Welcome to the  Ruth Elizabeth Orr School of Dance

REO dance offers dance classes in Highgate, London. I welcome everyone from beginners to those with previous experience of dance. Classes are available in Ballet, Street Jazz, Musical Theatre Jazz, Contemporary and Tap from the age of two and a half years through to adults.  All students will have the opportunity to perform in the annual summer show and work towards ISTD exams.

My philosophy of dance is to develop individuals self confidence and discipline to be the best dancer that they can in a fun and encouraging environment.

My dance classes allow students to be expressive and explore their imagination.  I will teach them about poise, posture and how to have control over their bodies and their dancing. I believe that learning dance offers valuable life skills that can be used outside the studio in all walks of life, from striving for individual improvement to gaining self confidence. REO’s dance classes aim to help each individual to reach their full potential in dancing no matter where their starting point is.

Principal- Ruth Elizabeth Orr

From 2006 – 2009 I was a scholarship student on the ‘Professional dancers and teachers of dance’ course at Preston college. On this course I gained experience in dancing and teaching various dance styles including ballet, modern, tap, jazz and contemporary. In my final year I chose to specialise in ballet and modern, developing my own techniques and passing my Certificate in Dance Education exams, making me a fully qualified teacher in these disciplines.

Before and during my time at college I worked as a teaching assistant, teaching children from nursery aged to advanced. It was during my final year at college that I developed a true passion for teaching and, after graduating, worked as a full time dance teacher at Zorpas dance school in Larnaca, Cyprus. At Zorpas I took all ballet, modern and jazz classes for students aged 4-18, tutoring each class through exams. I also choreographed the school show.

After returning from Cyprus I have taught in various dance schools on a freelance basis in London before opening REO dance in Highgate.

The Dancer

I have been dancing since the time I could walk. From the age of 4 I took ballet and Highland dancing classes, performing in annual school dance shows and at Highland Games and dancing competitions. At 16 I started performing professionally in ‘The Taste of Scotland Show’ in Edinburgh. I have performed in various shows, including commercials and pantomimes, in a variety of places, including South America.

It has always been my dream and ambition to have my own dancing school.

Yiota Hadjigeorgiou – Tuesday Street Dance and Contemporary teacher

Having been involved in the Arts from a very young age, I love anything related to the world of Dance and Musical Theatre. I started attending ballet/contemporary and character lessons at age 6, at School of Russian Ballet Deborah ( Larnaca/Cyprus). At age 19 I successfully auditioned and was awarded a 3-year full time scholarship by the Dance and Drama award (DADA), to attend Northern Ballet School, UK. I successfully passed all my ISTD Ballet exams up to Advanced 2 with distinction and all my Russian Ballet Society Ballet exams as well as Character exams up to Soloist again with Distinction.

Whilst at Northern Ballet School, I’ve worked with choreographers including David Needham, Eric Carpenter, Emma Woods, Gavin Persand and Maxine Bowers. I performed with Manchester City Ballet in Copellia and Swan Lake as part of the Corp de ballet and as a Soloist in Swan Lake. I also performed with Jazzgalore in Musical Theatre and got my first review, ‘as a captivating performance with great emotion, style and technique.’

When I graduated last year I moved to London to take part in Britain’s Got Talent with my Bollywood group whilst simultaneously teaching. I performed in many corporate events, also in  Wembley stadium and The One Show on BBC1 and I look forward for more!

Carol Orr- Uniform and Class helper

I am a “ballet mum” and in establishing REO, Ruth Elizabeth Orr school of dance I want to ensure that the parents of our dancers have a better experience than I did as my daughters progressed through their dancing careers.

In REO we want to welcome parents, give you a comfortable place to relax in while your children dance, give you feedback about your childs progress, invite you to watch weeks and future shows/displays.

I have always loved dance. I attended ballet jazz and tap classes until I was 17. I have retained my interest in all forms of dance and have encouraged my family to participate in dance and watch professional performances.

I have spent thirty years of my working life as a social worker and I am now delighted to change the direction of my career to assisting my daughter in pursing her passion, to teach dance by establishing REO.

I will be assisting Ruth with some of the younger classes and dancing in the adult classes. I can also help you with ordering and buying uniform. Please feel free to approach me to discuss any aspect of your childs involvement in classes.