Sheila Groom School of Dance was set up in 1943, when Sheila was just 14 years of age. From humble beginnings, teaching classes at the back of her mother’s newsagents, Sheila Groom School of Dance is now based in a purpose-built studio in the grounds of her home in Oxley.

The school delivers daily classes for all ages in a range of styles including Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Freestyle, Dance Exercise, Modern and Street Dance. Examinations are held biannually, and follow the syllabi of internationally recognised associations including the International Dance Teacher’s Association (IDTA) and the National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD).

Examinations range from introductory levels such as First Steps Tap and Preliminary Ballet, up through Ofqual regulated Grades leading to professional qualifications. The school also delivers Professional Dance Teaching Qualifications (with the associations mentioned above) at three levels; the first being Associate level, progressing to Licentiate and finally Fellowship. Individuals who gain a professional dance teaching qualification, who are accepted into membership of the relevant association, may enter their own pupils for examinations.

All of the dance teachers at Sheila Groom School of Dance are qualified to at least Associate level with either the IDTA or the NATD.

Sheila Groom has produced many dance shows for charity since the 1950s at a number of venues across the city, including the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Hippodrome, the Civic and Wulfrun Halls, and Highfield’s Secondary School. Proceeds raised from the performances go to good causes including charities chosen by the Mayor of Wolverhampton.

Pupil prospects

Our pupils have embarked on a variety of careers in the arts, including:

• Further dance study at universities and vocational schools across the country
• Opening their own dancing schools
• Becoming examiners for the IDTA, NATD and RAD
• Working at high profile organisations including Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Phoenix Dance Theatre and Arts Council England
• Choreographing for local pantomime and musical theatre companies
• Becoming professional dancers for international tourism, pantomimes and television.

Sheila Groom’s Achievements

• British Empire Medal for services to Dance and Charity
• Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance
• Life Member of the International Dance Teachers Association
• Associate Member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
• Member of the Guild of Professional Teachers of Dance, Movement to Music and Dramatic Arts
• Certificate of Excellence from the Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton
• Bronze Award from the Multiple Sclerosis Society for charity work
• The Samaritan Award from the Newsvendors Benevolent Fund