronger as a top school in this area for all round training. Later Helen Saines who was a pupil in the school and also a top competitor completed her qualification training with Joy and started to assist Audrie with her classes. Helen now runs the Andrews Dance Centre after having many years working with both Audrie and Joy to gain all their years of experience.
Helen Saines now continues the high standard of teaching that Audrie and Joy set in their classes.